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The Benefits of Thanaka Powder

Being rich in antioxidants and minerals, Thanaka Powder is a great skincare ingredient for those looking to brighten, protect and clarify their skin. With a multitude of proven benefits, it's clear why this natural skincare ingredient has been used by the Burmese people for over 2,000 years and is ideal for those looking for ethical, affordable and organic skincare. Being somewhat undiscovered by the global skincare community, this ancient beauty secret has the power to solve a plethora of modern day skin issues.


Read on to learn about the top 7 benefits of Thanaka Powder.


Flat lay of golden yellow Burmese thanaka powder Limonia Acidissima
Thanaka Powder - Limonia Acidissima

What is Thanaka Powder?

Thanaka Powder is an ancient beauty secret of the Burmese people. Thanaka Powder, or Limonia Acidissima, is traditionally made by grounding down the bark of Thanaka trees via a mortar and pestle like method with water. This process forms a golden yellow paste which can then be placed onto the skin or dried to form Thanaka Powder for later use. Thanaka Extract is also used in water based products and also claims similar benefits. All walks of life within the Burmese community have been known to use Thanaka Powder; women, men and children use it as a form of makeup or skincare. From protecting your skin from the sun to fighting acne with its anti-inflammatory properties, the benefits of Thanaka Powder for the skin are impressive and extensive.


Check out this video from the BBC where we get to meet Mo Sandar Mint and learn about her connection to Thanaka.


1. A Natural Alternative to Sunblock

The majority of commercial sunscreens and sunblock's use chemicals like zinc-oxide and titanium-dioxide to protect the skin from the sun. Thanaka Powder contains Marmesin, a compound known for its UV-A filtering properties. Because of these UV-A filtering properties, Thanaka Powder is a great natural alternative to sunblock. With our current sunscreen chemicals harming our oceans in unimaginable ways, it is imperative that we start finding more natural ingredients to protect both our skin and the planet. We believe Thanaka Powder could be this solution. Burmese women have been applying Thanaka Powder on their skin to protect it from the sun for generations... and we think the global beauty community should follow suit.


2. Rich in Vitamin E

Thanaka Powder boasts a high concentration of essential antioxidants; it is particularly abundant in vitamin E. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory agent which can help reduce the damage from UV exposure and repair the skin from sun damage. Regular use of Thanaka Powder can therefore help to protect the skin from premature aging.


3. Brightens skin and fights hyperpigmentation

One of the biggest benefits of Thanaka Powder is that it is a natural inhibitor of tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is an enzyme known to stimulate the production of melanin which can cause dark spots and discoloration. Using Thanaka Powder can help to brighten and even out your skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation issues.


4. Regulates sebum production

Although it won’t give you that dewy look, Thanaka powder is ideal in maintaining a normal level of moisture to the skin due to its ability to control excessive sebum production. Thanaka powder also helps rid pores of their impurities, making it an ideal skincare ingredient for those with oily and acne prone skin.


5. Cooling and Anti-Inflammatory

When applied to the skin, Thanaka Powder has a wonderful cooling sensation which helps to create a relaxing experience for the user. Its anti-inflammatory properties, combined with this cooling experience, helps to calm and relax the skin and reduce overall signs of redness. It's anti-inflammatory properties have also been studied to have the potential to fight acne.


6. Regulates Collagen production in the skin

Thanaka Powder contains Coumarin, an active ingredient in Thanaka Powder known to increase the production of Collagen in the skin. Greater amounts of Collagen in the skin helps to firm the skin overall and reduce signs of aging.


7. Supports the Burmese community

Thanaka Powder is a natural and effective way to treat your modern day skin issues. Yet beyond its skincare usage, this ancient beauty secret can offer awareness to Burmese culture which is often ignored within the global community. By consuming Thanaka Powder sourced from Burma, you help to support supply chains within Burma and support its workers


"If consumers are genuine about their desire to support brands that create positive social change, they should invest in Thanaka Infused skincare. Consumers will be able to fulfil their skincare needs whilst providing awareness to a dying beauty culture and provide aid to some of the most vulnerable members of our global community."

As popular trends dominate the global beauty industry, old traditions are being left behind including the use of Thanaka Powder. Tanaka skin aims to breathe new life into this dying beauty practice, ensuring that skincare lovers can carry on experiencing Thanaka Powder for generations to come.


5% of Tanaka Skin's profits from their Thanaka Infused Skincare is donated to help support the lives of those most vulnerable in the Burmese community. This ensures that you, the consumer, are giving back to those whose cultures you utilise in order to consume the products that you love.


So… it’s great for your skin, its great for the beauty community and its great for our oceans. Give me one reason why you shouldn't add Thanaka to your routine...


If you're someone who considers themselves to be the conscious consumer that's looking for Thanaka Infused Skincare products, try our Thanaka Infused Face Mask. An innovative, Thanaka Infused Wash Off Clay Face Mask that won't overly dry out your skin like other clay face masks thanks to ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.


The City Cleanse Face Mask from Tanaka Skin. An antioxidant rich green face mask in a glass jar formulated with spirulina, vitamin c and hyaluronic acid
Thanaka Infused Face Mask - Tanaka Skin

STUDIES ON THANAKA:







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