From Cultural to Practical, Here Are Some Common Beauty Practices From Around The World
Whether it's to improve the appearance of skin or to fit a very distinct beauty standard, different countries have their own cosmetic practices, some of which date back millennia. From slathering hair with butter to facial tattoos, here are 20 unique beauty practices different countries have.
1. Long Neck Rings - Myanmar
Women of the Karen ethnic group in Myanmar are known for wearing brass coils around their necks from age five. Although the coils don't actually make the neck longer, they give the allusion of an elongated neck, a symbol of elegance for this tribe.
2. Facial Tattoos - New Zealand
The Maori people in New Zealand are known for their intricate tribal tattoos, most notably, the ones on the face called Ta Moko. Each tattoo represents something about the person's ancestry and heritage.
3. Scars - Western Africa
Certain Western African cultures have a tradition of scarification which entails cutting the skin and rubbing ash into the wound to create a raised scar. They create intricate patterns that represent beauty and social status.
4. Chiseled Teeth - Malawi
In parts of Malawi, sharp teeth are a symbol of beauty, strength, courage, and status. To achieve the look, the teeth are filed into points, a practice that dates back to ancient times.
5. Foot Binding - China
Although no longer a common practice, foot binding was a tradition spanning over 1000 years in China. Young girls and women would wrap their feet to stunt growth as extremely small feet were a symbol of feminine beauty and class.
6. Body Painting - Ethiopia
For the Karo tribe in Ethiopia, body painting is an integral part of various ceremonies including weddings and rights of passage. Designs often include geometric patterns and intricate shapes that represent beauty and social status.
7. Turmeric Masks - India
In India, Turmeric is used in beauty as well as in cooking. Touted for its anti-inflammatory properties, people in India use it to make a face mask to soothe skin and reduce sun damage, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
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8. Sand Exfoliation - Brazil
Women in Brazil are known for using sand mixed with a lubricant like olive oil or seawater to exfoliate their skin. Not only does this leave the skin irresistibly smooth, but it may help reduce cellulite by dislodging fat molecules.
9. Cold Plunges - Scandinavia
In Scandinavia, sauna practices that include switching from freezing baths called cold plunges directly to warming saunas or hot tubs work to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating circulation. In addition to improving skin, it also leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
10. Red Wine Baths - France
Red wine bathing, also known as vinotherapy, was developed in 1995 by a French couple. The idea is to harness the antioxidants found in red wine to fight off free radicals and slow skin aging.
11. Gua Sha - China
An ancient Chinese practice, gua sha involves massaging your skin with a smooth object to improve circulation. Start by applying a serum to the desired area before gliding the gua sha tool across the area in specific patterns. Studies have found this to be an effective anti-inflammatory treatment.
12. Henna Tattoos - India
In India, Pakistan, and parts of the Middle East, henna tattoos are a symbol of joy traditionally seen at special occasions like weddings. The dye is made from dried leaves crushed into a powder and made into a paste before being painted onto the skin (normally the hands) in intricate patterns.
13. Olive Oil for Skin - Greece
In Greece, olive oil is used for more than just cooking. It's packed with antioxidants and healthy fats making it an effective anti-aging skin moisturizer.
14. Mud Baths - Turkey
Mud baths have been used since ancient Roman times to promote radiant skin, relax, and alleviate pain. The method entails mixing mineral-rich clay with warm water and bathing in it for 15 to 20 minutes to exfoliate the skin and soak up the nutrients from the mud.
15. Butter for Hair - Ethiopia
Although rubbing butter into your hair may not sound appealing, it's long been used in Ethiopia as an effective treatment for hydrating and protecting hair from sun damage. To reap the benefits, generously slather your hair with fresh, organic butter and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out.
16. Yerba Mate Face Masks - Argentina
Yerba mate is a significant part of the cultural identity of Argentina. In addition to being a popular beverage, it's also used in skincare and touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As it also includes a large amount of caffeine, yerba mate is known to be effective in getting rid of dark circles and reducing puffiness.
17. Tamarind Scrubs - Thailand
In addition to being an integral ingredient in Thai curries, imparting that distinct tangy flavor, tamarind is used in body scrubs to rejuvenate skin. Make it by mixing tamarind pulp with rock salt and rubbing it over the body to get rid of dead cells and leave the skin glowing.
18. Banya - Russia
A banya is a steam bath using a wood stove that is an important part of Russian culture. It improves skin by increasing blood circulation, opening pores, and inducing sweating which removes dirt and toxins from your skin.
19. Milk and Honey Baths - Egypt
Milk and honey baths have been used to reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of skin since Ancient Egyptian times. The lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates the skin while honey's antioxidant and anti-microbial properties clear pores, soothe, and moisturize the skin.
20. Rice Water - Japan
In Japan, rice water is used to strengthen hair, reduce eczema symptoms, and skin dryness, and prevent wrinkles. Made from soaking rice, the milky substance is packed with nourishing vitamins, antioxidants, carbohydrates, and amino acids.
