The Best Turkish Beauty Tips and Secrets

Sage
Sage | © Pitsch / Pixabay
Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

When we think of beauty in Turkey, the first thing that comes to mind is the many salons where haircuts, hair removal, manicures and pedicures, and much more are available on a regular basis. However, some of the best Turkish beauty tips actually lie in natural ingredients that people have used for centuries.

Rose water

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.

Rose water is great for your skin

Lavender water

Lavender

Turkish bath

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.

Turkish Bath by Jean-Jacques-Francois Le Barbie

Natural soaps

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.

Soap

Vinegar

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.

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