Before there were beauty counters and shops to cater to your skincare needs, Middle Eastern women steered towards natural ingredients to give skin a boost. Here are a few ingredients that women still use today. Nothing like an age-old beauty trick to do the job.
Camel Milk
This milk contains lanolin, a natural and organic chemical known for its moisturising effects on the skin. It also soothes and calms skin, making it a great face mask after a day out in the sun. Additionally, camel milk is a great source of Vitamin C, and boasts collagen, elastic, and Vitamin B – all of which keep your face hydrated and wrinkle free. Apply a thin layer of milk on your face, let it dry completely and wash it off. You can also apply it to oily hair to remove excess oil, and on your scalp to reduce dandruff. Camel soap boasts the same benefits.
Rose Water
Used on your skin or hair, rose water is one of those ingredients that instantly puts you in a great mood. Add some to a spritzer bottle and spray on your face or arms for a midday pick-me-up. The water has anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties, and can be used on its own, in a face mask with chickpea flour and sandalwood powder, as a makeup remover and toner to hydrate skin, and as a base for a perfume when mixed with essential oils.
Olive Oil
Used for thousands of years for everything from cooking to hair application, Middle Eastern olive oil is packed with antioxidants that make it a winner for skin and haircare solutions. Use naturally-pressed, unprocessed and high quality olive oil in a body scrub, with sugar or salt, or with egg, honey and banana in a hair mask for dry and damaged locks. Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E, and best massaged all over your legs and arms to get rid of dark spots.
Dead Sea Salt
The dead sea salt is calm and serene, and its’ salts are packed with minerals that rejuvenate the skin and remove toxins from the system. Draw a warm bath, throw in a handful of salts and indulge in a therapeutic soak. It can also be used as a homemade body scrub with olive oil, to slough off dead skin cells. To find out how to take a therapeutic bath, read this
