Revealing Greek Secrets to Youthful, Radiant Skin
The Ancients have always appreciated physical beauty. In tune with their bodies and their natural aging process, Greeks often focus on ways to improve their physical appearance. The Greek goddesses and gods of love and beauty, which have symbolized masculinity, femininity, and grace, created a beauty ideal among Greeks, as well as women and men from all walks of life, which not only influenced ancient Greek beauty regimens but has also had a lasting effect on modern-day natural skincare treatments. To the present day, Greeks are well-known and respected for their prestigious, beauty rituals. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, Prickly Pear, Pomegranate, Honey, and Donkey Milk are all-natural products that have been cultivated and used in Greece for hair, skin, and beauty products for more than 3,000 years, and we are proud to use these ingredients in CALITHEA’s skin and body care line.
Olive Oil
Full of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, olive oil restores skin and provides long-lasting moisture. Olive oil contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are beneficial for the skin. Olive oil-based products help prevent chapping, excellent make-up remover, and relieves sunburns. As women grow older, olive oil also helps to protect against the physical signs of aging. It is believed that the wild Olive Tree originated in ancient Greece and was sacred. Women would anoint themselves in olive oil to protect their skin from the environment. It was also used in facial masks to promote a clear-looking complexion. From their diet to their skincare, olive oil is an essential part of Greek culture.
“Growing up in Kalamata, the second-most populous city of the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece, my mother said she used olive oil for everything. She cooked and cleaned with it and applied it daily to her hair and skin. Her philosophy was “look good and feel good,” and when she died at the age of 85, she still had beautiful skin,” explained George.
Donkey Milk
Hippocrates (459 BC Greek Father of Medicine) recommended it for health and skin conditions. Cleopatra bathed in it for silky soft skin. Like Olive Oil, Donkey milk has been used and praised for thousands of years as a great health and skincare ingredient. Donkey milk has powerful anti-aging and healing properties. Rich in Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E which all help to regenerate and soften the skin. Donkey Milk has 4x the amount of vitamin C than Cow’s milk. Simply put more vitamin C = more exfoliation which = more glow. Rich in phospholipids, ceramides, and proteins it promotes long-lasting skin hydration and suppleness. Because of its mild composition, Donkey Milk is ideal for those with sensitive, dry skin types and conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. No doubt that the Ancients had this one right. Donkey Milk is a nutritional Powerhouse for your skin!
Honey
The use of honey as a cosmetic for skincare in Ancient Greece dates to 5000 BC. So what was it that the Ancients realized about Honey. They were able to identify that Honey was packed with all these vitamins and minerals: niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous. Used as a beautifying skin and anti-inflammatory cleanser, and an after-bath moisturizer, honey has also been used to make face-masks and body scrubs. There are five immediate benefits from incorporating Honey based products into your skincare routine:
- It’s a perfect daily cleanser.
- It’s a natural exfoliator.
- It’s great for treating acne.
- It’s a hydrating moisturizer.
- It’s great for anti-aging.
Ancient Greek women enjoyed Honey and Donkey Milk baths as part of their nightly beauty routine. The Greek Secret dating back almost 5000 BC was that the Ancients used what the earth gave them naturally. Olive Oil, Honey, Donkey Milk.
All Good Things of This Earth Come from This Earth ®
Pomegranate Extract
Punicic acid helps to stimulate skin regeneration as well as aids with maturing skin. Pomegranate is rich in many antioxidants like vitamin C as well as others that offer natural UV protection and exfoliation.
Argan Oil
Adds radiance and moisture to dehydrate skin; Rich in vitamins, powerful antioxidants, and fatty acids. Argan offers UV protection, increases the skin’s elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin’s vitality.
Shea Butter
A fabulous foundation ingredient that is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids: superb emollient of the skin, nourishes the skin and protects it from harsh weather conditions.
Cocoa Butter
Another fantastic foundation ingredient helps reduce cutaneous dryness, improves the skin’s elasticity, reduces stretch marks and rehydrates dry skin.
Chamomile
Used for centuries to treat eczema & skin irritations: due to Chamomile’s strong anti-inflammatory action it calms and soothes sensitive skin
Avocado Oil
Rich in essential fatty acids, amino acid proteins, and vitamins A, D, and E: moisturizes and aids in skin rejuvenation. Promotes skin regeneration and softens dry skin. It is known to be a rich and expensive oil.
Carob Extract
Stimulates the repair & regeneration of collagen and can help improve fine lines and wrinkles. High levels of vitamins A and B-2.
Prickly Pear
Is extremely high in essential fatty acids, omega-6 & 9 rich in amino acids, and loaded with vitamin E & K. All this promotes skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production, and helps with brightening under-eye dark circles.
Babassu Butter
Melts as soon as it comes in contact with the skin to form a breathable, non-greasy, protective layer to prevent moisture loss and leave the skin silky soft. Packed with fatty acids and rich in vitamin E. Babassu stimulates new collagen and elastin proteins.
Aloe Vera
Over 2,000 years ago the ancient Greeks were able to identify the active components within Aloe beneficial to the health of one’s skin. Along with vitamins A, C, and E, (all antioxidants), vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline they realized that Aloe provides many benefits in skincare:
- Aiding in skin replenishment encourages collagen production and increases elasticity resulting in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Soothes dry and damaged skin.
- Maintaining skin soft and well-moisturized and used for the body.
- Unique treatment for scars, stretch marks, freckles, age spots, and dehydrated skin.
Ever since then, Aloe Vera has been a keystone ingredient in The Greek Secret and almost all skincare routines.
