Thanaka: What's the Yellow Powder used in myanmar
Each country boasts unique beauty secrets rooted in nature, passed down through generations. In Japan, green tea and camellia oil are beauty staples, while Indian women rely on the Neem tree for skincare. Vietnam embraces natural ingredients like honey, fish mint, and turmeric.
In Myanmar, Thanaka used by women, is a traditional golden-yellow powder made from ground tree bark, to enhance their skin. Often seen on the faces of Myanmar women, Thanaka serves as a natural sunscreen, moisturizer, and cooling agent, reflecting the secret of beauty by Burmese.
Originating in Myanmar, Thanaka has been a cherished skincare secret for centuries. Known for its distinctive fragrance and unique effects, it remains a staple in Burmese face. Walk through any street in Myanmar, and you’ll notice women wearing Thanaka, a traditional white, or most of the time, golden colored powder used as sunscreen and makeup. Many locals swear by its natural benefits, describing it as a creamy, gold-toned paste that protects and enhances the skin.
What is Thanaka Powder?
People in myanmar use Thanaka as a tradition, this is a cherished plant in grow in Burma. Locals grind Thanaka trunks into an ivory-yellow powder and apply it to their face, neck, arms, and legs. Thanaka nourishes the skin, protects against the sun, and promotes collagen to keep teh skin younger and therefore slow the skin aging. Whether in cities or villages, you’ll often see Burmese people, young and old, applying Thanaka on their faces.
How the Burmese Prepare and Use Thanaka Powder
Preparing Thanaka in Myanmar involves a simple yet easy process. Locals grind the bark of the Thanaka tree on a stone slab with water, creating a creamy paste. This natural skincare routine has been a cherished beauty secret in Myanmar for generations, valued for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Preparation
To prepare Thanaka beauty powder, soak the roots and bark in water. Pound them using a stone mortar and flat stone, then grind them into an ivory-colored powder with a light fragrance. Many Myanmar women carry a stone mortar for grinding Thanaka while traveling or working away from home for convenience.
Applying Thanaka powder on the skin
The use of Thanaka in skincare products has grown significantly. Beyond Myanmar, many countries now study and incorporate Thanaka into cosmetic production, making it a globally recognized.
Is applying Thanaka benefits the healthy skin?
For the Burmese, Thanaka powder is like an “addiction” due to its many benefits for skin and health. They believe Thanaka protects against the sun, cools the skin, prevents acne, and provides nutrients. Additionally, Thanaka powder helps treat malaria, epilepsy, leprosy, and digestive infections. As a result, Myanmar people use it daily and consider it an essential part of their routine.
Studies show that Thanaka offers numerous benefits for beauty and health:
- It provides effective sun protection by blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays and capturing free radicals.
- Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent acne and speed up wound healing.
- Thanaka boosts collagen production and has anti-aging effects. It inhibits tyrosinase, prevents melanin synthesis, and brightens the skin.
- Thanaka boosts collagen production and has anti-aging effects. It inhibits tyrosinase, prevents melanin synthesis, and brightens the skin.
- It cleanses sebum, excess oil, and dirt, unclogs pores, and removes dead skin cells. It also helps reduce acne and dark spots.
Today, Myanmar’s Thanaka is widely used in Southeast Asia and has spread to Europe and the U.S. Beyond direct application to the skin, Thanaka is also a key ingredient in many skincare products.
What about the side-effects of using Thanaka?
No side effects been reported so far, however, applying Thanaka is not recommended for those with skin pores and not clinically advsed for people who struggle with acne. Additionally, Burmese people believe Thanaka is a natural gift from nature. It contains two active compounds, coumarin and marmesin, which make it effective in treating bacterial, fungal, acne, and aging issues. Additionally, Thanaka serves as a natural remedy to remove dead skin cells and control excessive facial oil. Studies also show that Thanaka inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that triggers melanin synthesis and causes skin discoloration. Regular use of Thanaka can reduce melanin activity and brighten the skin’s complexion.
Does Thanaka powder really work or is it just a herbal remedy? Is there any legit science to back it up?
So many travelers who buy it for using have reported that it worked for them. It helps to cool off the skin, and prevent from sunburn.
Where to buy Thanaka powder?
Local Markets in Myanmar
Skincare Stores
Some special skin care stores or beauty shops that focus on natural or traditional skincare products sell Thanaka. These stores are often located in regions with large Myanmar or Southeast Asian communities.
Online Retailers
Myanmar-based Online Stores
Some online stores based in Myanmar ship Thanaka internationally. Check with reputable Myanmar-based online retailers to see if they can deliver to your location.
Ethnic Grocery Stores
