Get healthy, glowing skin, the Greek way!

Strategies for healthy, glowing skin – the Greek way!

 Have you ever wondered whether the ancient Greeks knew or cared about skincare? The answer to this question is a resounding ‘yes’ – and many of their hacks for healthy skin are still valuable today. Whether you’re suffering from dry skin, acne-prone skin, or premature ageing, the Greeks of either the ancient or modern worlds have probably thought of an effective skin strategy for you. Read on to find out how you can achieve great skin – the Greek way! 

1. Greek honey - reduces dryness, scarring and inflammation

If you’ve read our blog about honey, you’ll already know about its many superfood properties. Did you know that it can be used topically for a whole host of skin conditions, too? Hippocrates himself prescribed honey over 2000 years ago to treat wounds and scarring! Its high vitamin and amino acid content helps to nourish dry skin and improve skin elasticity. As it is a natural anti-inflammatory, honey can also combat inflammation and acne. 

How to use: For a hydrated, glowing complexion, spread a thin layer of Greek honey onto your skin. After 10 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.

2. Greek yoghurt – hydrates the skin, masks signs of aging and reverses sun damage

Greek yoghurt is rich in probiotics which not only promote gut health, but also balance the skin’s pH and trap moisture in the skin. This makes it the perfect treatment for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dry skin as well as for UV-induced skin damage. It also acts as an incredible sunburn relief – if you don’t have aloe vera on hand, slap some Greek yoghurt on your skin and it will work just as well!

How to use: If you suffer from dry, dehydrated skin, apply Greek yoghurt directly on your skin as a mask and wash it off after 10 minutes.

3. Olive oil – moisturises the skin, combats premature aging and reverses sun damage

Olive oil has been well-known as a superfood in Greece for centuries. It’s not only beneficial as part of your diet; it could also be the next addition to your skincare routine! It’s rich in Vitamin K, D and E which fight against premature aging and its high antioxidant levels mean that it can also treat sun damage.

How to use: After cleansing your skin, drip a few drops of olive oil directly onto the skin. In this case, less is more – applying too much to your skin may clog your pores and cause acne.  

4. Sea salt – calms irritation and exfoliates the skin  

It may interest you to know that the Ancient Greeks touted the health benefits of thalassotherapy, or sea bathing, as many as 2000 years ago; it was prescribed to treat various skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. Today, this advice is just as valid. Swimming in the sea can soothe inflamed skin as well as relieve stress.

How to use: Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the beach – use a sea salt scrub to exfoliate your skin or prepare yourself a sea salt bath at home instead.

5. Oregano oil – treats skin disorders and infections

Oregano oil was a firm favourite of Hippocrates, who prescribed it to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. It can also help to treat bacterial and fungal infections and reduce inflammation in the skin.

How to use: So that your skin can reap the full benefits of oregano oil, add a few drops of its pure essential form to a bowl of hot water, then mix this with another oil, like coconut oil. Apply a few drops of this mixture to your skin after cleansing.

6. Vitamin D – boosts your immune system and calms acne

Does your skin look extra radiant after spending a summer in Greece? This may not just be down to your glowing tan – a healthy dose of Vitamin D promotes your immune function, which protects your skin and helps it to recover from damage. This is particularly beneficial to those with acne-prone skin, so if you suffer from acne, make sure your skin is seeing enough sun rays. The Ancient Greeks knew about this health tip, too; they used to prescribe heliosis, or sun therapy, to boost both physical and mental wellbeing.

Be careful, though – you should always apply SPF before exposing your skin to UV rays. As it gets darker in the winter months, you can exchange your daily dose of sun-worshipping for Vitamin D supplements. 

7. Take things siga siga to reduce stress

Stress isn’t good for any part of your body, and your skin is no exception. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol which reduces your immune function and makes your skin vulnerable to potential damage. This can cause breakouts, premature aging and flare-ups of existing skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. So, take notes from the Ikarians and take things siga siga – slowly slowly – to destress.

8. Exercise – not too little, but not too much

Galen argued that ‘when the body is in need of motion, exercise is healthy and rest morbid; when it is in need of a break, rest is healthy and exercise morbid’. Read this as the Ancient Greek way of saying listen to your body! Your skin will thank you – by encouraging more efficient blood circulation, engaging in moderate exercise regularly promotes the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

9. Get enough sleep

Throughout time, the Greeks have known the restorative power of sleep. We all know how much siestas are worshipped there! It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason – new collagen is produced in your sleep, preventing premature aging and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Your cortisol level also drops in your sleep, allowing your immune system to repair skin damage.