Thanaka

A common sight here is to see women, children and some men and boys with a yellowish-white paste on their faces. Women here have apparently used it for over 2,000 years.

This thanaka cream is applied daily mainly for cosmetic beauty and sun protection. It smells similar to sandalwood and is mostly applied in a circular patch on each cheek.

The trees come from Central Myanmar and need to be at least 35 years old to produce good quality cuttings. You can see the wood sold everywhere, especially local markets, as small individual logs or in bundles. A large log costs the equivalent of about $4.50. Generally the paste is freshly made, but it can be bought already done.

Thanaka cream is made from grinding the bark with a small amount of water on a circular stone that has a channel around the rim to drain the water. Then a small wooden spatula type tool is used to apply the cream.

 In these modern times cosmetic companies are now making products with thanaka for skin benefits like cleansing, rejuvenation, moisturising, a natural infusion of antioxidants and sunscreen.