Anyone who has been to South East Asia is likely familiar with the striking beauty of the women, especially their smooth glowing skin and shiny hair. I have traveled extensively throughout South East Asia and ever since my first trip I wondered what the secret to their glowing vitality was. I was pretty sure that it was not a special gene that people in South East Asia possess and was likely to be a result of lifestyle choices. From this, I instantly assumed that most of the beauty products would be a gift from Mother Nature; where as in the West, we tend to use products that are full of words that can barely be pronounced. From here, I set out to discover the differences between the beauty regimes of the East and West.
From Burma to Cambodia, Thailand to Laos, the women had their own traditional beauty products that were passed down from generation to generation. I discovered so many amazing different methods and tried almost all of them, but there were a few that have always stuck out so much, that I continue to use them to this day.
Tamarind
Tamarind, although native to tropical Africa, is abundant throughout South East Asian countries. It can be eaten in its raw form or used to make jams, soups, sauces, and juices. It is high in vitamins A, B, and C, and is an excellent source of iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Tamarind contains Tartaric acid, a powerful antioxidant that can protect your body from free radicals and cancer. To this day, women use fresh tamarind pulp to scrub over their face and body. This will remove dirt and can make the dullest skin glow. The acid found in the fruit can help reduce and blemishes or spots while softening the skin. You can make your own tamarind paste; be sure to store it in an air tight container to prevent pesky critters and mold.
Tanaka
Tanaka, which usually comes in a powder form, is a special wood found only in Burma. Many of the women and children will make a paste, using the powder and some water, and then smear it onto their faces. Not only does it have a natural cooling effect, but it also has immense properties that are prized by the Burmese women. Tanaka, can help to lighten blemishes, protect the skin from the sun and insects, tighten pores, control oil, and reduce acne. As a daily user of Tanaka, not only do I love the feeling of it on my face, but I can also say that this powder has done wonders for my skin!
Kaffir Lime
Kaffir lime is a fragrant citrus fruit native to South East Asia. Its leaves are commonly used in Thai cooking while the bumpy fruit is prized for distinct taste. Many Thai’s believe that even the Royals of Siam used kaffir lime as a natural beauty product. The acidic properties found in the fruit act as an astringent; therefore, help to eliminate residue found on the scalp and face. The juice of a kaffir lime can be added to shampoo to help the growth and thickness of hair as well as producing a lustrous shine. Juice can also be applied to the face to help cleanse pore, lighten spots, and improve the overall complexion. Please keep in mind that as a citrus fruit, it may have a stinging like effect on the face; you may add some honey to help prevent the stinging and also as an added boost of vitamins and minerals!
What I love about these all natural beauty products is that they are not made in massive factories; in fact, they are usually produced in a small area, sometimes a person’s back yard, and are made using traditional methods with very little, if any other, ingredients. I think it is time for people of the West to journey back to nature and re-discover some of her best kept secrets.