It's no secret that Middle Eastern women are skincare junkies, testing and trying every tip and trick out there to see what works and what doesn't.
In fact, according to a study by Swiss medical and revitalization center, Clinique La Prairie, the healthiest and youngest looking skin in the world belongs to none other than Arab women.
"Arab women have a number of genetic, cultural and environmental factors on their side," said Dr. Roland Ney, a specialist in aesthetic medicine at Clinique La Prairie.
But any Arab woman would tell you that we all have a few secrets up our sleeves that we swear by. Here are 6 tips that have been passed on through generations and have remained loyal to this day.
1. Olive oil
Chances are you'll find an Arab woman raving about the uses and benefits of olive oil seconds after you ask her about skincare. That's mainly due to its undisputed versatility: it can be combined with other ingredients in a face mask to unclog pores, make hair shinier and reduce split ends, and strengthen nails.
Olive oil can also be used as an on-the-go styling spray to make your hair appear less dry and dull.
2. Sugar waxing
Unlike any other type of hair removal, sugaring is helpful with much more than just removing hair. Made with white sugar, lemon juice, and warm water, the paste gets rid of blackheads, dead skin, and flakiness.
The ancient technique is generally considered a much more gentle and less painful process that waxing, with the hair growing back slower and softer.
3. Argan oil
If you're looking for an all-natural moisturizer that will leave your skin looking smooth and glowy, Argan oil is the one for you. Rich in vitamin A and E as well as antioxidants, its benefits include easing inflammation, reducing redness, and acting as a remedy for acne.
A few drops of this all-natural highlighter is more than enough to cover your whole face, leaving you with a glow visible from miles away.
4. Yogurt face mask
While this particular secret is a little unconventional and slightly gross, hundreds of people swear by yogurt as a cure for acne scars, dry skin, and discoloration. The reasoning usually goes by if it's good for you on the inside, it's most probably good for you on the outside too.
Yogurt is packed with vitamins and minerals; it gently exfoliates your skin without causing any irritation or redness. It's typically used as a face mask mixed with honey, oats, or rose water.
5. Turmeric
A recent study found that turmeric boosts memory by nearly 30 percent and eases depression. But this ancient Indian spice does much more than that, as the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits do just as much good to your skin.
Use it as a facial mask mixed with aloe vera for sensitive skin, or with olive oil and rose water for dry skin.
6. Rose Water
The toner of all toners, rose water balances out your skin's pH levels after you've cleansed, and controls oil production. It's found in many products used to cool down burnt skin as it helps reduce redness.
The benefits are endless: it helps moisturize your skin, healing scars and regenerates skin tissues. Rumor has it Cleopatra herself used rose water in her skincare regime.
To apply, simply soak a cotton pad with a few drops of rose water and apply to freshly-cleaned skin before moisturizer.