Evolution proclaims beauty can make us happy because attractiveness implies health. People’s physical beauty can aid relationships, overall happiness often spells a path to economic success, notes an Atlantic Article published in 2014.
Ancient Egyptians were the first culture known for their adoration of beauty and appreciation of luxury, realizing that it’s an essential practice for living life to the fullest. Even today, Cleopatra is considered to be one of the most beautiful women who ever lived. Effective skincare was a luxury and necessity in the hot, dry desert. Her skincare techniques included bathing in milk and rubbing her skin with aloe vera.
Early Hebrews also invested in the art of maintaining beautiful skin and hair. Records show that they brought cosmetics from Judah to Egypt to make herbal ointments for skin, hair, teeth, and nails. They used frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and rosemary to nurture the skin.
The word ‘cosmetics’ is derived from the Greek word ‘kosmetikos’ meaning one who is skilled in the use of herbs, and oils for health and beauty. The Greeks used perfumes and cosmetics for reasons of vanity, health, and even in religious ceremonies.
Ancient Romans created a fusion of sorts borrowing from Egyptian and Greek customs–creating their famous decadent baths. Bathhouses were beautiful public places providing soothing treatments, including steam therapy, body scrubs, and massages.
Ayurvedic skincare practices are a mind-body approach to better skin, developed in ancient India. Ancient practitioners used healing treatments derived from roots, leaves, fruits, bark, and seeds, including cardamom and cinnamon trees.
Weaving Ancient Wisdom Into Present-Day Skin Care Indulgence
First, make the lusciousness of skincare a priority in life. It’s hard to make an argument that it’s not essential for health and overall well-being. Modern-day seekers have a benefit our healers of the past did not have – instant access. With all the products available, it’s hard to know what the right, best choices are.
Toronto-based Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, author, professor, dermatologist, and speaker, advises ‘bringing skincare back to the middle.’ She educates consumers on optimal choices in her book co-authored with Christopher Shulgan, Beyond Soap. No time to read? Listen to the podcast of the same name, she co-hosts with Chantel Guertin. Dr. Skotnicki advises ‘all that is not natural is not healing,’ citing poison ivy and arsenic as examples. She guides people to develop the best possible skincare for their own health, discussing that many are suffering from food and skin allergies.
Salons That Advance Mind, Body, and Spirit Approaches to Skincare
Aveda, owned by Estee Lauder and headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota, USA, is a company that lives its mission statement: “To care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.” Consumers can be confident their skin and hair care products are naturally sourced and humanely tested.
The Ultimate Indulgence
A trip to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is the ultimate healing, pampering experience. The silica in the geothermal seawater is known to soothe and heal many skin conditions, including psoriasis. Time the trip right and catch the aurora borealis to have the full mind, body, spirit experience. Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun smashing into the earth’s magnetic field. What a way to let it all go! Peak season this year will be September through March, although it’s impossible to predict sightings. Make it a frequent trip, and don’t forget to catch 2024 when the best chance of experiencing the aural storm is during the solar maximum when the sun is at its most active point in its 11-year cycle.
Be at one with nature and guided by ancient wisdom but prioritizing the healing art of indulgent skincare daily.
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About the Writer:
Meet Alicia Dale! World traveler, adventurer, lover of food, and writer of nonfiction and business books. Find out more about, Alicia at www.ExploreDineTravel.com.
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