Makeup and Skincare date back to almost 7000 years ago, with historical evidence of its initial presence in Egyptian and Greek societies. Decades of experimentation has given us some of the best-kept beauty secrets that have now laid the foundation for many skincare brands today. Asian beauty rituals, in particular, have always caught the eye of the skincare industry. You can tell by the current craze about k-beauty. We know that Asian women have certainly mastered their skincare. As proud Indians, we ourselves have been following many skincare rituals passed on by our ancestors for as long as we can remember! And that is how we created Skinyoga, using ancient Ayurveda recipes to suit todays modern lifestyle.
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INDIAN
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Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the best spices for health and wellness, and has been used in India for over 5,000 years. The country where Ayurveda takes its roots from is India. Indian brides till date use turmeric before their wedding for their skin. It has many benefits- it is anti-inflammatory which helps with acne reduces hyperpigmentation and improves skin complexion.
Sandalwood: Sandalwood was initially used to apply on the forehead to relax and calm the mind because of the cooling effect it has. The aroma was used to relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Today, it is still used in stress-related skin problems like hair loss, acne, seborrheic dermatitis.
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Neem: Neem is highly spoken of in Ayurveda. It was used as medicine in olden times because of its healing properties. It is a natural antiseptic which is why Indians have been using neem forever to treat any and all types of skin problems.
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Henna and Oils: Indians are known to have long and shiny hair. The secret is- oils and henna. If youve grown up in India, you know how often youve been told to oil your hair. Indians regularly oil their hair because it is the best conditioner nature has to offer. Henna is a natural hair dye which is popularly used by Indian women to color their hair and is also used in the Mehendi ceremony.
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CHINESE
Rice Water: They use rice water as a toner primarily for its brightening properties. Rice water also soothes sensitive and inflamed skin which makes it great for reducing redness from acne breakouts.
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Tea: The Chinese love their tea. They strongly believe in the anti-aging and health benefits of it. Teas are packed with a ton of anti-oxidants that can slow down the signs of aging and speed up your metabolism that helps with weight loss.
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Mung Beans: Mung beans have cooling properties, that can work well for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema. It is said to promote clearer skin from within.
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Goji Berries: Goji berries are considered a superfood and most of us do consume it in our diet, but the Chinese have also been using it in skincare and beauty formulations because it contains high levels of vitamin C and Vitamin A both of which are vital for good skin. If used regularly, it could also aid in strengthening the immune system and release toxins from the skin.
Jade Rollers: The Jade stone is a crystal that is believed to have protective and healing properties. These have been used in China to make a face massaging tool called a jade roller. It helps to promote blood circulation and release muscle tension that results in firmer and better skin.
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KOREAN
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Face Slapping: Sounds a little crazy, but face slapping has been religiously practiced for generations in South Korea. Slapping or patting your skin helps stimulate blood flow and makes your products work more efficiently.
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Snail Slime: This unconventional ingredient has been used in ancient Korean beauty traditions. Why snail slime? Because it is a great natural source of hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen and glycolic acid making it a potent elixir.
Ginseng: It contains numerous bioactive compounds that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also has the ability to firm and smooth the skin
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JAPANESE
Sake Bath: Sake is traditional Japanese alcohol made from fermented rice. If you go to Japan, there are spas that offer sake baths. The amino and kojic acids present in it has moisturizing, brightening and softening properties among other health benefits.
Tsubaki Oil: Tsubaki oil is more commonly known as camellia oil. It has been treasured in Japan for its beautifying properties. They have been using it as a hair treatment for centuries to achieve silky smooth healthy hair.
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Green Tea: Green Tea, specifically Matcha is a significant part of the Japanese lifestyle. They not only consume it but use it in beauty too because of its powerful anti-oxidant and repairing properties.
Seaweed: Not a very known fact, but seaweed is really good for your skin. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and this is why. Eating seaweed can purify the blood, boost collagen production and help the body in preserving hyaluronic acid which depletes as we get older. These benefits automatically improve your hair and skin.
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ξξ One common belief that all these cultures have is that beauty is deeper than just your skincare. It emphasizes the importance of healthy foods, as well as physical and mental wellbeing. I know we can all get carried away with beauty trends and often seem to always find anything different from our own heritage to be prettier or more beautiful. The truth is, Indian or not- all of us our beautiful in our own way. Embrace your features, and be proud of it!