I think we can all agree, Cleopatra was the ultimate trendsetter of her time. But you may be surprised to learn there was more to the Queen of the Nile than meets the eye. For thousands of years our ancestors braved the elements, battled acne and oily/dry skin like the rest of us without the modern conveniences we enjoy. The true pioneers of skin care go much further back than Estee Lauder, and while they might not have always got it right, they were the original researchers, using whatever nature offered. Here’s a quick look back.

Ancient Egypt - With all due respect to the famous beauty icon of 69 BC, we’ll start with Ancient Egypt. While other civilizations had their own beauty practices, Cleopatra spent her life researching skincare and beauty techniques. Did you know that she went as far as creating her own manufacturing plant that produced perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare potions? Cleo carefully crafted various antimicrobial facial cleansers using honey, olive oil, lime, and chalk. She also created toners from apple cider vinegar and using sea salt scrubs to exfoliate her skin, and produced natural nail polishes and hair dyes. Many ancient Egyptian concoctions contained castor, sesame, and moringa oils to fight wrinkles. Ancient Egyptians also made a soap paste out of clay and olive oil to cleanse their skin. Honey and milk masks were used to moisturize skin, and they took milk baths and used Dead Sea salts to exfoliate, rejuvenate, and heal their skin.

Ancient Greeks and Romans - Like the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and Romans also placed a high value on skin care. Honey was used as a moisturizer, and oils and sand were used as a natural sunscreen. The wealthier classes owned slaves who would pull out each individual hair from their master’s chest, arms, legs, face, and back for a smooth, sleek appearance. Bathing ended with fragrant oils and perfumes slathered on the body to soothe and gloss skin. One of the most widely used skincare treatments was mixing fresh berries with milk, and then applying the paste on the facial area. They also used olives and olive oil as exfoliants and moisturizers, and honey, milk and yogurt were used as anti-aging preparations.

Queen Elizabeth I - The queen started quite a thing when she decided pale skin was in. She used lead mixed with vinegar to make a whitening foundation to remove freckles called ceruse. Bathing wasn’t big at the time so, as the trend caught on, to keep skin looking pale, rather than wash their faces, they would powder over previous applications. When the white layers built up so thick that they were unable to wash it off, they experimented with rainwater, donkey’s milk, red wine and urine as makeup removers. Unfortunately, the use of lead often caused disease and death.

Ancient China - Before Elizabeth I, the Chinese had perfected skin-bleaching methods by using lemon juice and songyi mushrooms. But early on, the Chinese believed that healthy skin was most linked to inner wellness and used preferred methods of nutrition, circulation, and exercise to promote inner and outer health. 

Medieval Times - During the 12^th Century, smooth, white skin was highly regarded. Many women used herbal remedies to treat blemishes and promote fair skin. Aloe, rosemary and cucumbers were used to cleanse skin. Seeds, leaves and flowers were mixed with honey to create facial masks. Vinegar was used as an astringent.

The importance of proper skin care goes way back. Fortunately, we’ve learned a thing or two since Cleopatra’s day. Trixsent carries a complete line of serums, creams and cleansers loaded with vitamins and nutrients your skin craves. Trixsent also carries a line of skin therapy essential oils and their line of Forever Young products is specially formulated skin care that combats signs of aging, leaving you with glowing, youthful looking skin. Check out Trixsent’s line of all natural, cruelty free, dermatologist approved products at https://www.trixsent.ca  

Trixsent cares about your skin and the quality of what you put on it. For a youthful, radiant glow, try Trixsent.