Discover the secrets that women from five diverse regions use to embrace their natural beauty and celebrate their culture…

If you are looking for some inspiration to enhance your beauty routine, why not take a cue from women across different points of the globe? From Iceland to Zanzibar, every culture has its own unique and effective ways of enhancing their natural beauty and taking care of their skin and hair. We’ve rounded up some of the best beauty secrets and treatments from around the world that will make you feel like a jetsetter without leaving your home.

ICELAND: Smooth wrinkles with an algae mask
Iceland is famous for its stunning landscapes, but also for its ageless women. Their secret? They use masks made with microalgae derived from the country’s Blue Lagoon waters, a geothermal spa that attracts millions of visitors every year.

How it helps: Omega-3 fatty acids in the plant stimulate collagen production so skin appears smooth and firm. To try it yourself, apply a thin layer of a microalgae mask onto clean skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and enjoy your refreshed complexion.

JAPAN: Reverse hair thinning with a scalp rub
Japan is known for its innovative technology, but also for its ancient traditions. One of them is applying matcha to the scalp to prevent hair-loss and promote shine.

How it helps: The green tea powder is rich in antioxidants and caffeine that stimulate blood flow and hair growth. It also nourishes the hair follicles and protects them from damage. To try it yourself, mix one tablespoon of matcha with two tablespoons of water and massage it into your scalp for 10 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual.

BRAZIL: Cure breakouts with acai berries
Brazil is famous for its vibrant culture, but also for its beautiful women. Their secret? They use acai berries, a superfood that grows in the Amazon rainforest, to treat their skin and hair.

How they help: Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, these are small antioxidant-packed berries, which are said to help with anti-aging and healing wounds. Not only can you eat them, but you’ll see Brazilians use it as a lotion after smashing them and rubbing the juice on their hands.

SWITZERLAND: Reduce swollen ankles with a hot stone massage
Switzerland is known for its snowy mountains and cosy chalets, but also for its relaxing spas. One of their most popular treatments is a hot stone massage, which involves placing heated stones on specific points of the body.

How they help: The heat from the stones relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation, which reduces swelling and fluid retention in the legs and ankles. It also relieves pain and tension in the joints. To try it yourself, place some smooth stones in hot water for 10 minutes, then place them on your lower legs and feet for 15 minutes.

ZANZIBAR: Purify and moisturise with seaweed soap
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. There, seaweed is not only a delicacy, but also a beauty ingredient. The locals use it to make soap because it’s packed full of vitamins A and B12, as well as iron and zinc.

How it helps: It’s both purifying and moisturising, as it cleanses the pores and hydrates the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help with acne and eczema. To try it yourself, look for natural seaweed soap at your local health store, or online.

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