The origin and evolution of facial masks
The use of facial masks for beauty and skincare has a long and diverse history. From the ancient practices of Egyptian queens to the modern-day sheet masks popularised in South Korea, facial masks have evolved overtime.
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Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt is one of countries that have the earliest recorded use of facial masks. Cleopatra, the legendary Egyptian queen, is often credited with utilising a variety of face masks to maintain her youthful appearance with simple ingredients such as clay honey, and milk, historical accounts argue and believe these masks are made to rejuvenate her skin and reduce wrinkles. Among the ingredients Cleopatra used, clay, a natural material that is highly valued for its cleansing and purifying ability on skin, has become one of the most commonly included ingredients in today’s facial masks.
Ancient China
As a vital component of traditional beauty practices in Ancient China, facial masks can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. Wu Zetian, the first empress in the history of China, was known for her dedication to skincare and had used natural ingredients such as pearl powders, jade, and herbs such as ginseng to make facial masks. Aiming to improve complexion and maintain skin health as well as beauty, ingredients were selected carefully and strictly to maximise the mask’s effectiveness. For instance, pearl was particularly prized for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce signs of ageing due to its richness in amino acids and minerals.
Ancient Rome and Greece
In addition to Ancient Egypt and China, Ancient Rome and Greece have also contributed to the development of facial masks. In Ancient Rome and Greece, the use of facial masks was a well-established part of beauty and skincare routines. In these civilizations, women sought to cleanse and exfoliate their skin by making good use of various ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, and milk. With animal fats and blood added to their mask mixture, they believed that these ingredients are able to nourish skin, promote healing and enhance their overall appearance. For example, they had used oatmeal to remove impurities and honey to moisturise their skin.
18th and 19th Centuries
Later in the 18th and 19th Centuries, as people paid more attention to their appearance, facial masks gained popularity and received higher recognition among the European aristocracy. Mask recipes that employed ingredients like egg whites, which were praised for its ability to create a tightening effect, and lemon juice, which is known for its richness in vitamin C, were popular and were often included in beauty manuals such as Every Woman’s Book of Health and Beauty.
20th Century to Present
By the mid-20th century, sheet masks were invented and became popular particularly in South Korea and Japan. Being made of cotton or paper soaked in serums, these masks had offered a convenient and effective method to deliver essential components, which contain hydration, brightening, and anti-ageing properties, to the skin.
Modern-Day Facial Masks
Nowadays, facial masks have become a crucial step in skincare routines around the world. Combining previous knowledge and new technologies of facial masks, they have evolved and appear in various forms with diverse functions for consumers to choose from. They can be in the form of clay, cream, gel or sheet masks while covering a wide range of skin care concerns and incorporating natural ingredients.
Conclusion
The origin of facial masks is deeply rooted in ancient beauty practices across different cultures, from the natural ingredient-based masks of Ancient Egypt and China to the more sophisticated formulations of modern skincare. As skincare science will become more advanced, it is believed that facial masks will evolve further in the future.
Bibliography
https://chinesebeautysteals.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/skincare-tips-from-empresses-and-concubines/
