Traditional Skincare Tips: Insights from Our Aunties

For many of us, our first lessons in skincare didn't come from estheticians or YouTube tutorials. They came from our aunties, who passed down traditional remedies through generations. Some of these methods are effective, while others can be risky. Let's explore both sides to understand what our aunties got right and wrong.

What They Got Right

Sun Protection

While they may not have applied SPF 50 religiously, many aunties naturally avoided harsh sun exposure. They commonly wore wide-brimmed hats or carried umbrellas on sunny days. This simple practice helped shield their skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

The Diet-Skin Connection

You’ve probably heard an auntie say, “You’re breaking out? Stop eating fried stuff!” This advice stems from a profound truth: our diet affects our skin. Research has proven that what we eat influences inflammation and hormonal balance. A balanced diet rich in water, fruits, and vegetables can lead to healthier skin.

The Power of Natural Oils

From coconut to castor, and almond to mustard—our aunties put their trust in oils long before modern science validated their effectiveness. For instance, honey has antimicrobial properties, turmeric reduces inflammation, and aloe vera soothes burns. Today, science builds on these natural remedies, creating stable formulations for more targeted treatments.

Less Is More

Aunties rarely used complicated routines. Their approach was straightforward: cleanse, moisturize, and occasionally incorporate a home remedy. This minimalist strategy helps avoid problems like over-exfoliation and irritation—issues that many people face today.

What They Got Wrong

Harsh Physical Exfoliation

Aunties often believed that harsher scrubs produced better outcomes. However, scrubbing with sugar, salt, or nutshells can create micro-tears in the skin. Fortunately, modern dermatology recommends milder options. Chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), can work beneath the surface without damaging the skin.

Popping Pimples

"Just pop it and get it over with!" was popular advice when breakouts occurred. In reality, squeezing a pimple can push bacteria, oil, and debris deeper into the skin. This can lead to increased inflammation, longer-lasting pimples, and potential scarring.

One-Size-Fits-All Advice

Aunties often shared the same recommendations with everyone, overlooking individual skin types and conditions. What works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes, the “miracle remedy” could backfire for someone else’s skin type.

Questionable Home Remedies

Some do-it-yourself hacks are more harmful than helpful. For instance, applying lemon juice directly to the skin can disrupt the skin barrier due to its acidity. Likewise, using toothpaste as a spot treatment can irritate the skin with its various ingredients like baking soda and alcohol.

Skipping Sunscreen

Many aunties believed that darker skin tones were naturally protected from sun damage. While melanin offers some protection, it’s insufficient against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Everyone—regardless of skin tone—should use sunscreen daily.

Fairness Creams

The biggest challenge arises from the idea that lighter skin equates to beauty. This notion, often perpetuated by colorist messages in media and advertising, led to the popularity of fairness creams. These products often contain harmful bleaching agents. Thankfully, the narrative is changing, emphasizing healthy, glowing skin for everyone, regardless of their skin tone.

Conclusion

Our aunties have imparted valuable wisdom about skincare, blending tradition with practicality. While they nailed aspects such as sun protection, diet, and the use of natural oils, some methods are outdated or potentially harmful. Embracing the right advice while discarding the questionable practices can lead to healthier skin for all of us. Remember, balance is key.