For those blessed with fantastic glowing skin…good for you. Please continue on about your day.
For the rest of us though, dealing with our range of skin concerns is seemingly a full time job. Personally, I have clinically dry skin, caused by a medication I have been on since I was eight, as well as keratosis pilaris, acne, hyperpigmentation, and now fine lines and wrinkles.
How fun.
But at least I know I’m not alone. Across the globe, different cultures have perfected their own rituals for keeping skin clear, soft, and protected. Think ancient grains turned into gentle scrubs, floral waters that calm irritation, or clever hygiene habits passed down for generations.
And sure, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but having a healthy glow definitely doesn’t hurt.
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries and have seen a lot of beautiful people in every corner of the world. But in five particular countries, I was enamored by their attention give to skin health. I’ve picked up a few tricks (and products) in my travels, and these are the top skin secrets that may be missing from your routine.
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(Oscar Martin via Getty Images)South Korea: Clear Face
South Korea has earned a global reputation for having some of the most innovative skincare on the planet, and there’s a good reason for that. The government actively backs this status, launching a 40 billion won (~$27 million USD) K-Beauty Fund to support small businesses, research, and fuel exports for Korea’s beauty industry.
In Korea, clear skin is a deeply rooted beauty standard, signaling both health and discipline. If you are visiting South Korea, be sure to stock up on face topicals and sheet masks, but thankfully the rest of the world is slowly but surely catching on to Korean beauty so you can also find products online and potentially in your home stores as well!
Brazil: Lush Hair
From supermodels like Gisele and Adriana Lima to global pop stars like Iza, Anitta, and Gabi from Blackswan, Brazil is known for producing some of the world’s most talented and beautiful people. However, amongst its stunning diversity, one beauty rule unites all Brazilians: hair health.
Lush, strong, and shiny hair isn’t just about looks, it’s a point of pride and a reflection of overall wellness. When it comes to hair, Brazilians have it down to a science with products, techniques, and even diet. That’s right, healthy hair starts from the inside out, so be sure to incorporate nutrient dense foods like black beans, avocados, and nuts into your meals.
That said, haircare isn’t a one size fits all. Get to know your hair based on its texture, density, and porosity – there’s a lot more to it than just straight/curly/kinky. Then based on your hair type, you can narrow in on practices and products that are best for YOU.
Nigeria: Soft Skin
Nigeria has quietly built a global reputation for some of the smoothest and softest skin you will ever see. Have y’all see the Nollywood actors and actresses?? There’s something about West Africa that promotes glowing skin.
I mean, the region did gave the world black soap and shea body oil. They should get an Olympic medal for that alone.
Across West Africa, glowing skin is more than a beauty standard, though that’s definitely a factor too. Personal hygiene and daily skin care rituals go back to the very beginning, and even carried over the diaspora. I certainly remember my mother slathering Vaseline all over my body as a child until I was a cute (albeit slick) glazed donut.
To incorporate this practice at home, with slightly less tubs of Vaseline, layer raw shea butter over damp skin right after your shower to lock in moisture and maintain create a radiant finish over your skin.
Hawai’i: Sun Protection
Despite many Hawaiians and folks living in Hawai’i having very outdoor lifestyles, residents living on the Hawaiian Islands keep remarkably healthy skin. Though melanin offers some natural defense against UV rays, prolonged sun exposure can accelerate aging, damage collagen and cellular DNA, and increase skin cancer risks for all skin tones.
Native Hawaiians traditionally used kukui nut oil to condition both their hair and skin, which acted as an additional barrier to the sun along with wide brimmed hats. These days, Hawai’i has led the charge for sustainable and eco-friendly sunscreen, enacting laws that prohibit sunscreens that harm the ecosystem.
Finland: Internal Glow
If you have your ear to the beauty streets, then you might’ve heard the whisperings of contrast therapy. It’s the next big thing in the beauty industry and Finland is the country at the helm of its globalization.
The ancient Nordic practice of contrast therapy involves moving between areas of very hot and very cold, like steeping your body in a steamy sauna and then jumping into a cold pool. Finns have trusted this rhythm for centuries to boost circulation, tighten pores, reduce puffiness, and leave skin glowing from the inside out. It also wakes up the entire body and calms the mind, proving when you look good, you really do feel good. Perhaps that is one reason Finland ranks among the happiest countries on earth.
That and amazing social services. But I digress.
If you don’t have access to a sauna or cold plunge, you can also toggle between hot water and cold water in the shower.
