Women all over the world have used natural skincare remedies since the dawn of time. Ideals of beauty differ from culture to culture. From DIY recipes passed down through generations to natural oils, some of these beauty secrets have stood the test of time. They are also completely natural, and their benefits often beat store bought creams and lotions. What are these skincare secrets?
Fortunately, you don’t need to travel the world to uncover these remedies. You probably don’t need to go any further than your kitchen!
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Skincare Secrets from Japan
For centuries, Japanese women have used seaweed to nourish and condition their hair. They credit their long, silky hair to this as it is a rich source of the trace mineral iodine. Unlike the iodine found in other sources such as table salt, the iodine found in seaweed is easily absorbed by the body.
Not only is seaweed an essential part of the Japanese diet, but the women also apply this directly to their hair by turning it into a paste. Seaweed contains other beneficial minerals such as copper, iron, zinc and selenium which strengthen and nourish hair. Try incorporating seaweed into your hair care routine as well as your diet for a healthy hair boost.
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Skincare Secrets from Dominican Republic
Dominican women attribute their strong, chip-resistant nails to garlic. Apart from its amazing antioxidant benefits, garlic can also help harden brittle, weak nails. They apply the juice directly on their nails or add garlic pieces to clear nail polish. This is left aside for a week to 10 days. The initial strong smell is temporary and will soon fade away. In addition to strengthening nails, Garlic also has antibacterial properties.
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Skincare Secrets from Greece
Women in Greece use a Rosemary hair rinse for shiny, healthy hair. Rosemary is believed to be one of the most beneficial herbs for hair. It contains Ursolic acid which promotes hair growth by stimulating scalp circulation. It is also used to deep clean hair, remove any build up and darken gray hair. Due to its antimicrobial and antiseptic effects, it is also used to treat dandruff and other scalp irritations. Geek women, boil fresh rosemary in water, let it cool and then use this water as a hair rinse.
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Skincare Secrets from Ivory Coast
West African women use Shea Butter to soften and condition their hair and skin. Shea Butter is derived from the nuts of the Karite tree which is abundant in the Savannah region of West Africa. It has a high concentration of fatty acids and natural vitamins. Vitamin A found in Shea butter is known to treat a number of skin conditions, and Vitamin E has anti-ageing benefits.
African women use the butter on their skin as a moisturizer and also apply a thick layer to their hair as a mask. It is known to prevent wrinkles, sunburn, and eczema. However, before buying Shea butter make sure that it is sourced ethically.
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Skincare Secrets from Philippines
Women in the Philippines attribute their thick, glossy locks to Aloe vera. Aloe vera reduces dandruff, prevents scalp itchiness and conditions hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. It is also beneficial when applied on the skin as it contains proteolytic enzymes which repair dead skin cells. Aloe is rich in Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant.
The simplest treatment for your hair and scalp is to break an aloe leaf in half and massage the pulp into your scalp. Aloe plants are low maintenance and can easily be grown in pots.
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Skincare Secrets from Israel
Israeli women have access to mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea, which has amazing healing properties. Due to its high concentration of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it has a clarifying and soothing effect on the skin. These minerals also treat areas with cellulite by promoting blood circulation and cleansing pores.
A Dead Sea mud mask improves skin elasticity and minimizes wrinkles, fine lines, and pores. It draws out toxins and other impurities from the skin.
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Skincare Secrets from Italy
Olive oil is an important part of the lives of Italian women. Not only do they use it in cooking, but also apply it on their skin due to its moisturizing properties. They use it as a lip conditioner, to soothe dry lips and provide shine.
Olive oil contains vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols.Ć 3 major antioxidants that when applied to the skin, help prevent premature aging. Vitamin E protects the skin from ultraviolet light and free radical damage.
Final Thoughts
The world we inhabit is a vast and tremendously varied place. The idea of beauty in one part of the globe can be entirely different from what is considered beautiful in another. This becomes very evident when you take a look at the skincare routines of women from various countries.
These beauty secrets from around the world are amazingly effective and inexpensive as well. With the world becoming an increasingly connected place, it’s much easier to learn about the beauty rituals and traditions of women around the word. So steal some of these skincare secrets and find what works for you!
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