Skincare Rituals
Global Skincare Rituals Through History
Skincare rituals are deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of every region, shaped by ancestral wisdom, natural resources, and traditional practices passed down through generations.
Here’s a glimpse into global skincare rituals — each a reflection of a people’s connection to the earth, beauty, and heritage
India – Ubtan Ceremony
A paste of turmeric, chickpea flour, sandalwood, and rosewater is applied before weddings or festivals to brighten and purify the skin.
Often part of the Haldi ceremony for brides and grooms.
Morocco – Hammam Ritual
A deep-cleansing ritual in steam rooms using black soap (beldi), exfoliating with a kessa mitt, and applying ghassoul clay mixed with rose or orange blossom water.
Turkey – Rose Water Toning
Rose water is used as a daily facial toner to hydrate, soothe, and purify the skin.
Distilled from locally grown Damascus roses.
Japan – Double Cleansing & Rice Water
A two-step cleanse: oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming one.
Rice water is used to soften skin, fade pigmentation, and improve texture.
China – Jade Rolling & Gua Sha
Facial massage tools like jade rollers or gua sha stones used to stimulate circulation and drain lymphatic fluid.
Often done with nourishing oils like camellia.
Korea – 10-Step Skincare Ritual
A detailed regimen involving oil cleansers, foam cleansers, toners, essences, ampoules, masks, and moisturisers.
Emphasis on hydration and layering light products.
Egypt – Milk & Honey Baths
Inspired by Cleopatra: baths made with milk (often donkey or goat), honey, and rose petals for softening and anti-aging.
Senegal – Baobab Oil Application
Baobab oil applied after cleansing to deeply nourish and protect the skin from the sun and dehydration.
Part of daily rituals in dry climates.
Persia – Saffron & Yogurt Masks
Masks made from saffron strands soaked in milk or yogurt for brightening and calming.
A common pre-event or weekly ritual among Persian women.
Somalia – Qasil Leaf Cleansing
Qasil, a powdered leaf from the Gob tree, mixed with water or honey and used as a natural facial cleanser.
Known for its antibacterial and brightening effects.
Mexico – Aloe Vera & Tepache Tonics
Fresh aloe applied directly to sun-exposed or dry skin.
Tepache (fermented pineapple skin drink) sometimes used for gentle exfoliation and brightening.
Brazil – Coffee Scrubs
Ground coffee mixed with coconut oil for body scrubs, improving circulation and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Russia – Birch Leaf Sauna Sweeps
Birch leaves soaked and used in a banya (steam bath) to slap the skin gently, stimulating circulation and detoxing.
Malaysia – Boreh Scrub
A warming body scrub made from herbs and spices like turmeric, clove, ginger, and rice—used after childbirth or during illness for detox and relief.
Ethiopia – Kosso & Herbal Steams
Herbal steam facials using native plants; some rural women also apply ground Kosso bark or other herbs to the skin for purification.
Polynesia – Monoi Magic
Tahitian women soak gardenia petals (tiare flowers) in coconut oil to create Monoi oil, used to moisturise and protect the skin and hair from the salty ocean and sun. This sacred oil is part of daily care and ceremonial preparation.
West Africa – Shea Butter Traditions
In countries like Ghana, raw shea butter is used for skin, hair, and even medicinal purposes. It is often whipped and applied after bathing to lock in moisture and protect the skin from heat and dust.