Would you want to use a skin lotion that was over 2000 years old? Well, according to this story, scientists at the University of Bristol did just that, sort of. They were on an archeological dig back in 2004 when they found a small pot that contained a whitish cream. After a little lab analysis it was discovered to be some kind of cosmetic made up of animal fat, starch and tin oxide. Based on the chemical composition, they mixed up their own version and tried it out.
According to one researcher,
“This cream had a pleasant texture when rubbed into the skin,” the researchers wrote in Thursday’s issue of the journal Nature.
“Although it felt greasy initially, owing to the fat melting as a result of body heat, this was quickly overtaken by the smooth powdery texture created by the starch; remarkably, starch is still used for this purpose in modern cosmetics.”
I don’t know about you but I find it heartwarming to have this connection with the ancients. And it’s also nice to know that that bottle of cucumber melon lotion tucked away in the dark recesses of your bathroom cabinet that you received as a gift from Bath & Body Works may just inspire archeologists 2000 years from now.
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That’s pretty cool, I love when people discover things like this.
Well, you gotta figure that even back then people needed a relief from dry skin, because man, it HURTS! I’ve given up using lotions because it’s too much expense and trouble for too poor results. However, my hands are “winter dry” and now my knuckles are cracking and stuff.
And doesn’t animal fat have warming properties too? Isn’t that what they slather on people who plan on swimming the English Chanel so they won’t get hypothermia?
I really love to try that one, to feel the ancient connection.. I guess it’s effective, since it was made ages ago. And there were no modern cosmetics yet before. So I guess all mixtures were natural. The more natural, the more effective, and the lesser side effects.
Bryan, I am astounded at your comment. “The more natural, the more effective, and the lesser side effects.”
….just….I have no words.
Yeah, that lead powder that people used to put on their faces hundreds of years ago was definitely totally safe and side-effect free.
i want to bleach my hair and whiten my teeth but I want to do it all naturally. I guess I’ll use horse urine like in the old days. Hey, it’s natural!
I think what Bryan is prob trying to say that if its not full of nasty chemicals…thats how I read the post anyway
Jami you should try some natural products which contain shea and/or cocoa butter. I use olive squalane on my dry sensitive skin and apply it to damp skin as you would baby oil & it works great for me. Or even by the 3 ingredients and heat together gently in a bain marie, stick in a container let set and voila a lovely natural moisturiser!!
Tried those, don’t do diddly squat. It’s too much trouble and expensive and it’s not like I have a man who touches me anyway. So why bother? I’d rather spend the money on computer games or sheet music then waste it on yet another lotion that doesn’t work.
Roo, you do know that *everything* is made of chemicals? Everything.