Thanks to social media and the rise of trend culture, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest beauty fads, often overlooking the timeless rituals that go beyond serums and contour kits. From ancient traditions passed down through generations to quirky practices that have found their way into the mainstream, the world is full of beauty secrets that have endured the test of time. Why not step away from your usual routine and explore a global beauty ritual or two? These age-old practices not only promise radiant skin but also encourage you to slow down, savour the process, and embrace beauty from within. Here’s a curated guide to some of the most fascinating and effective beauty traditions from around the world.
India: Turmeric facials for the ultimate glow
If you’ve ever seen an Indian bride, you’ll know about the magical powers of haldi (turmeric). The tradition of using turmeric as a beauty treatment dates back thousands of years, long before it became a trendy ingredient in skincare products. For centuries, brides have been covered in turmeric paste before their wedding day to give their skin an unmatched glow. Why? Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse packed with antioxidants, which help brighten the skin, combat acne, and even reduce dark spots.
To try it at home, mix a pinch of turmeric with milk or yoghurt for a creamy, brightening mask. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, rinse off with warm water, and voilà—radiant skin, the way nature intended.
Japan: Rice bran scrubs for a smooth, silky finish
In Japan, rice is more than just a staple food; it's an ancient beauty secret. Geishas, known for their porcelain-like skin, have long used rice bran—the outer husk of rice—as part of their skincare regimen. The grains are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can brighten skin and even out complexion.
To create a simple yet effective scrub, mix rice flour with a bit of water or honey and gently exfoliate your skin. This natural scrub will leave your face feeling as soft as a silk kimono.
South Korea: The 10-step skincare routine
If there’s one thing South Korea has mastered, it’s skincare. The 10-step routine—an elaborate yet highly effective regimen—has taken the world by storm. This ritual involves everything from double cleansing (to remove both makeup and impurities) to applying serums, ampoules, and moisturisers. It’s all about layering products that target specific concerns, resulting in radiant, dewy skin that’s practically glowing from within.
Although you don’t need to follow the full 10 steps (let’s be real, who has the time or the products?), incorporating a few key elements like a good hydrating essence and a deep moisturiser into your routine could make all the difference. Bonus points if you also indulge in a sheet mask.
Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water ₹4,400
Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask ₹2,600
Brazil: 'Banho de Lua', a sun-kissed body treatment
In Brazil, the Banho de Lua (Moon Bath) isn’t just a fancy name for a relaxing evening soak—it’s a full-body beauty ritual that combines exfoliation and moisturisation for silky smooth skin. It’s often followed by a body mist, which leaves the skin with a lingering scent of tropical flowers.
The treatment begins with a gentle scrub made of crushed fruit or sugar, which exfoliates dead skin cells while nourishing the skin. Then, the skin is generously moisturised with oils such as coconut or avocado to lock in hydration. It’s the kind of indulgence you’ll want to book every month, especially if you’re looking for a warm-weather glow during the colder months.
Morocco: Hammam for an immersive experience
The Moroccan Hammam is more than just a bath; it’s an immersive beauty experience steeped in tradition. In these ancient bathhouses, the process starts with a warm steam that opens the pores, followed by a generous application of black soap—a rich, fragrant paste made from olive oil and crushed olives. After a good scrub with a kessa glove (a rough exfoliating mitt), you emerge with your skin feeling rejuvenated, soft, and smooth.
This deep-cleansing ritual isn’t just about skin—it’s about taking a moment to relax and rejuvenate the mind and spirit. At home, you can recreate the magic with a good steam, Moroccan black soap, and an exfoliating glove for a spa-like experience in your own bathroom.
Yauvanya Black Moroccan Beldi Soap ₹2,500
mCaffeine Exfoliating Bath Glove ₹299
France: The art of moisturiser layering
While the French are often celebrated for their minimalist approach to skincare, one of their secret weapons is a technique known as hydration layering. It's not about using 10 different products; rather, it’s about using one moisturiser, but applying it in thin layers to ensure that the skin absorbs it effectively. The layering technique helps lock in moisture, leaving skin feeling plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The best way to try this is to start with a light moisturiser and slowly build it up. This gives your skin time to absorb each layer, resulting in a flawless finish. It’s the French approach to looking effortlessly chic, and it works.
You can use:
Chanel Hydra Beauty Crème ₹6,850
Ilem Japan Light Moisturizer ₹2,450
Egypt: Nourishing milk baths
Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, was known for her stunning beauty, and she reportedly owed much of it to her iconic milk baths. The lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished. While you may not be able to recreate the opulence of Cleopatra’s milk bath (no one’s suggesting you bathe in a giant marble tub), a simple milk and honey soak can work wonders for your skin at home.
Add a couple of cups of whole milk and a tablespoon of honey to your bathwater. Soak for about 15–20 minutes, and your skin will thank you.
Turkey: Turkish coffee scrub
In Turkey, the ritual of drinking coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up; it’s also used as a beauty treatment. The rich grounds of Turkish coffee, combined with its stimulating properties, make for an excellent exfoliator. The caffeine helps boost circulation, while the coarse grounds buff away dead skin, leaving you with smooth, glowing skin.
To create your own Turkish coffee scrub, mix a tablespoon of coffee grounds with some olive oil or coconut oil. Gently scrub in circular motions and rinse off. Your skin will feel energised and soft, with a hint of coffee-scented luxury.
Featured image credit: Pexels
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