Cosmetic oils are a real treasure trove of useful substances for the skin that can moisturize, nourish, rejuvenate, brighten, and cure imperfections. This is why the cosmetic oil industry is predicting growth over the next decade. However, few people know that by adding oils to our daily beauty rituals, we follow the traditions of our ancestors who, like us, cultivated the health and beauty of the skin.
Beauty Oils in Ancient Cultures: Fast Facts
Beauty oils may seem like a new trend in skincare but the truth is, it's one of the oldest beauty rituals in ancient civilizations. Using pure extracted plant and animal-based oils, for the purpose of healing and nourishing the skin as well as beautifying the complexion has been around for thousands of years.
Aboriginal tribes from Australia have used emu oil as a moisturizer for more than 40,000 years.
In India, Ayurvedic traditions often used sesame oil, coconut oil, and ghee (purified butter) for both internal and external treatments. Rose oil has traditionally been used in cold creams to prevent skin aging.
The ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils to cleanse, moisturize, and cleanse the skin. Olive, almond, and sesame oils were also the main ingredient in the perfumery.
Cleopatra was reputed to favor olive and almond oils in her beauty rituals.
In Ayurveda, Hindu system of medicine, rose oil has traditionally been used in cold creams to prevent skin aging.
An obligatory skincare ritual for women in ancient Rome and Greece was rubbing with fragrant oils for youth and radiance of the body.
Roman naturalist and philosopher, Pliny the Elder, touted castor oil for improving complexion and promoting hair growth.
For centuries, the enigmatic maikos and geishas of Kyoto used camellia seed oil for cleansing, moisturizing, and beautifying.
Galen used olive oil as the basis for his famous Galen's Wax, considered the world's first cream.
Herb-Based Essential Oils in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The first references to the use of herbal oils for skin health and beauty can be found in ancient Chinese medical texts. For example, the fastidious Empress Dowager Cixi, who had perfect skin in her 70s, used ginseng and sesame oils to keep her youthful. Traditional Chinese medicine has identified several herbs, natural oil extracts of which were of the greatest value for skincare rituals.
Ginseng
The beneficial properties of ginseng have been proven not only by traditional Chinese medicine but also by a number of studies. Black ginseng extract in beauty products can slow down skin aging and prevent wrinkles. High in Vitamin D and B12, red ginseng promotes collagen production and restores skin elasticity. Regardless of age and skin type, an important effect of this herb is to improve blood circulation and, as a result, relieve swelling and inflammation. In addition, regular use of creams based on ginseng oil perfectly whitens the skin.
Goji Berries
Goji berries or Chinese wolfberries are known in traditional Chinese medicine for their antioxidants. Skincare products with goji berries protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, reduce inflammation, retain moisture, and regenerate cells. The result of their use is an even skin tone, reduced signs of aging and getting rid of acne.
Licorice Root
This herb is often recommended by TCM practitioners for its beneficial effects on the stomach and spleen. But it can also do a lot for the beauty of the skin. In particular, it perfectly fights hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Using creams or serums with licorice for the skin under the eyes, you can get rid of dark circles. In addition, licorice extract in cosmetics copes with rosacea, psoriasis, itching and skin irritation.
Chinese Angelica Root (Dong Quai)
In TCM, this herb is called “female ginseng” because it is used to treat women's health issues, including dermatological ones. Regular use of cosmetics with Dong Quai significantly reduces inflammation. A study in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine also proved that just 11 days of skincare with Dong Quai made progress in the treatment of eczema. This herb helps reduce melanin production, which is why it is often added to the line of cosmetics against dark patches and spots on the skin.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is valued in cosmetology primarily for its rejuvenating properties. It increases the production of collagen, which makes the skin look younger and firmer. Other beneficial properties of ginkgo biloba include repairing the skin after exposure to ultraviolet rays and cleansing its surface of dirt and environmental impurities.
Heightened awareness and collective interest in holistic skincare in the last 10 years led to the resurgence of beauty oils and ultimately the decline of the “oil-free” fad. Modern beauty oils are now predominantly plant-based and intelligently blended to mimic the natural oils present in the skin to address different dermal conditions.
YINA seasonal beauty oils are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and emerging research. No pigs, geese, cows, sheep, emus, or other animals are used to create YINA’s seasonal beauty products.
Ancient Chinese medical texts documented using herb-infused oils for various dermatological conditions; pure seed oils such as sesame seeds, were most commonly used as a base in Chinese medicinal ointments and pastes.
Other than plant oils, herbal oil extracts also used animal fats, such as lard, tallow or poultry fats in ancient beauty rituals. The fastidious Empress Dowager Cixi (3), who had perfect skin well into her 70s, was known to consume ginseng, red dates, walnuts, and sesame oil religiously to keep her youthful glow. Not only has oil played an important role in food, medicine, and beauty, it is an integral part of spirituality; enter any buddhist temple and one will see illuminating oil lamps flanking the altar.
Heightened awareness and collective interest in holistic skincare in the last 10 years led to the resurgence of beauty oils and ultimately the decline of the “oil-free” fad. Modern beauty oils are now predominantly plant based and intelligently blended to mimic the natural oils present in skin to address different dermal conditions.
YINA seasonal beauty oils are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and emerging research. No pigs, geese, cows, sheep, emus, or other animals are used to create YINA’s seasonal beauty products.
