iVillage

Global Beauty: Skincare Traditions From Around the World

From spicy body masks to seaweed soaks, the world's women turn to nature in their quest for perfect skin and lustrous hair (21 Photos)

Katie Alberts and Fiorella Valdesolo on Apr 23, 2013 at 2:00PM

chime in now

Single View
View All

1 of 21

Global Beauty: Skincare Traditions From Around the World

Jami Tarris/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images

Australia: Emu Oil as an Anti-Ager

In the Land Down Under, the oil from the fat of an emu (the world’s second largest bird after the ostrich) is an effective hydrating treatment, thanks to natural antioxidants and fatty acids that almost mimic those found in human skin. Emu oil also has powerful cell-regenerating properties to thicken skin, and it tests low on the comedogenic scale so it won’t clog pores in the process. Emu oil has also been studied as an anti-inflammatory agent for burns and aching joints.

Cultural practice: Australian Aborigine would wrap each other in emu pelts to cure aches after a particularly intense hunting outing.