Let’s go on a little beauty trip around the world
Most people in Germany know the typical beauty tips and tricks – but what do beauty rituals look like in other parts of the world and what can we learn from them?
Traveling and experiencing new places can teach a person more than any book can. It is exciting how each country has its own culture and traditions, and its typical dishes and spices. But each culture also has its own beauty rituals, which are passed on from generation to generation and which we can also take advantage of. Not every beauty product is created by scientists in white coats, sometimes it is the century-old knowledge that is passed down that works best.
Let’s take a look!
India
India is known for its strong, oriental spices. Especially turmeric, a deep yellow powder, that is mixed into popular dishes regularly. The ginger-like root from which it is extracted has many benefits not only for health but also for the skin: Turmeric is highly anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant. In India it is often used to treat acne and as an anti-aging remedy.
Recipe for a curcuma mask: Mix 2 tablespoons of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of curcuma powder, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour into a creamy paste and apply to cleansed skin. After 15-20 minutes, wash off with lukewarm water. The mask helps against impurities and leaves a fresh, radiant skin.
Greece
One of the most well-known natural beauty tools in the Mediterranean region is olive oil. But have you ever heard of rosemary water? This secret beauty weapon with only two ingredients stimulates hair growth and lets you save on conditioner. Rosemary stimulates the blood flow in the scalp and thus enables better absorption of nutrients. It also counteracts hair loss and dandruff – it’s amazing what a single plant can do! In addition to all of the benefits, rosemary water is also very easy to prepare: Bring 2 cups of water to the boil, add 2 palm-sized sprigs of rosemary (or 2 full tablespoons of dried rosemary) to the boiling water, boil for 3-4 minutes. Then turn off the stove and let it simmer for one minute. Remove the rosemary from the water. Directions for use: The rosemary water can be used like a conditioner, but make sure to massage your scalp well. After about 15 minutes rinse out or, in case of strong dandruff, leave in the hair until the next wash. Attention with light blond hair: Rosemary can darken the hair a little, so wash it out well.
Australia
Anyone who has ever been to this astonishing continent knows about its immense beauty and diverse range of nature. In Australia the most exotic plants and trees grow, including the tea tree. Teatree Oil is an essential oil with countless health benefits: it is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal (against fungi) and anti-inflammatory. It even shows a positive effect in the treatment of acne and herpes. Australian women make use of this miracle weapon: against dandruff or itchy scalp, add 3-5 drops of essential tea tree oil to the shampoo and massage it in well. Impure skin? Mix 1 tbsp. pure jojoba oil with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the face as day or night care. PS: Jojoba oil does not clog the pores and does not strengthen the blackheads. For treatments with tea tree oil it is best to avoid the eyes, as essential oils can irritate the eyes. Last but not least my favorite tip, which I got 15 years ago in Australia and still follow: Dip a toothpick in tea tree oil, let it dry for a short time and chew on it whenever you want: Stops ravenous hunger attacks and reduces bad breath through its bactericidal effect.
Egypt
According to the history books and artifacts, Cleopatra of Egypt was the most beautiful woman of her time. Her velvety, flawless skin made even the ruthless Julius Caesar weak. The secret of her beauty was donkey milk. It is said that she took a full bath in donkey milk every day. If that is too expensive and too time-consuming for you, you can still get this beauty hack into your bathroom. Add two liters of full cream milk to the bath water and enjoy the luxury treatment for 20 minutes. I recommend organic quality milk from free-range cows because it still contains all the vitamins and the cows have not been treated with hormones. The fat, lactose and vitamins contained in the milk nourish the skin and bring its PH level back into balance. Even expired milk or yogurt can be used and is perfectly suitable for this purpose.
