When we look at the history of skin care, we see that the development of decorative cosmetics has its origins in the distant past: the very first cosmetics appeared 5,000 years ago in Egypt. To achieve a pleasant smell and softness of the skin, incense oils were used, and women applied white to protect their faces from the sun. The Egyptians were also the first to use black antimony-based paint as eyeliner. And to create a natural blush, crushed flowers were used.
From Egypt, cosmetics made their way to Greece and then to Rome. The word "cosmetics" was first introduced by the ancient Greeks. Their achievements in the field of beauty were associated with their knowledge of herbs and oils and the experience of their application.
Indeed, cosmetics were not only for beauty but also had medical effects based on natural remedies. They were used not only to make you beautiful, but also to make your skin and body healthy. However, modern cosmetics focus only on skin beauty and do not consider skin health, but damage the skin barrier and cause dry and sensitive skin. True cosmetics are those that help the natural functions of the skin and clean the bare skin without interfering with the physiological functions of the skin.
For example, the ancient Egyptian eyeliner not only made your eyes beautiful but also protected your eyes from sunlight and germs. Indian kajal liner is also made by cooking neem and triphala herbs, which have antibacterial properties, with unsalted butter to make soot and kneading it with almond oil, etc. Therefore, it was used by both men and children. In Japan, there was a lipstick called Benizara made from safflower. It is said to prevent gynecological diseases and improve blood circulation. Thus, beauty was not only about maintaining the health of the naked skin but also about curing skin problems through herbal medicine.
There are many books in the world that give rise to these experiments. These include the "Ebers Papyrus" of ancient Egypt, the "Botany" of ancient Greece, the Indian "Ayurveda", the Chinese "Shennong" and the Japanese "Ishinpo". Surprisingly, these herbal remedies are very similar in terms of effectiveness and use in both the East and the West. The wisdom that humans have learned from nature is compiled and passed on. As we receive the benefits, we can say that we have a responsibility to pass them on to future generations.
Various plants are used, and various effects are written for each of them. A single plant contains dozens, even hundreds, of components of different sizes. They are balanced and stable when they interact. However, when plants are heated or chemically treated, some of the components are released and the balance is lost, causing side effects. For this reason, most producers of organic cosmetics extract botanical extracts using a decompression device to lower the atmospheric pressure and distill them at low temperatures close to body temperature.
Pharmaceuticals, which are chemical ingredients, are composed of ingredients that have specific functions and act in a concentrated way on specific organs. The benefits are great, but there are always side effects. For example, cold remedies can irritate the stomach, so it is advisable to take them after meals. The chemical components generate active oxygen in the body and age the cells. However, plant components, which are organic substances, contain many complex components in a balanced and stable way, presenting antioxidant and age-preventing effects. This is a great characteristic of botanical ingredients.
As for the plants used in organic cosmetics, rosemary is known as a tonic and concentrated herb that revitalizes the skin and prevents aging. As it is known for the Hungarian water that rejuvenated the Queen of Hungary, its antioxidant power suppresses melanin pigment, contains natural whitening ingredients, and has a high preservative power as a preservative. Chamomile has a gentle effect and removes the deposit of melanin pigment, which is a source of hydration, anti-inflammatory, astringent, age spots, freckles, etc. Lavender is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, skin revitalizing, etc. It soothes itchy skin and relaxes the nerves.
Gallica red roses have a versatile beauty effect, moisturizing and firming the skin, improving blood circulation and enhancing skin tone. It eliminates excess melanin and prevents dullness. Birch sap removes active oxygen from the body, eliminates and prevents spots and dullness, and reduces fatigue and stress. In addition to its whitening effect, research has shown that it moisturizes from within the body, promotes the differentiation of epidermal cells, and improves their renewal. Thus, a plant has many actions, and it is not possible to limit its effects to just one. This is the wonderful thing about plants. In the past, people used these effects not only for beauty but also for medical purposes.
Synthetic ingredients normally have only one effect per ingredient, which is why many ingredients are listed at length in chemical cosmetics. In contrast, organic cosmetic plants contain too many ingredient names to list.
Even with the best of modern science, it is still not possible to synthesize a single leaf from a plant. Plants are made up of such mysterious and complex ingredients. I would like to see a reconsideration of the importance of organic cosmetics that utilize the antioxidant power hidden in natural plant ingredients and aim to achieve healthy, beautiful skin.