I. Introduction
Iran, a country known for its rich history, culture, and traditions, is also famous for its beauty secrets and skincare tips that have been passed down from generation to generation. Iranian women are known for their soft looking skin and their shiny, glossy hair. Their secrets are rooted in natural ingredients such as saffron, honey, sedr, rose water, and henna.
II. Rose water (Golâb in Persian)
Rosewater is a popular ingredient used in İranian skincare. It was used for centuries as a natural toner or facial mist. It is known for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Golab was used for its anti-inflammatory properties to treat conditions such as eczema and acne in traditional Persian medicine. Rose Water is also used in Iranian haircare to hydrate hair strands and promote hair growth.
Face Mask:
Rose Petal Mask:
This mask is believed to help soothe and moisturize the skin, as well as improve its texture. Crush a handful of fresh rose petals and mix them with one tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Cucumber and Rosewater Mask:
This mask is believed to help soothe and hydrate the skin. Mix one grated cucumber with one tablespoon of rosewater and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water.
III. Saffron
Persian Saffron is used in Iranian skincare for centuries. Persian Saffron has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to improve skin texture and tone. Persian Saffron is often used to reduce hyperpigmentation, even out and brighten the skin.
Face Masks:
Saffron and Yogurt Mask: This mask is a popular beauty secret in Iran, and it’s believed to help brighten the skin and improve its texture. Mix one teaspoon of saffron with two tablespoons of yogurt, and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.
IV. Cardamom (“hel” in Persian)
Cardamom is a popular spice in Iranian cuisine which is also used in its beauty routines. It is often used in face masks, as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to fight against free radicals and can help reduce redness and irritations on the skin. Plus, it also has skin-lightening properties, which help reduce hyperpigmentation issues. Cardamom not only benefits the skin but also the hair. It contains essential oils that help to nourish and strengthen the hair and can help to reduce dandruff and other scalp conditions. “Hel” can be included in face masks, scrubs and hair masks.
V. Sedr powder
Sedr powder comes from the leaves of the lotus tree and is used as natural shampoo and conditioner in Iranian beauty routines.Sedr is a gentle and natural cleanser that helps to remove impurities and excess oil from the hair and scalp without stripping away natural oils. It also helps to condition the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.
How to?
Mix sedr powder with water until you have a homogenous paste. Then apply it to your scalp and massage it. Let it sit for around 30 minutes. You can also add eggs, rose water or chamomile into the mixture for extra benefits.
VI. Kiseh + Sefidab
The duo of Kiseh and Sefitab is used in Iranian bath time routines for centuries. Sefidab (which means “white water”) is a white coloured exfoliating substance which looks like a dense piece of chunk. Sefideb is generally paired with a kiseh, which is a cloth-like loofah made from fibers such as cotton, silk, or wool. While showering, rub sefidab on to your kiseh, then scrub thoroughly remove dead skin. Both of these tools’ help remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin, revealing a soft and glowing complexion. It is recommended to use these tools once or twice a week.
VII. Rhubarb powder
Rhubarb powder (Rhubarb root powder) is a finely ground powder from the dried root of the rhubarb. In Iranian beauty, it is used in skincare, and also for teeth whitening.
Rhubarb powder is rich in antioxidants, which can protect the skin from free radicals and premature aging. When used as a face mask, rhubarb powder has skin brightening properties which can help with the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Since rhubarb powder has a slightly abrasive texture, it is not recommended for sensitive skins. However, when using it, mix it with ingredients such as yogurt or honey to use it as a homemade face mask. Before using it on your face, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.
Rhubarb and Yogurt Mask:
Mix 1 tablespoon of rhubarb powder with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
Rhubarb and Honey Scrub:
Mix 1 tablespoon of rhubarb powder with 1 tablespoon of honey and a few drops of olive oil
In teeth whitening:
Dip a wet toothbrush into a small container of rhubarb powder and then brush your teeth as usual. Rhubarb powder can be helpful in removing stains from your teeth. However, if used excessively it can potentially damage the tooth enamel since it has an abrasive texture.
Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a dentist before using any DIY teeth whitening methods. Your dentist can provide guidance on safe and effective teeth whitening options.
