In the hot summer, sun protection has become an indispensable daily routine for modern people.
Sunscreen equipment such as sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and clothing are readily available, allowing people to enjoy the sun while effectively protecting their skin from UV rays.
So in ancient times, without the blessing of modern technology, how did the ancients protect themselves from the sun, and did their sunscreen measures be so complete? Today, let's travel through time and space to find out.
The predecessor of sunscreen
In ancient times, people did not have modern synthetic sunscreens, but they relied on the gifts of nature to create simple and effective methods of sun protection from natural herbs.
At that time, some herbs were found to have unique skin care benefits, especially those that grew in sunny areas, and they had a certain ability to resist UV rays.
Therefore, the ancients mashed the juice, leaves or roots of these plants and applied them to the skin to form a natural protective film against ultraviolet rays.
For example, aloe vera is a common natural sunscreen plant. The ancients discovered that the gelatinous substance in aloe vera leaves not only has a cooling and soothing effect, but also effectively reduces the discomfort of the skin after sun exposure.
They cut open the aloe vera leaves, removed the gel and applied directly to the skin of the face and body for sun protection and moisturizing.
Green tea is also one of the sunscreen herbs commonly used by ancient people. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can resist free radical damage and reduce UV damage to the skin.
The ancients dried green tea leaves and ground them into a powder, mixed them with water or other liquids to form a paste, and applied them to the skin to form a layer of sunscreen.
In addition, chrysanthemum, honeysuckle and other herbs with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects were also used by the ancients to make sunscreen skin care products.
These plants not only soothe the skin and reduce redness and itchiness after sun exposure, but also inhibit the production of melanin to a certain extent, preventing the formation of sunspots.
It is worth mentioning that the ancients did not blindly apply these natural herbs for sun protection.
They often choose the right plants and skincare methods according to their skin type, environmental conditions and seasonal changes.
At the same time, they will also observe the changes in the skin and constantly adjust the skincare regimen to achieve the best sun protection effect.
While these natural methods of sun protection may be less effective than modern synthetic sunscreens, they are milder and safer.
The active ingredients in these herbs naturally blend with the skin to provide all-round care without the allergies or irritation that some chemical sunscreens can cause.
With the development of modern technology, people have gradually recognized the value of these natural herbs and began to apply them to modern skin care products.
Many brands have launched sunscreens and skincare products that contain natural herbal ingredients to provide consumers with a safer and more effective skincare experience.
The "double insurance" of ancient sun protection
As the "double insurance" of sun protection in ancient times, sunhats and parasols are not only essential for people to travel, but also symbols of personal identity and taste.
Sunhats were the first choice for sun protection in ancient times, and there are many types and styles.
In the hot summer, both literati and laborers are inseparable from a suitable sunhat.
The hats often worn by the literati and artists had a wide brim to block most of the sunlight, and the patterns and patterns on the hats also reflected their elegant temperament.
Workers, on the other hand, prefer practical and durable straw hats, which are woven from straw or wheat straw and are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for working in the fields.
In addition to the sunhat, the parasol was also an important tool for people in ancient times to protect themselves from the sun.
When women in ancient China went out, they often carried a delicate oil-paper umbrella or silk umbrella. Made from a lightweight, breathable material with beautiful patterns on them, these canopies are both beautiful and functional.
When the sun is strong, women can hold up the umbrella to block the sun and protect their skin from UV rays.
These parasols also have a certain protection function from the rain, allowing women to travel more calmly.
In the hot summer months, the combination of a sun hat and a parasol can provide people with all-round sun protection.
Whether walking in the streets or working in the fields, people can rely on this "double insurance" to resist the scorching sun and stay comfortable and cool.
The sun protection function of ancient clothing
As a kind of modern sunscreen equipment, the sunscreen function of sunscreen clothing has also been reflected in ancient clothing.
In ancient times, people fully considered the needs of sun protection in the design and material selection of clothing, and created many clothing with sun protection function.
Ancient costumes were designed to be loose and breathable, with loose sleeves and a loose body, whether it was a robe or a short shirt.
Not only does this block out most of the skin, reducing direct sunlight, but it also keeps air circulating and reduces sweat production.
Some garments also use special tailoring techniques, such as slits and pleats, to increase the layering and breathability of the garments, and further enhance the sunscreen effect.
The materials of ancient costumes are mostly natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, silk, etc. These materials are breathable and hygroscopic, which can absorb and dissipate heat from the surface of the skin to a certain extent, keeping the skin dry and comfortable.
Other garments are also dyed and processed using special techniques such as dyeing with vegetable dyes or treated with special processes to enhance the sunscreen properties of the garments.
In addition to the choice of design and materials, ancient people also paid attention to sun protection when wearing clothing.
In the sunny afternoon, people try to avoid going out, and if they have to go out, they choose to wear long-sleeved clothing, hats or veils to block out the sun.
In some regions, people also choose to wear different colors depending on the local climate and sunshine.
The uniqueness of the ancient sunscreen culture
Ancient sunscreen measures not only reflect the wisdom of the ancients, but also incorporate rich cultural connotations.
It is believed that excessive sun exposure can damage the body's "yang energy", so it is necessary to protect the health of the body with proper sun protection measures.
Some health texts also record dietary treatments for sun protection, such as eating foods or herbs that have sunscreen effects to strengthen the skin's resistance.
In some religious ceremonies and folk activities in ancient times, sun protection also played an important role.
In Buddhist temples, monks usually wear sunhats and long-sleeved clothing as a sign of respect and devotion to the Dharma.
In some folk festivals, people will also wear brightly colored sunscreen clothing to show the festive atmosphere of the festival.
Modern sunscreen with ancient wisdom
Although modern sunscreen technology has made great progress, ancient sunscreen wisdom is still worth learning and learning from.
The ancient practice of using natural herbs for sun protection has provided us with a more environmentally friendly and healthy sunscreen option.
In modern society, with the increasing concern of people about environmental protection and health, more and more consumers are inclined to choose sunscreens and skin care products that use natural ingredients.
The sun protection design of ancient costumes also provides us with inspiration.
In the design of modern sun-protective clothing, we can learn from the wide robes and large sleeves of ancient clothing, breathable materials and other elements, combined with modern technology and materials, to create both beautiful and practical sun-protective clothing.
Through the exploration of ancient sun protection measures, we can not only see the wisdom and creativity of the ancient people, but also feel their pursuit of a better life and awe of nature.
In modern society, we should cherish and inherit these precious cultural heritages, and at the same time combine modern technology to continuously innovate to bring more convenience and beauty to our lives.
Sunscreen is not just a patent for modern people, it has been an indispensable part of human life since ancient times.
Whether it is the ancient natural herbal skin care, the "double insurance" of sunhats and parasols, the ingenious design of sunscreen clothing, or the continuous innovation of modern sunscreen technology, all reflect the pursuit of a better life and the awe of nature of human beings.
Let's enjoy the sun while not forgetting to protect our skin, so that health and beauty coexist.