Skincare through the decades: What we can learn from vintage beauty secrets

Hello everyone!

Welcome back to another Wisdom Wednesday. Today, we’re embarking on a fascinating journey through time to explore skincare practices across the decades. From ancient rituals to our grandmothers’ kitchen concoctions, vintage beauty secrets offer timeless wisdom we can adapt to our modern, ethical vegan routines. As an ethical vegan, I’ll highlight plant-based twists on these historical gems. So, settle in with a herbal tea, and let’s uncover the skincare treasures of the past!

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Ancient Beginnings: Cleopatra’s Plant-Powered Rituals

We begin with the legendary Cleopatra, whose radiant skin was the envy of the ancient world. While she’s famed for milk baths, ethical vegans like us can look to her use of aloe vera instead. This desert plant, packed with soothing and hydrating properties, was a staple in her regimen. She also reportedly used crushed fruits like grapes for their antioxidant boost, gently cleansing and revitalising her complexion.

Cleopatra’s reliance on nature inspires us to keep things simple and plant-based. Swap the milk bath for a cooling aloe vera mask—straight from the leaf if you can—or mash up some grapes for a quick, antioxidant-rich cleanse. It’s a cruelty-free way to channel her regal glow.

Medieval Glow: Rosewater and Herbal Infusions

In the Middle Ages, skincare embraced botanical elegance. Distilled from petals, rosewater was a prized toner for its refreshing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Women also brewed herbal infusions—think chamomile or calendula—to calm irritation and heal blemishes in a time before synthetic remedies.

These medieval practices align perfectly with vegan values. Rosewater remains a staple in my routine, misting my face post-cleanse for a dewy finish. A chamomile tea bag, steeped and cooled, doubles as a soothing eye compress. It’s proof that plant-based beauty is both timeless and effective.

Victorian Elegance: Oil-Based Cleansing and Sun Protection

The Victorian era brought a focus on refinement, with oil-based concoctions replacing animal-fat creams. Think almond oil or olive oil blended with floral waters—these were early versions of today’s cleansing oils. Avoiding the sun was also key, with parasols and hats shielding delicate complexions from harsh rays.

For us, the Victorians highlight gentle cleansing and protection. A few drops of almond oil can melt away makeup without stripping your skin, leaving it soft and nourished. And while we might enjoy a bit of sunshine, their sun-shy ways remind us to layer on SPF daily. Prevention is the ultimate anti-ageing secret!

1920s Glamour: Oatmeal Masks and Pore Perfection

The 1920s saw skincare and makeup merge, with Hollywood glamour setting the tone. Oatmeal masks, made from ground oats and water, were a DIY favourite for smoothing skin and calming redness. Women also used lemon juice as a natural astringent to tighten pores—a zesty, vegan-friendly trick.

This decade shows how plant-based ingredients prep skin for a flawless finish. I love an oatmeal mask before a night out—it’s gentle yet effective, especially for sensitive skin. A diluted lemon juice rinse (test it first!) can mimic that 1920s pore-tightening magic. Simple, vegan, and oh-so-chic.

1950s Simplicity: Plant Oils and Minimalism

Post-war 1950s skincare leaned into practicality. Plant-derived oils like coconut or jojoba were used to hydrate dry skin, replacing animal-based lanolin. Petroleum jelly was a multi-tasker too, but for a vegan twist, we can look to shea butter—a rich, creamy alternative from the African shea tree.

The 1950s teach us that less is more. A dab of coconut oil as an overnight mask locks in moisture without fuss, while shea butter soothes chapped lips or rough patches. It’s affordable, ethical, and straight from nature—just how we like it.

1970s Natural Vibes: Avocado and Essential Oils

The 1970s embraced a free-spirited, back-to-nature vibe. Avocado masks, mashed with a splash of lemon or olive oil, delivered a hydrating, vitamin-packed punch. Essential oils like tea tree (for blemishes) and lavender (for calm) also surged in popularity, reflecting a growing love for organic skincare.

This decade feels like home for vegan beauty lovers. Avocado is my go-to when my skin’s crying for moisture—blend it with a drop of tea tree oil for a spot-fighting boost. These 1970s staples are now in everything from serums to balms, proving that plant power never goes out of style.

Modern Lessons from the Past

What ties these vintage secrets together? They’re rooted in nature, simplicity, and care—values that resonate deeply with ethical veganism. Cleopatra’s aloe vera inspires us to hydrate naturally, while Victorian oils encourage gentle cleansing. The 1920s oatmeal masks prep us for glamour, and the 1970s avocado reminds us of nature’s abundance. These weren’t fleeting trends—they worked because they nurtured the skin with what it truly needs.

Today, we’ve got vegan-friendly innovations aplenty, but blending them with these old-school tricks feels grounding. Pair a high-tech vegan hyaluronic acid with an avocado mask, or follow your oil cleanse with a rosewater mist. It’s the best of both worlds—compassionate, effective, and beautifully nostalgic.

Bringing It Home

Ready to weave these vintage gems into your routine? Start small. Splash your face with aloe vera gel after a long day, or whip up an oatmeal mask for a weekend treat. Massage some coconut oil before bed, or spritz rosewater for a midday pick-me-up. These plant-based rituals don’t just care for your skin—they honour a legacy of beauty that’s kind to the planet.

I loved exploring this skincare time capsule with you! It’s incredible how much we can borrow from history while staying true to our vegan ethos. Now, over to you: What plant-based vintage beauty trick are you excited to try, or do you have a family skincare recipe that’s cruelty-free and fabulous? Share your thoughts in the comments—I can’t wait to hear them!

Until next time,