Thanaka is a traditional powder derived from the bark of certain trees. People grind the tree bark against a flat and wet circular smooth stone then put the paste on to the face, mainly the cheeks for skin care purpose. The Thanaka paste has the slightly yellowish color with the little silky texture and the pleasant smell of tree bark.
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Thanaka, traditional Burmese beauty secret
What is Thanaka ?
Thanaka is a traditional powder derived from the bark of certain trees. People grind the tree bark against a flat and wet circular smooth stone then put the paste on to the face, mainly the cheeks for skin care purpose. The Thanaka paste has the slightly yellowish color with the little silky texture and the pleasant smell of tree bark.
The circular wet stone is used to make Thanaka powder
The history of Thanaka dated from the earliest stages of the country’s development for more than 2000 years ago. It is believed that the usage of Thanaka as cosmetics was invented by the legendary queen living in the ruined ancient city during this period. After many historical events occurred, the usage of Thanaka is still being remained. Nowadays, together with the rise of modern technology, Thanaka is a favorite cosmetics under the form of a thick cream or a powder making it more convenient to use.
In fact, another parts of Thanaka trees are used for many purposes. Wood is widely used for making handicrafts such as combs, boxes or little trinkets for women wearing. The roots of Thanaka tree are used for indigenous medicines. However, it is only the cosmetic purpose that makes Thanaka famous for being a secret of the Burmese beauty.
Why Burmese use Thanaka?
Locating in the tropical climate zone, the temperature of Myanmar remains pretty hot throughout the year; thus, many Burmese own the dark brown skin because of the effect of weather for working outdoors. However, most of them always have a firm, smooth and rarely acne skin thanks to using Thanaka powder.
Myanmar girl with traditional Thanaka on their faces
Thanaka becomes a multi-purpose cream/ powder which has all of the positive effects. Thanaka sunscreen to protect your skin from sunlight, makeup, skincare day and night. Furthermore, its active ingredients of coumarin and marmesin account for anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti acne; that help remove dead skin (cleansing) and control excessive facial oil that balance the moisture all day.
For these reasons, from young to old, both male and female prefer use this natural cosmetic rather than any other beauty methods for daily life. As the Thanaka is not aging limitation, they use Thanaka for the kids since very little to protect their skins when they grow up.
