10 Skincare Secrets from around the World

Every culture has its own natural beauty tips, so why not borrow from some of them? You’ll end up with an international skincare routine that’s both interesting and effective.

Japan – matcha tea

Matcha tea arrived in Japan about 1000 years ago. It’s made by grinding, young tea leaves into a find, bright green powder. Full of minerals and antioxidants, matcha tea is great for skin and hair health. You can mix it up as a hot drink (use a whisk to achieve a smooth texture) or add it to foods like yoghurt and smoothies. You can even make a home-made facial mask with matcha powder and honey.

Korea – circular facial massage

Korean women are famous for their gorgeous skin, which reflects their dedication to impeccable skincare habits. One thing that stands out is the art of massaging skincare products into the skin, rather than simply slathering them on top. This habit is particularly beneficial for products like serums and moisturisers, because it stimulates blood circulation and helps the active ingredients to get right into the skin’s pores. After double-cleansing, use your fingertips massage your skin with a circular motion. A product like Okana Vegetable Garden Day Moisturiser, which is rich in naturally-occurring vitamins, is perfect for facial massage.

Tip: See our article: How to get “Glass Skin” Naturally – Latest Beauty Trend Skincare Routine

France – rest day from makeup

French women like to give their makeup a day off, except for maybe a little mascara and lipstick. Give your skin a cleanse, then exfoliate. Follow with moisturiser (massaged in), then walk away from the mirror. Let the world see you for who you are.

Mexico – aloe vera for sun and wind exposure

Even if you religiously wear sunscreen for outdoor pursuits, a certain level of UV will get through. To soothe your skin, use the gel from inside aloe vera leaves. Aloe vera is common in Mexico, where the women use it as a skin softener. It also grows easily in New Zealand – keep some as a pot plant on your deck. If you’re not into gardening, aloe vera gel is easy to buy at the pharmacy.

Morocco – rhassoul clay facials

Rhassoul clay, also called ghassoul clay, red clay and red Moroccan clay, comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Mixed with water, it makes a highly effective face mask. It helps to even out skin tone and deep-cleanse the pores to reduce breakouts. If you can’t find rhassoul clay, try fullers earth.

Australia - kakadu plum extract

Endemic to Australia, kakadu plums (aka gubinge or murunga) are super-high in anti-oxidants - vitamin C, gallic acid and ellagic acid. This means kakadu plum extract is an excellent anti-ageing ingredient for skincare products.

India – hot oil hair massage

Indian women are famous for their beautiful, lustrous hair. A lot of that has to do with their ritual of hot oil hair massage. Coconut or avocado oil is ideal. Start by warming the oil slightly (a few seconds in the microwave), then divide your hair into sections. Massage oil into each section for a few minutes. When you’ve completed all sections, comb the oil through gently and massage your scalp gently for a few minutes. Rinse your warm water to remove excess oil, apply conditioner, then rinse again and allow your hair to air dry. Note: this treatment may not be suitable for very fine hair.

Brazil – foot mask

For extra-beautiful feet that don’t have any dry, cracked skin, give your tootsies a before-bed mask. Apply a rich body cream, like Okana Avocado Smash Body Butter, then encase your feet in plastic bags. Put your feet up and watch Netflix for half an hour or so. Tissue off the excess then go to bed. In the morning, your feet will look like new.

Iceland – fish oil shots

Icelandic beauties grow up taking a shot of cod liver oil every day. Rich in omega-3, it’s a morning ritual as common as drinking coffee. Omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin. They serve as the essential building blocks for skin cells, so getting enough omega-3s in your daily diet is valuable for every age and every skin type. If you can’t stomach the flavour of cod liver oil, swallow a couple of fish oil capsules instead.

Russia – ice cube massage

The famously beautiful Russian Empress Catherine the Great started every morning with an ice cube wake up call. She would rub an ice cube over her face, neck and décolletage to reduce sleep-time puffiness and close pores. If your skin is super-sensitive, wrap the ice cube in a muslin cloth before you start the icing process. 

Tip: See our article: Korean Skincare Tips: Natural Ways To Keep Your Skin Looking Younger