Ancient Skincare Modernized by Science

Throughout history, the pursuit of beauty has been closely tied to the condition of the skin. Clean and smooth skin has long been considered the epitome of beauty, symbolizing self-care and youth. Interestingly, diverse cultures across the globe have developed their own unique methods for skincare. In this article, we will take you on a journey around the world, unraveling the origins and practices of various beauty routines. We will also look at how ancient skincare ingredients have been incorporated into modern natural skincare in various ways, leveraging their historical benefits and combining them with scientific advancements.

You may have heard of jade Gua Sha tools, which originated in ancient China. However, rose quartz has its roots in the beauty routines of Egyptian royalty. Legend has it that the goddess Isis used to massage her face with rose quartz for its anti-aging and toning properties. Inspired by this tradition, Cleopatra would bathe with rose quartz crystals to harness their healing elements. Today, modern beauty brands have adopted this practice in the form of the Gua sha, combining ancient Chinese techniques with the anti-aging and healing properties of rose quartz, making it more accessible to everyone.

Try our Rose Quartz S-Shaped Gua Sha that’s shaped perfectly for depuffing, lifting and firming, and also works so well as a spatula for the Bulgarain Rose Glam Gold Satin Creme. 

Originating from West Africa, shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). The process of extracting shea butter involves collecting mature shea nuts, cracking them open, and removing the kernels. These kernels are then crushed, roasted, and ground into a paste. Through further kneading and whipping, the fats are separated, resulting in a creamy and buttery substance known as shea butter.

For centuries, African cultures have utilized shea butter for various purposes, including skincare, haircare, cooking, and medicinal applications. Its popularity has spread worldwide due to its numerous beneficial properties. Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter is incredibly nourishing for the skin. Its moisturizing agents help soothe inflammation and provide deep hydration.

Try the benefits of Shea Butter combined with biotech ingredients like Coenzyme Q10 and hyaluronic acid for deeply moisturized supple skin through our Bulgarain Rose Glam Gold Satin Creme. 

In Ancient Greece, yogurt and olive oil were key ingredients in a well-rounded organic skincare routine. Greek yogurt possesses revitalizing properties that benefit both internal consumption and external use on the skin. This was one of the first probiotic skincare practices! It was often used in combination with olive oil, a natural moisturizer, to seal in the benefits. Additionally, honey was frequently added for its antibacterial properties. While we may not directly apply these ingredients to our skin today, many microbiome-friendly skincare products incorporate their properties for optimal results.

To try the best modern body care utilizing olive oil infused with biotics, check out Dark Rose Everything Bar and Green Caviar Miracle Matter Bar. Both have olive oil, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate – a postbiotic that cuts out the middlemen (AKA prebiotics and probiotics) to deliver the good stuff directly to the skin and reap the benefits. 

Gold has been revered in skincare for centuries due to its believed benefits. It is known to possess anti-aging properties, thanks to its antioxidant elements that neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin. Gold can also enhance blood circulation, nourishing skin cells and contributing to a radiant complexion.

Romans, particularly the upper class, also utilized gold in their skincare routines. They believed that gold could purify and brighten the skin. The famous Roman poet Ovid wrote about the use of gold in skincare in his works, highlighting its luxurious and beautifying qualities.

Gold is more than just pretty. It has been studied as an antioxidant for decades. At Pure Culture, we use 100% pure, non-nano gold. They are bigger sized so they don’t penetrate the skin and deliver their antimicrobial properties on the surface. Try the Bulgarian Rose Sublime Serum and Glam Gold Satin Creme for a luxurious and highly-effective beauty ritual. 

Ancient China, particularly during the Qin Dynasty, valued the use of algae in skincare. Empresses would have their workers harvest seaweed and blend it into a pulp to apply on their faces and bodies. Chinese medicine regarded algae as having healing properties, which aligns with its abundance of antioxidants and minerals. 

Today, we harness the power of algae in simpler ways, extracting its beneficial properties and combining them with other proven organic skincare ingredients. Our Wild Algae collection, for instance, is rich in vitamin C and lactic acid, with infused algae taking center stage.

The beauty industry owes its advancements not only to scientists but also to the wisdom of our predecessors. Throughout history, women have embarked on a journey of self-nurturing, exploring various methods through trial and error. This beautiful process has led to the evolution of skincare practices. We are proud to participate in adapting and combining these with scientific research and modern formulations to create clean skincare products that offer the benefits of traditional practices in a more accessible and effective manner. The integration of these ingredients connects us to our historical roots while addressing contemporary skin needs, and Pure Culture is excited to lead the way for world-class clean skincare in the Philippines.