Throughout history there have been various methods of protecting ones skin from the sun - some of which are still used today. However, the majority of these methodologies focused around creating a thick and visible barrier using a paste of some sorts to protect ones skin from the sun - but it wasn't until 1946 when a Swiss chemist named Franz Greiter developed and commercialized the first modern sunscreen which he termed “Gletscher Crème” or Glacier Cream.
The history of sun protection before our modern times is one that is prolific with ingenuity, intriguing ingredients and questionable methodologies. Read on to learn about some of the ways people have protected their skin from the sun across the globe...
1.The Burmese: Multifunctional Thanaka
Although it is an incredibly multifunctional ingredient, Thanaka was, first and foremost, used in a paste like form to protect the skin of the Burmese people for centuries from the sun. Today, it has become one of the most identifiable aspects of Burmese culture. Thanaka comes from the bark of the Limonia Acidissima tree where the bark is cut into workable blocks and grounded via a mortar and pestle like method with water - this then forms a creamy paste which can be applied to the skin.
Modern studies have demonstrated that Thanaka does in fact possess sun protectant qualities with an SPF level of around 2.5. So whilst it is not ideal as a form of SPF alone, it is a great ingredient to look out for in sunscreen formulations as it can suggest that the formulation has lower levels of harsh sun protectant ingredients like zinc oxide.
Unlike most other methodologies listed in this article, Thanaka is still used today as it has a plethora of benefits asides from sun protection. It's no wonder that people have termed this amazing ingredient as 'healing bark'.
Check out our post on The Benefits of Thanaka Powder to learn more.
2.The Indians: Pioneers of Zinc Oxide
Still known to be one of the best sunscreen active ingredients of today, Zinc Oxide was initially used by the Indian people to treat and heal minor wounds. However, as they noticed that it did not absorb into the skin and also provided a physical barrier between skin and sun, they started to apply this as a form of sunscreen which claimed to also help with inflammatory issues.
Indian beauty practices are notorious even today through ayurvedic ingredients and the spiritual element to some of its rituals - but when we learnt that Indian women were some of the first to use zinc oxide as a form of sun protection as early as 4th or 3rd Century BCE, we really couldn't believe the ingenuity of these women.
3.The Upper Class of Ancient China: Parasol Servants
Yep. This is an odd one alright - and probably not a method that would go down well with Gen Z...
If you could afford the luxury, ultimately the best way to have protected yourself before science was to actually stay indoors instead of being in the fields like 'the peasants'. Or if you did go outdoors you would be surrounded by servants *cough* slaves holding large parasols and giant palm leaves to keep you shaded. This may be why many areas in the world thought that paler skin was seen as more 'ideal' due to the fact that those who were poor were forced to work outdoors and were more tanned - Ahh the ever existing topic of classism in relation to beauty standards...
4.The Ancient Greeks: How Oily can we get...
At this point, we're starting to think that the Greeks just wanted to find as many excuses as possible to slather oil on their bodies. It seems the Ancient Greeks were obsessed with using oil for pretty much everything - and rightly so in some cases. However, using Olive Oil as a form of sun protection was perhaps one of their worser suggestions of usage. The controversy surrounding the use of oils like raspberry and coconut as a form of sun protection is still wildly debated in todays times within vegan, naturalist and dermatological spaces. And whilst some studies have alluded to the fact that these oils may have some SPF qualities, none of these claims have been put through the standardized SPF testing process.
Don't get us wrong, the benefits of oils for the skin make it so that it would be foolish to not have these amazing natural oils incorporated into our routines - but as a skincare brand we're saying a big fat no to using it as sunscreen. But by all means use them for their other benefits like treating hyperpigmentation, evening out the skin tone and delivery rich levels of antioxidants to the skin.
5.The Himba women of Nimibia: Otjize
Otjize is an incredibly fascinating aspect of Namibian culture. Otjize is a reddish paste that is used in many aspects of the traditions and cultures of the Himba people including initiation and burial ceremonies. Not only do they coat their faces with this enchanting paste but they also coat it over their hair to protect and nourish it. Otjize is a blend of natural butters, fats and red ochre to create a paste that dries on the skin to create a protective barrier not only from the sun but also to prevent bites from deadly insects like mosquitos. So not only has this been used for beauty purposes but it has also been used for survival in days gone by.
We believe it is important to Embrace Beauty Cultures and we highly suggest you spend some time in learning about the many various beauty practices of people across the world. In a beauty industry that focuses too much on outcomes, we have forgotten the spiritual element to some of our most loved ingredients where many in the past had a deep connection between their self care rituals and their religions/beliefs.
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