In medieval times, women had to take care of their skin and hair using only natural ingredients. Goat milk was popular for
keeping skin healthy, while herbal remedies were used to treat scalp problems and keep hair healthy and shiny. Some of the products women used in those days would be considered dangerous. So it's essential to learn about the skincare and haircare routine of our medieval predecessors!
Here's what I found out while doing some research:
Before bedtime, medieval women would wash their faces with goat milk and apply a mixture of herbs to their skin. This herbal concoction would help to keep their skin looking young and healthy. In the morning, they would rinse their face with cold water and then apply a thin layer of goat milk. So far, that doesn't look too bad (I think I could try that- I just need a goat)
They would also use various oils to keep their hair healthy and free from tangles. One popular oil was made from rosemary, which helped to stimulate hair growth. Another standard oil was lavender, which had a calming effect on the scalp and helped to prevent dandruff. (I think if you want to try that you'll need to use a carrier oil, I would)
But my favorite beauty tips from the past were from Diane de Poitier- Although I would not try them myself for various reasons. One of them was to squeeze some lemon juice in her eyes! Another was to drink some concoction of gold. Why not? When they analyzed her bones a few years ago, they found an abnormal level of gold in her bones and hair; apparently, that's what killed her. Rest in peace Diane.
Despite all this, there were actually some medieval beauty tips which I think could work today. For example, they would always apply a thin layer of honey to their skin before going out into the sun. This is similar to what we do today by applying sunscreen; it helps protect your skin from UV rays and keep it looking healthy and young. Although I'd be a bit worried it would attract wasps :-)
In addition, they also applied a mix of egg yolks, olive oil, and rosewater to their skin. This mixture is said to have a hydrating effect on the skin and help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. I think this would be something I could actually get behind!
So next time you feel like your skincare routine is getting a bit dull, why not give some medieval beauty tips a try? Who knows- it might actually work! Just make sure you don't drink any gold. Oh, don't blame me if you get sunburn for applying honey to your skin before the sun (saying that honey is good for burns, so you can always use it after if you get sunburn, I guess). Anyway, the above is just for entertainment and is certainly not advice.
Happy Historical Romance-ing!
Oh, and if you're curious to see what Alys used for her beauty tips- it's olive oil.
Cheers!
The Beauty Historian. (my new scientific name)
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