Before beauty influencers, there were Nefertiti, Cleopatra, Venus, and Athena. Women and goddesses initiated beauty rituals and influenced many of today’s treatments. The beauty industry has developed at its own pace, with ups and downs, since ancient times.
Did you know?
Our ancestors used herbs, plants, and natural animal products to care for their skin and body.
- Egyptians were the first to use cosmetics in religious ceremonies. Women applied essential oils, henna for hair dye and tattoos, and milk baths for glowing skin. Nefertiti was famous for her bold black eyeliner made of coal.
- The Hebrew people nourished their skin with olive oil, exfoliated with grape seeds, and loved pomegranate extract as an antioxidant.
- Greeks invented the word “cosmetic” from kosmetikos. They used olive oil, clays, almond oil, lemon, and honey for beauty.
- Romans brought steam therapy, body scrubs, and massage in their famous Roman baths.
- In Asia, geishas introduced threading.
- In the Middle Ages, beauty interest declined due to strict religious rules.
- During the Renaissance, sour milk was used to cleanse the skin.
- In the Victorian Era, Queen Victoria swore by honey masks—for nourishment, antiseptic power, and even mild exfoliation thanks to gluconic acid.
- In the 20th century, tretinoins, botox, AHAs, and aesthetic surgeries revolutionized skincare.
What happens now?
Think about it: Exosomes, Polinucleotide, PRP, Mezoterapie, microneedling, nanosoft, goldstamp, nanodeeling, you name it! (BTW at Skin Education & Wellness, I offer some of these cool stuff)
Today, nanotechnology allows highly efficient ingredients. Companies create exfoliants, antioxidants, and retinoids for cell renewal, brightening, and collagen stimulation. Microencapsulation makes products more stable and effective.
Demand for natural skincare and Instagram-worthy packaging fuels the global beauty market. With so much competition, new brands pop up every day.
Why do we need skincare?
- To maintain skin health inside-out.
- To prevent future concerns.
- To prove amazing skin is possible at any age.
- Because even luxury products won’t save you if your lifestyle is a mess.
- Because some people are genetically blessed (soap-and-water forever!) but most of us are not.
- Because beauty is personal—you decide what it means to you.
And speaking of personal—if the Romans had their baths and Queen Victoria had honey masks, you now have my treatment menu. Think she wouldn’t have booked a facial with me? Think twice.
Skin Journal articles are educational and do not replace medical advice. If you have a skin condition or take medication, talk to your doctor. Disclaimer (RO)
