Historically, skin care has been a subject of great interest. From the time of the Egyptians until now, ways to improve the skin's appearance captured the imagination and influenced several practices the world over. Some of these proved beneficial while many did not. Rapidly evolving societies tended to participate in strange and often dangerous practices for the sake of beauty, while less advanced civilizations relied mostly on the bounties of nature in the pursuit of beautiful skin.

The native Hawaiians, in particular, were unaffected by the trends which enthralled the Europeans of the Middles Ages. Hawaiian skin care emphasized the use of natural ingredients in maintaining and protecting the body's largest organ. The centuries old tradition of combining plant and fruit based extracts originated with the ancient Polynesians who valued the attainment of true health. The skin was, in many ways, seen as a reflection of the body's overall functioning. This ideal has been seamlessly passed on throughout the generations. Hawaiian skin care is, therefore, deeply rooted in its promotion of beneficial ingredients derived exclusively from nature. Each natural component improves the appearance and texture of the skin while nourishing it completely.

The current trend in skin care has shed light on the advantages of using naturally based products. More consumers are now aware of the ill-effects that can be caused by strong chemical formulations that are potentially harmful to the skin and general health. Hawaiian skin care, with its keen focus on gentle yet effective extracts, has become an influential model emulated by consumers and manufacturers alike. The tropical fruits and flowers, once acknowledged solely for their ornamental and dietary value, are now being recognized for their skin healing and protective qualities.

The Evolution of Skin Care

Skin care has continued to change over the last few centuries. It involves the use of several different products including cosmetics to cover flaws, lotions and oils to smooth and moisturize, perfumes to keep the body smelling fresh and pharmaceutical grade formulations to treat troublesome conditions such as acne and eczema.

The Pursuit of Beauty
The desire to maintain beautiful skin predates 4000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, and Romans are among the first to rely heavily on ritualized beauty regimens and cosmetics. The application of eye products are still visibly seen in the hieroglyphics left by the earliest Egyptian civilizations. Make-up created using a combination of lead, copper and soot were used to line the eye area. This was worn by most inhabitants including the poorer classes.

The trend caught on in emerging societies and continued despite the opposition of church leaders in the Middle Ages. During the Elizabethan period and beyond, Aristocratic women wore skin whitening powders, lipstick, rouge and mascara on the face, often composed of lead. In some cases blindness would result after years of applying these lead based products . By the 20 th century make-up usage grew despite the questionable chemical compositions of some products. Most women in industrialized societies continued to rely on cosmetics to give the impression of youthfulness and radiant skin. In present times, the use of cosmetics has increased. While lead has been largely phased out of most products, concerns have still been raised about the quality and types of ingredients used in some formulations.

Naturally Based Skin Care
Naturally based skin care, though an ancient practice carried out by the Egyptians, Chinese, Polynesians and Middle Eastern peoples, was not well accepted by many later societies before the 20 th century. The Egyptians were the first civilization to document their use of natural ingredients. Though they also relied on cosmetics, beauty regimens were developed to cleanse and enhance the skin. Many of these treatments involved the application of olive oil, ostrich eggs, milk and bullocks bile.

Other cultures which relied on natural ingredients tended to use coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, witch hazel, tea tree oil and aloe vera.

Naturally based skin care has surged in popularity in recent times. The production of Hawaiian lotions, tropical body oils, coconut soaps, tropical body butters, Hawaiian shampoos and Hawaiian conditioners created from plant and fruit extracts and several essential oils are now being touted for their significant health benefits.

Hawaiian Skin Care the Natural Alternative
The first Polynesians who settled on the Hawaiian archipelago, brought with them their definitive culture, crops and practices. The first canoes arrived with several important food and medicinal crops including the coconut, kukui nut, taro and aloe vera. Once they found the hidden paradise, work quickly began in creating new settlements and cultivating the land. They indulged in a peaceful way of life and engaged in activities including farming, fishing and storytelling. Much of their time was spent outdoors and as such the need to protect their skin was always a priority.

Several oils were created and applied directly to the skin. These included the oil derived from the kukui nut, also used in candle making, essential oils created from several varieties of flowers and coconut oil. The blend of these simple yet effective ingredients were fast acting and also aroma-therapeutic. Many of the oils produced were used in ancient massage forms including the lomi lomi. They were also applied to the delicate skins of babies without causing irritation.

Coconut oil, in particular, was greatly revered by these early people. The rich liquid was used for medicinal, dietary and cosmetic purposes. It provided the greatest level of hydration of all the nut oils. Thus, it formed the base for most naturally produced formulations. It was mixed with turmeric to treat ailing infants, applied directly to stiff joints to provide instant relief, used as an antibacterial ointment to clean wounds and applied topically as an insect repellent.

Kukui nut oil was another popular seed oil which was used as an effective moisturizer. Its high antioxidant and vitamin content proved to be ideal for maintaining skin health. It was also used as a natural exfoliant. The nut was chewed and then rubbed on the skin. The mixture would lift dead dermal cells, leaving the area soft and smooth.

The Polynesians continuously experimented with the tools nature provided. The utilization of these natural extracts provided a readily available source of nourishing ingredients that helped to improve the skin and maintain its resilience. Today, the time honored tradition continues on the islands. Products derived from a variety of ingredients are still utilized by the natives with visible results.

Hawaiian skin care is undeniably natural skin care. It focuses on both the appearance, texture and health of the skin. It has become an inspiration to mindful consumers and manufacturers desirous of using and creating products that work without the side effects typically seen with chemical formulations. The reliance on highly beneficial natural ingredients ensures the continuation of this worthwhile practice, which promises beautiful skin without the disadvantages.

You might also be interested in these other natural skin care articles:
Natural Skin Care Products | Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care | Natural Dry Skin Remedies | Organic Skin Care | Plant and Nut Oils for Skin Care | Essential Oils | Tropical Aromatherapy | Natural Skin Care made in Hawaii | Botanical Skin Care | Skin Exfoliation | Hawaiian Beauty Secrets | Hawaiian Stone Therapy | History of the Hawaiian Kukui Tree | History of the Hawaiian Coconut | History of Shea Butter | History of the Macadamia Nut Tree | Hawaiian Sun Protection | Keeping your Skin Healthy on Vacation | Skin Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

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