Think Beauty:Thanaka

 

Thanaka or also spelt as thanakha is a paste made from ground bark. This distinctive feature of the culture of Myanmar is commonly applied to the face, arms or even body of the women and girls. This tradition also vividly spread to the neighbouring countries including Thailand. The bark, wood or roots are ground with a small amount of water on a circular slate slab called kyauk pyin , which has a channel around the rim for the water to drain into.

     Thanaka has a fragrant scent similar to sandalwood, This creamy paste applied to the face in an attractive design,the most common form being a circular patch on each cheek, nose, sometimes made stripey with the fingers are known as thanaka be gya or patterned in the shape of a leaf, often also highlighting the bridge of the nose with it at the same time. Thanaka can be applied from head to toe too. This is a cultural significance for the women or girl over decades and definitely exhibits skin or health benefits too:

• cooling sensation
• protection from sunburn
• remove acne
• promote smooth skin
• antifungal properties
• effective moisturizer

Not to surprise, Indian uses thanaka with kusumba oil or safflower oil for hair removal at face or body. Besides that,thanaka is safe for external application but oral consumption may harm the digestive health. Thanks for the online platform to make thanaka available in every part of the world but not in Myanmar only.Mix 1 -2 teaspoon of thanaka with 3 teaspoons of water to make a paste and apply over the skin. Leave for at least 30minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.