Wander through the streets of Myanmar, (Burma) and you’ll notice something unique, faces adorned with pale yellow patterns, often in circles, stripes, or leaf shapes

This isn’t makeup. It’s thanaka

Used for over 2,000 years, thanaka is a traditional paste made by grinding the bark of the thanaka tree with water on a smooth stone

Worn mostly by women and children, it’s far more than a cultural adornment

Thanaka is celebrated for its natural sun protection and cooling properties, ideal in Myanmar’s hot climate

It’s also believed to help with acne and promote smooth, healthy skin

In a world chasing the next skincare trend, Myanmar’s secret lies in this simple, centuries-old ritual, natural, practical, and proudly worn

We are very grateful to have found a window of time, when we could visit the country

And we hope that sometime soon, the company will be without fear and open again

Thank you to Julie Harris for modeling thanaka in the photo