The Best Turkish Beauty Tips and Secrets

A true classic not only for Turkey but also many other countries, rose water is not only used for Turkish desserts but also for beauty. During the production of rose oil, 100% pure rose water is also made; people use it as a facial tonic, which cleans the skin like no other product out there. But beware as the smell of rose water is intensely floral and can be too much for those who are sensitive to smells. However, for those that have a sensitive complexion, the gently cleansing forces of rose water are simply perfect.

Just like roses, lavender also plays a huge role in Turkey’s beauty scene. Lavender soap may be our personal favorite, but lavender water is also quite popular and used for sensitive skin that is in need of renewal. The water is applied to the face and neck and is also quite beneficial for the healing of cuts and burns. A truly relaxing scent, lavender water can also be sprayed into cribs as a natural way to calm babies down and allow them to sleep more peacefully.

No list of Turkish beauty secrets would be complete without mentioning the Turkish bath, one of the most thorough cleansing experiences possible. The Turkish bath takes place in a traditional marble hamam where, through steam and heat, the skin becomes very soft. Professional attendants then scrub the skin with a kese (bath glove) that works as a full body peeling. After that, the entire body is covered in soap suds, massaged, and then washed. It’s also highly recommended to apply lotion to the whole body after a hamam treatment. The Turkish bath allows the skin to be completely renewed, and you’ll end up leaving the hamam with soft and very clean skin.

Speaking of soap suds, the soaps used at hamams are also quite special and are made from extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil, both of which are very nourishing for the skin and have a very distinct and fantastic smell. Of course, Turkey’s natural soaps also come with many other ingredients such as lavender, sage, argan, chamomile, and rose. One of our favorites is also soap made from goat’s milk, a really creamy soap perfect for dry skin.

Vinegar made by fermenting different ingredients such as rose, apple, or even strawberries offers a natural way to lighten skin blemishes. In Turkey, these beauty vinegars are also used to cure acne, as an ingredient for face masks, and for irritated male complexions due to shaving.

Tip: If you’re interested in purchasing some of Turkey’s best natural beauty products, then take a look at Istanbul-based Homemade Aromatherapy, which features beauty products made from the best organic ingredients in the country.