History of Skincare

History of Skincare

When people think of medical advancements, skincare often doesn’t come to mind. However, just as medical practices have evolved and improved over the years, the process of caring for the most important part of the body — the skin — has also progressed. In this post, we’ll first take a look at the history of skincare and then broadly define skincare routines, examining some of the most common practices required for proper skincare.

The Gradual Evolution of Skincare

The earliest evidence of skincare and cosmetics originates from ancient Egypt. In Egyptian culture, maintaining youthfulness and vitality was very important — a view not so different from today’s attitudes toward beauty and youth. Egyptians used ingredients such as castor oil, sesame oil, and moringa. They also used olive oil and clay mixtures for cleansing the skin, milk masks for moisturizing, and Dead Sea salts for exfoliation. Additionally, their makeup served two purposes: decorating the skin and protecting it from the harsh sun and desert environment.

Like the ancient Egyptians, the ancient Greeks also relied on natural ingredients to create their skincare products. Their regimens included the use of fresh berries, milk, olive oils, and yogurt to produce items such as perfumes, eyeshadow, cleansers, and even hair dyes.

In the 1700s, skincare was considered a form of art around the world. Many people believed that wearing heavy, colorful, layered makeup enhanced beauty. The more elaborate the makeup, the higher the individual’s social and economic status was perceived to be. Popular skincare treatments during this period included saunas, sweat cleanses, and milk baths.

During the 1800s, skincare was seen as a luxury. It was essential for those in the upper classes but wasn’t considered a priority for those struggling to survive with limited income. Much of the century was spent creating skincare products, which were expensive and hard to access. Skin-lightening treatments were popular, and people used harsh cleansers like oatmeal, lemon juice, and egg yolk.

Fortunately, from the 1900s to today, skincare has become accessible to everyone. This century saw the birth of countless cosmetic and skincare companies. For example, sunscreen wasn’t developed until 1944. This marks the point when skincare and makeup were no longer considered privileges — they became available to the general public. Later, people realized that foundation and chemical-filled cosmetics might temporarily enhance appearance but ultimately darken the skin and lead to skin conditions and premature aging. Today, people — especially women — around the world tend to prefer daily skincare routines and colorless sunscreens over layered makeup. Lightweight lip balms are now favored over heavy, pigmented lipsticks. In 2021, a new trend emerged encouraging women to focus more on skincare and less on heavy makeup.