Egyptian Anti-wrinkle Secrets

Since ancient times, men and women have searched for ways to look young. Eye and face cosmetics were used by the ancient Egyptians, the most famous of whom is Cleopatra. She used lactic acid to peel her skin to look beautiful. Archaeologists have found formulas, written on papyrus, of facials made from plants and honey that early women used. Many of these products, including anti-wrinkle creams, also contained aloe that was commonly used in ancient Egypt.

The Egyptian fascination with wrinkle creams and other beauty products was prevalent regardless of one's class or status. Records indicate, for example, that even unskilled lower class workers were given, as part of their wages, anti-wrinkle and moisturizing products like body oil for daily use. Skin care and cosmetics were important to Egyptians the same way we value our appearance today.

Egyptian anti-wrinkle and body care concerns were important to both men and women. Under the hot and arid climate, men as well as women needed protection for their skin. Men and women both used body oils as well as cosmetic products.

The standard anti-wrinkle cream recipe in ancient Egypt included a teaspoon of sweet almond oil and two drops of frankincense oil. This was gently massaged into freshly cleansed skin each night.

Almonds were also popular cosmetic ingredients. The Egyptians mostly used oil that was extracted from bitter or sweet almonds. It had a mild scent and a light texture so it was quickly absorbed by the skin.