Throughout history, there have been plenty of weird and wonderful beauty practices which have been adopted by people, many of which have foundations in science, others of which not so much! We thought we’d take a look back at the oddest traditions and have a go at suggesting some slightly more modern (and less DEADLY!) alternatives to keep you looking your best.
Milk Baths
We’ve all heard about how Egyptian queen Cleopatra liked to bathe in asses milk, which is probably really easy when you’re a queen and probably have your own flock of asses. However, when you’re a normal person and the average bath holds 80 litres, you’re looking at a pretty expensive soak in the tub, regardless of how many benefits it may or may not have. We’d suggest Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts instead, which will soften and nourish the skin and smell a LOT better than milk!
Fish Pedicures
This Japanese tradition was popular here in the UK a couple of years ago and shops were popping up all over the place, filled with tanks full of dead-skin eating fish. It was rather an acquired taste and eventually lost popularity as it became clear that it was more of a quirk than a really effective dead skin removal method. If you’d rather avoid expensive fish remedies, we’d recommend Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub to help you to slough away dead skin.
Strychnine Pills
Believe it or not, back in Victorian times, if people suffered with acne they would take a pill which included, amongst other ingredients, strychnine! And if you’re thinking “isn’t that poisonous?” then yes, you’re spot on. Getting rid of acne really isn’t worth risking your life over, so we’d suggest taking a look at the Medibac Clearing System from Dermalogica as it contains a whole bunch of non-poisonous acne treatments!
Lead Face Powder
Way back in the 1700’s, people lived in pretty filthy conditions, as well as suffering from all kinds of pox, which left them with less-than-desirable complexions. This meant that they needed something to cover their faces, and nothing worked better than products made from lead. Unfortunately, lead is also wildly carcinogenic, as well as causing pretty serious damage to the central nervous system. If it’s a matte finish you’re looking for, take a look at Decleor Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid, which will moisturise your skin at the same time as cearning excess sebum and shine, leaving you with an even finish.
Crocodile Poo Face Mask
Possibly the most horrific one on our list, according to history books, Romans and Greeks used to make face masks out of crocodile poo. They believed that something in the poop left their skin looking beautiful, which may be true but there’s NO WAY we’d put up with the smell! Opt for Decleor Intense Brightening Mask for a far more hygienic way to condition the skin on your face.