Beauty secrets of the East

By Siew Ching Chua for Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Want to play a comparison game? Take an Asian woman and a Western woman, both in their 30s. Chances are, the Asian woman will look years younger with her porcelain skin while the Western woman is more predisposed to look older than her age.

Skin experts blame it on the Western habit of worshipping the sun a little too much. There is no question about it – the sun ages you prematurely, resulting in your skin looking much older than what it is supposed to be. But let’s not deny the fact that Asian women are extremely particular with their skincare routine. Just take a look at the many Taiwanese, Korean and Japanese skincare brands that have arrived in many of Malaysia’s shopping malls.

While Western women are happy with just their regular three-step routine, Asian women are more diligent when it comes to their facial regimen, indulging in more than just three steps for perfect skin. Also, there are many Asian-specific herbs and botanicals that have proven efficacy, top to toe.

Let’s take a look at some of the more popular beauty secrets of the East:

Korean ginseng is well known for its health properties, but did you also know that it is one of the most popular ingredients used by Korean women for their skincare products?

Loaded with antioxidants, drinking a cup a day will help fight against ageing signs, as ginseng helps to neutralise wrinkle-causing free radicals to keep ageing at bay. It also boosts skin’s metabolism, helping to repair damages quicker.

So invest in good Korean ginseng if you want to reap its skin benefits. Steep a few pieces (you don’t need a lot for it to be effective as the root is very potent itself) in hot water, and drink once in the morning and once at night. Also, look out for ginseng when buying skincare products. Nothing like slapping on this goodness straight onto the skin.

Chinese people have been drinking tea for more than 4,000 years. Obviously, there is reason why – drinking tea is linked with anti-ageing and weight loss! Whether it is white, green or oolong tea, a cup a day seems to do the trick. Not only that, tea can also be used as a beauty ingredient. Mix one part tea and one part rosemary essence to use as a hair rinse. The result? Shiny, beautiful hair.

Also popular with the Chinese is foot reflexology. In recent years, Malaysia has seen the boom of many shops offering such services. Why is it so popular? Not only is it good for your soul, a foot rub – the Asian way – helps to increase blood flow, which in turns detoxifies your body and allows skin to glow.

Coconut is a popular beauty ingredient amongst the Indians. It is said that consuming a tablespoon of organic coconut oil will do your skin and body a whole lot of good. Also, using coconut oil on your hair will maintain your crowning glory. Simply pour a few drops on your palms, rub it through your hair, and if you want extra conditioning, slip on a shower cap, turn up the hot water in your bath to create some steam for a home-style spa. Want a quick solution? Go to the local market and get yourself some coconut milk. Use this as a rinse after washing your hair to enhance its shine. Just make sure you rinse it off thoroughly!

In Indonesia and India, turmeric is known as the super skincare spice for its many skin-loving properties. It is used as part of a bridal beautification ritual in India where turmeric is mixed with grain flour to create a paste to be used all over the body. In Indonesia, its root is used to exfoliate the skin. It is said to help deeply cleanse skin and give it a beautiful glow. Also, the spice is used to treat acne and blemishes, as well as heal dry skin. Talk about multi-purpose! If you are planning to stock up your vanity kit with this super spice, make sure you use the kasturi turmeric version, as the regular type will stain your skin. Just go to the local market to ask for this.

Rice flour is a very important ingredient to Japanese women in helping keep their skin so fair and smooth. You can also use it to make your own facial masque at home. Just take two tablespoons of rice flour (you can make this by grinding some rice in a coffee grinder), mix it with one tablespoon of whipped cream. Combine to create a foamy paste. Apply all over face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Remove by rinsing face thoroughly.

Just like the Japanese, the Koreans are obsessed with fair skin. During the Korya dynasty, children from the upper class society used peach flower water on their skin to ensure fairness. Today, you don’t have to hunt high and low for this unique ingredient (chances are you probably won’t find it here in Malaysia). Instead, make sure you are diligent with your sunblock application! Or as an alternative, take a few mint leaves, grind down to a paste and apply on skin. Leave for 15 minutes for the cooling effect to take place. Easy!

Credit to : http://my.custom.yahoo.com