The Quest for Ideal Beauty

Historical Beauty Practices: The Elizabethan Age

During the sixteenth century, women of high social standing were obsessed with achieving and maintaining what they perceived as 'ideal' beauty. This ideal included youthful, unlined alabaster skin, bright eyes, red cheeks and lips, and the fairest hair. To achieve this look, women employed a variety of techniques and cosmetics, some of which were highly toxic.

Common Practices

1. Hairline and Eyebrows: Women plucked their hairlines back an inch or more and arched their eyebrows. They used bleaching agents like urine and sulfuric acid to lighten their hair and eyebrows.
2. Skin Whitening: The most sought-after skin whitener was 'ceruse,' a mixture of white lead and vinegar. This was applied to the face, neck, bosom, and sometimes the hands and arms.
3. Skin Firming: Uncooked egg white was used as a skin firmer. This mixture was spread on the face, neck, and bosom to tighten the skin and hide wrinkles.
4. Blush and Lip Color: Vermilion (mercuric sulfide) was used to add color to the lips and cheeks.
5. Eye Enhancement: Drops of belladonna were used to achieve a sparkling eye effect, and kohl was used to outline the eyes.
6. Complexion Care: Mercury mixed with alum and honey was used as a cleanser, and mercury was also a common ingredient in facial peels.

Consequences

The long-term effects of these beauty practices were devastating. The use of toxic substances like lead and mercury led to prematurely aged, gray, shriveled, and mummified complexions.

Modern Beauty Practices

While the substances and techniques have evolved, the quest for beauty remains. Today, women use a variety of chemical peels, injectables, and other treatments to achieve their desired look.

Common Practices

1. Chemical Peels: Modern chemical peels use glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or carbolic acid (phenol) to exfoliate the skin.
2. Skin Firmers: While raw egg white is no longer used, some modern skin firmers contain formaldehyde.
3. Injectables: Botox injections are widely used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Consequences

The long-term effects of these modern beauty treatments are still being studied. However, there are concerns about the potential for premature aging and other adverse effects.

Lessons from the Past

The historical pursuit of beauty offers valuable lessons for modern women. The use of toxic substances in the past led to severe long-term consequences. Today, women should be cautious and informed about the ingredients in their beauty products and the potential long-term effects of their beauty treatments.

Interesting Statistics

• According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 15.6 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2020, including 2.3 million surgical procedures and 13.2 million minimally invasive procedures. Source
• A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that 70% of women are unaware of the ingredients in their skincare products. Source

Conclusion

The quest for ideal beauty has driven women to extreme measures throughout history. While modern beauty practices may seem safer, it is essential to remain informed and cautious. By learning from the past, women can make more informed decisions about their beauty regimes and avoid potential long-term consequences.

Author: Jeannine Schenewerk In Touch with Jeannine