The rise of domestic skincare and cosmetic products in the past two years has led to increased attention from consumers. As a nation with over 5,000 years of history and culture, China boasts many age-preserving methods that have been passed down through generations and proven remarkably effective. So, what are some of these age-preserving methods that have endured to this day?
Many of the beauty secrets we talk about from the older generation, which we used to think were mostly just placebo effects, are actually quite natural and surprisingly effective! The wisdom of our ancestors shouldn’t be ignored; they must be genuinely effective to have survived to this day, right? So let’s take a look at some of these traditional beauty methods!
Applying cucumber slices to the eyes can reduce puffiness.
You might still see celebrities in some old movies, or even current TV dramas, wearing cucumber slices over their eyes. This is because cucumbers really do help reduce puffiness around the eyes. And it might be one of the best beauty secrets passed down through generations. Cucumber slices are rich in moisture and are chilled, and this combination can reduce puffiness and allow your eyes to get a full rest, no matter how much you slept the night before.
A face mask made with honey and egg is super moisturizing.
Legend has it that Empress Dowager Cixi often used a face mask made of eggs, honey, and flour. However, the method passed down is simpler: use one spoonful of ordinary honey and add half an egg yolk, mix well, and apply it to your face or any dry or cracked areas on your hands and feet. This natural mask can achieve a great moisturizing effect! Fresh honey applied to the skin can nourish it, making it smoother and more elastic, while egg yolk has a strong moisturizing effect.
Washing your face with cold water helps skincare products absorb better.
Washing your face with cold water helps shrink pores, allowing your skincare products to stay on your skin and preventing dirt and bacteria from getting in. First, wash your face with warm water and cleanser, then rinse thoroughly and splash some cold water on your face a few times. If you can tolerate an ice-water shower, this trick also works for other parts of your body!
Vaseline reduces eye swelling
Vaseline wasn’t just used as a lotion or lip balm before! Many veteran movie stars would apply Vaseline to their eyelids, using the shimmering effect as a substitute for eyeshadow. You can also apply a layer before bed after staying up late to prevent puffy eyes the next day; a simple application will make you look refreshed the next day.
Baby powder to remove oily hair
What if you’re too lazy to wash your hair or don’t like washing it every day, but your hair gets oily easily in the summer? It’s actually very simple: just buy some baby powder from a drugstore! This is a method older generations used to absorb excess oil when they couldn’t wash their hair. Simply sprinkle a little on your scalp and massage gently; the baby powder will quickly absorb the oil, giving you clean, voluminous hair!
Exfoliate with sugar
For many, sugar is a favorite exfoliating product. Many people mix it with a little olive oil and use it to exfoliate. You might not know that this has been a traditional method of exfoliation for generations. Most people like it simply because it’s all-natural and avoids contact with chemicals. Before the dazzling array of exfoliating products on the market today, women who care about their appearance had to find their own ways to properly cleanse their skin, and sugar proved to be the most effective solution, didn’t it?
rag instead of curling iron
Before curling irons existed, how did women in ancient times achieve their long, wavy hair? Yes, you read that right-they used rags! If your hair is already damaged from repeated dyeing and perming, and you don’t want to wake up early every morning just to create a glossy curly hairstyle, try wrapping sections of your wet hair with a cloth overnight. For an even simpler option, braid sections of your hair into several plaits. If you like, you can also spray some hairspray or leave-in conditioner. The next morning, when you take it off, you’ll have a head of romantic curls!
Loofah water can eliminate acne and reduce wrinkles
Remember loofah water from your childhood? The moisturizing method using loofah water is a beauty and wrinkle-reducing secret passed down from the Republic of China era! The organic substances in loofah water have strong penetrability to the skin, and the natural ingredients are gentle on the body, won’t damage skin tissue, and can achieve moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne effects! Due to the penetrating and moisturizing properties of loofah water, long-term use as a face mask can also prevent wrinkles, keeping the skin radiant and glowing!
Rose petals as lipstick
Long ago, girls would rub rose petals between their fingers and then apply them to their lips. Now it’s convenient to buy ready-made rose petals at drugstores or department store counters, but if you don’t have any, a few rose petals are a great alternative. Plus, the color of roses is natural, unlike commercially available lipsticks which contain additives.
In fact, these traditional beauty preservation methods that have been passed down to this day are only preserved because they are truly effective. So, you might want to try the traditional methods mentioned above!
