Ancient Beauty Rituals That Stand the Test of Time

It seems like every week there's a new fad on social media in the beauty space—slugging, skin cycling, glass skin, and whatever next month’s viral trend will be. While the beauty industry seems to roll out new ‘must-try’ techniques and products perpetually, some rituals have stood the test of time—long before the internet and social media were even a thing! Ancient civilizations from around the globe developed skincare, haircare and wellness practices rooted in nature and simplicity. The best part? These methods still work today.

 

The list is endless, so I’ve chosen three of my favourites for this post: gua sha, olive oil consumption, and castor oil hair treatments.

 

Gua Sha: The Ancient Art of Sculpting and Detoxifying

 

Gua sha, a smooth jade or rose quartz tool used to glide across the skin, dates back over 700 years to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM for short. It has been used for centuries to promote circulation, release tension, and sculpt the face naturally.

 

The concept behind gua sha is simple: using this smooth-edged, often heart-shaped tool, gentle strokes are applied to the skin, stimulating lymphatic drainage, helping to flush out toxins and reduce puffiness. Pro-tip: reach for your gua sha first thing in the morning after applying your favourite antioxidant serum and moisturizer—my favourite is the authentic Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Tool. After gliding it across my face, neck and chest in a systematic series of strokes, my face is noticeably more lifted and less puffy. 

 

Beyond its sculpting benefits, gua sha also improves microcirculation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach skin cells more effectively, which can help you achieve that naturally radiant complexion—or as I like to call it: the ‘Hailey glow’.

 

Modern research supports its benefits, with studies showing that manual lymphatic drainage techniques can reduce swelling and inflammation. As you know, I make a point of adopting habits that have the science to back them up. Plus, the ritual itself is grounding and promotes mindfulness, and stress reduction—often overlooked factors in skin health.

 

Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Beauty Elixir

 

For thousands of years, olive oil has been a staple in Mediterranean diets, prized for its powerful health and beauty benefits. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians revered olive oil not just for its culinary uses but for its ability to promote radiant skin, strong hair, and longevity from the inside out.

 

Before continuing, I have to stress the importance of sourcing. Unfortunately, many brands are diluted or processed with high heat, stripping them of their beneficial compounds. Always look for single-origin, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, stored in a dark glass bottle (preserves its potency and prevents oxidation).

 

Now, let’s get into the good stuff: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and vitamin E, helping you combat oxidative stress and inflammation—two major culprits of premature aging.

 

Not to mention, this study found that consuming extra-virgin olive oil for 12 weeks helped maintain beneficial heart health effects that tend to decrease with age, improving overall anti-inflammatory and protective activities in the body.

 

Olive oil also supports gut health, which is increasingly recognized as a key factor in clear, glowing skin.

 

To maximize its beauty benefits, aim to include olive oil into your daily routines—personally, I add a spoonful into my bone broth drink along with some hydrolyzed collagen powder to supercharge my skin health from within.

 

Castor Oil: The Timeless Hair Growth Ritual

 

Castor oil has been used for centuries across ancient Egypt, India, and Africa as a go-to remedy for hair growth and overall hair health. Cleopatra herself is said to have used castor oil as part of her beauty routine, and Indian Ayurvedic traditions continue to harness its potent benefits.

 

Rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, castor oil nourishes the scalp, stimulates blood circulation, and helps strengthen hair from the root. It has been traditionally massaged into the scalp to promote hair growth, prevent breakage, and enhance shine.

 

Additionally, its deep-conditioning properties help lock in moisture, making it particularly beneficial for brittle or damaged hair.

 

That said, the thick consistency of castor oil can make it challenging to apply well and properly rinse out, so I opt to include it by looking for it in the ingredients list of my regular hair care products. The Bokka Botanika Thikk Volume Conditioner is a great option.

 

In a world seemingly obsessed with the next big trend, there’s something deeply satisfying about incorporating practices that have withstood centuries. So, next time a new skincare craze floods your feed, take a moment to consider: can the science back it up, and will it stand the test of time?

 

Take care,

Gabriella