Ancient Beauty Secrets: Myanmar's Thanaka
Myanmar hides an ancient beauty secret that has been passed down for thousands of years - thanaka - which has been used to protect and care for the skin.
But like almost all customs passed down for generations, this ancient beauty custom has begun to change with the modernization of the country and the introduction of modern cosmetics.
What are the properties and uses of this special powder that Myanmar women get from the bark of trees? Thanaka provides natural protection from the sun, but some use it, along with safflower oil, against unwanted hair.
Thanaka - The Origin Of Myanmar's Ancient Beauty Secret
Anyone who has visited Myanmar and walked around the villages has noticed someone with a painted face.
This yellowish-white mixture, called thanaka or tanaka, is made from water mixed with a powder obtained from the bark of two trees, Limonia Acidissima and Hesperethusa Crenulata Roem, both of the Rutaceae family, which are widespread in tropical and subtropical areas.
The bark is first crushed in a kind of stone mortar until a very fine powder is obtained, as can be seen in this video, and can then be applied to the face.
Properties And Uses Of Thanaka
Myanmar women (men less often) use this preparation - using a chopstick to spread it better on the face - mainly to protect the skin from UVA rays. In reality, the properties of thanaka are diverse. Cosmetic houses have taken advantage of the bark of Rutaceae to create specific products, especially for the treatment of acne skin.
Some pharmacological studies have confirmed the beneficial characteristics of this plant: natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, therefore participates in the protection of the skin from free radicals, protects from sun rays, and prepares the skin for a tan without damage thanks to tyrosine, antibacterial action.
There are talcum powder and refreshing thanaka-based powders, which leave the skin feeling soft and fresh without irritating it.
Clay: Yes Or No? Better Thanaka
Are we tired of the usual clay masks that over-dry the skin? Unlike many acne solutions, thanaka does not dehydrate the skin! You can use thanaka powder for a mask: the more powder than water, the more effective the mask will be. Apply to the face for 20 minutes, then remove with lukewarm water.
Thanaka And Safflower Oil: Goodbye Unwanted Hair!
Some people use thanaka powder combined with safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius) as a treatment to remove unwanted hair, especially in delicate areas where hair removal causes distress.
This solution, which comes from Ayurveda, is a pain-free remedy. Mix half of the powder with ½ of the oil and apply the mixture to freshly shaved skin, in the opposite direction of hair growth, for at least 45 minutes. You can leave it on longer. Some experts talk about whole nights, others at least three hours; it is certain that in 3 or 4 weeks you start to see the first results ... it is an Ayurvedic remedy, so patience and perseverance are needed!
Don't forget to watch the interesting video we recommended about thanaka - Myanmar's ancient beauty secret.
But like almost all customs passed down for generations, this ancient beauty custom has begun to change with the modernization of the country and the introduction of modern cosmetics.
What are the properties and uses of this special powder that Myanmar women get from the bark of trees? Thanaka provides natural protection from the sun, but some use it, along with safflower oil, against unwanted hair.
Thanaka - The Origin Of Myanmar's Ancient Beauty Secret
Anyone who has visited Myanmar and walked around the villages has noticed someone with a painted face.
This yellowish-white mixture, called thanaka or tanaka, is made from water mixed with a powder obtained from the bark of two trees, Limonia Acidissima and Hesperethusa Crenulata Roem, both of the Rutaceae family, which are widespread in tropical and subtropical areas.
The bark is first crushed in a kind of stone mortar until a very fine powder is obtained, as can be seen in this video, and can then be applied to the face.
Properties And Uses Of Thanaka
Myanmar women (men less often) use this preparation - using a chopstick to spread it better on the face - mainly to protect the skin from UVA rays. In reality, the properties of thanaka are diverse. Cosmetic houses have taken advantage of the bark of Rutaceae to create specific products, especially for the treatment of acne skin.
Some pharmacological studies have confirmed the beneficial characteristics of this plant: natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, therefore participates in the protection of the skin from free radicals, protects from sun rays, and prepares the skin for a tan without damage thanks to tyrosine, antibacterial action.
There are talcum powder and refreshing thanaka-based powders, which leave the skin feeling soft and fresh without irritating it.
Clay: Yes Or No? Better Thanaka
Are we tired of the usual clay masks that over-dry the skin? Unlike many acne solutions, thanaka does not dehydrate the skin! You can use thanaka powder for a mask: the more powder than water, the more effective the mask will be. Apply to the face for 20 minutes, then remove with lukewarm water.
Thanaka And Safflower Oil: Goodbye Unwanted Hair!
Some people use thanaka powder combined with safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius) as a treatment to remove unwanted hair, especially in delicate areas where hair removal causes distress.
This solution, which comes from Ayurveda, is a pain-free remedy. Mix half of the powder with ½ of the oil and apply the mixture to freshly shaved skin, in the opposite direction of hair growth, for at least 45 minutes. You can leave it on longer. Some experts talk about whole nights, others at least three hours; it is certain that in 3 or 4 weeks you start to see the first results ... it is an Ayurvedic remedy, so patience and perseverance are needed!
Don't forget to watch the interesting video we recommended about thanaka - Myanmar's ancient beauty secret.