VIII. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice, used in Iranian cuisine and also in beauty routines for centuries. It contains a compound called curcumin that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that contribute to improve the skin texture. It can be used in face masks to brighten and even out the skin tone.
Turmeric is also used for its teeth whitening properties. It helps to remove stains and improve oral health thanks to its compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Face Masks:
Turmeric and Yogurt Mask:
This mask is believed to help brighten and even out skin tone, as well as provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with one tablespoon of plain yogurt to create a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Turmeric and Honey Mask:
This mask is believed to help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey, and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.
IX. Yogurt
Yogurt is used in Iranian beauty routines especially in skincare and haircare. It contains lactic acid, which act as a natural exfoliant that can help even out skin tone.
It is also used in haircare for its conditioning and hair softening properties. It is also believed that it can promote hair growth.
Face Mask:
Yogurt and Honey Mask: This mask is believed to help soothe and hydrate the skin. Mix one tablespoon of yogurt with one tablespoon of honey and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
X. Olive Oil
Olive oil is used in Iranian cuisine and also as a beauty staple for centuries. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. It is also used in haircare for its ability to soften and moisturize hair.
Hair Mask:
Olive Oil and Honey Hair Mask: This hair mask is a popular Iranian remedy for dry and damaged hair. Olive oil helps to moisturize and strengthen hair, while honey is believed to improve hair texture and add shine.
XI. Henna
Henna is used in Iranian beauty for centuries; it is a plant-based hair dye. It colours the hair while strengthening hair strands. It is also used to promote hair growth, provide natural shine, and give volume.
XII. Argan Oil
Argan oil is mainly used in Moroccan skincare and haircare. However, argan trees also grow in Iran. Argan oil, is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. It nourishes and provides moisture the skin and the hair strands. In haircare it is often used as a leave-in conditioner.
XIII. Orange blossom water
Orange blossom water is used in traditional Persian desserts and also in beauty routines as a natural facial toner and also as fragrance. It is obtained by distilling the flowers of the bitter orange tree. It is used to hydrate and soothe the skin.
XIV. Sage leaves
Sage is not only used in Iranian cuisines but also as part of its traditional medicine. Chewing on sage leaves has teeth-whitening properties thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
XV. Fenugreek seed oil
Fenugreek seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the fenugreek plant, which is native to Iran and other parts of the Mediterranean region. Fenugreek seed oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourishes and strengthen the hair but also promote healthy hair growth.
How to:
Massage a small amount of the oil into your scalp and work it through your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave the oil in for at least an hour (or overnight, if possible) before washing it out with shampoo.
XVI. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a popular flower used in Iranian beauty routines. Hibiscus hair masks are traditional haircare treatments that can promote healthy hair growth, while nourishing the hair thanks to its rich content in vitamins and minerals. The flower contains natural emollients that can help to lock in moisture, leaving the hair feeling soft and smooth.
In addition to its benefits for hair, hibiscus can also be used as a skin treatment. The flower contains natural AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) that can help to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. This can help to brighten and smooth the skin, leaving it looking refreshed and youthful.
How to:
To make a hibiscus hair mask, you will need dried hibiscus flowers, water, and a few other ingredints. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp of carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil…)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the hibiscus flowers and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture into a bowl, making sure to remove any solid pieces.
- Add the honey and the carrier oil to the bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool to a comfortable temperature.
- Apply the mask to your hair, making sure to massage it into your scalp and work it through your hair.
- Leave the mask in for 30-60 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water.
You can use a hibiscus hair mask once a week or as often as you like, depending on your hair’s needs. In addition to the recipe above, you can also experiment with other ingredients to create a customized hair mask that suits your hair type and concerns.
Patch test
Always patch test before deciding to use any new product. Take a small amount and apply it to a small patch of skin, like the inside of your wrist, elbow, or jawline. Wait 24-48 hours to check for any signs of redness or irritation. If there’s no negative reaction after this period, then you can apply it on your skin or hair. Always conduct a patch test before incorporating any new product into your routine.
Legal disclaimer
This content does NOT provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor for more information.
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