A trip to Myanmar isn’t complete unless one gets a little thanaka. Yep, thanaka.
For more than 2000 years, the women of Myanmar have been using thanaka cream and powder as their daily beauty regimen. It has a touch of sandalwood scent which is why it also serves as their perfume as well. The people of Myanmar believe the thanaka bark cools their skin, tightens the pores and controls oiliness. Traditionally, women will grind the bark of the thanaka tree with a little water on a flat, circular stone. This grinding process produces a milky yellow liquid that dries quickly when applied to the skin, forming a powdery protective covering. The cream is applied to the face in circular designs, but also in more artistic ways such as a leaf or even flower shapes.
thanaka tree
Thanaka wood is also used in handicrafts such as combs, boxes, and other small trinkets, and the tree’s roots are used as a laxative. This is what was amazing throughout my visit in Myanmar. Everything was used in multiple ways and nothing went to waste. Nothing.
Everywhere throughout Myanmar you’ll experience thanaka cream used on faces of all ages! Like argon oil is to Morocco, wonder how long it’ll be before thanaka is exported too?
On a side note…gotta love that kids in Myanmar can easily entertain themselves,
without the help of electronics and toys!
Coming up soon…Inle Lake in Myanmar…my absolute favorite!
Until then…just a touch more to share before we head there!
What a fabulous image of you, Robin!!! I can see it as your profile pic. 🙂
And now I’m wondering…doesn’t the thanaka treatment dry the skin out? And if so, how is that considered helpful? It seems to be the opposite of what we’ve been taught to do. Or is it that the skin is softer once it’s washed off??? So many questions after this post…but what amazing connections once again to this people and culture!
lovely Images, especially your thanaka smile… the portrait of the local woman so perfect and natural….
and the kids…. playing with sticks and imagination…. like in the old times
The connection between you and the woman in the first photo is so beautiful. I can see it in your eyes and beautiful smile. Love all the beautiful photos, especially the children playing. Great post. Thanks for sharing. XoXo MORE!!!
I think I’v already mentioned it – I LOVE your portraits. And stories. And you look beautiful, too – open and partaking.
Love seeing you, Robin! Beautiful photo! And I, too, would love to know more about thanaka and what it does. I must have been on the same wavelength as you, as today I did a post about the beauty secret that is coconut oil. It would be interesting to know if thanaka has similar properties.
Great post and images!
So much pure beauty! I know it would be special to have a comb made out of the thanaka wood.
Love you and all that you share.
Pretty amazing how nothing goes to waste with the thanka trees. We could learn do much from these beautiful people. I am digging your thanka smile too! Love you!!
Robin, apart from your beautiful captures, you look pretty stunning yourself!
I hope you know a visit to your Blog is one of my great free pleasures. I love your adventures and your amazing eye for a picture and an experience. You look very nice and happy in the picture, which is an added bonus to me, especially as its raining outside, and it looks nice and warm there
So sweet, you are so naturally beautiful, I absolutely LOVE that photo. Your beauty, your connection with people, your love, it just radiates.
So interesting, of course I had to delve more into the thanaka thing. It is available on Amazon. I do wonder if it dries the skin, too. It’s fascinating that most of the people wear it during the day. So wonderful, too that uses were found for all parts of the tree.
Wonderful wonderful pictures. I had the same thought as Ginnie. It looks to me that the skin dries out. But if it keeps the skin cool that might work too.
I love the portrait of the lady. The children are adorable.