Before I left for Myanmar, several girlfriends requested that I bring back Thanaka powder for them. Prior to my trip to Myanmar, I didn't know what Thanaka is. I am not familiar with cosmetics :P
It is a special cream or powder made out of Thanaka trees which grow abundantly in central Myanmar. This yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from the ground bark represents an important part of Myanmar tradition.
In Myanmar, everywhere that I go, I see this paste applied on the faces and sometimes the arms of women and girls. Some men and boys apply it too. It is a distinctive feature of Myanmar.
On my second day in Myanmar, my tour guide brought us to a street market. The women in our tour group was immediately fascinated by this unique wood and its powder when I was haggling over the price with the hawker.
The hawker was selling Thanaka in its natural state as small logs individually or in bundles. It is also available as a paste or in powder form.
Had I bought the log, I would have to grind the bark or wood of the Thanaka tree with a small amount water on a circular stone slab called kyauk pyin which has a channel round the rim for the water to drain into. It is more sensible to buy the ground powder. All I have to do is to add water to it and then I could apply the paste to my face :).
One of our tour members was shooting away while the tour guide was giving an introduction of Myanmar's street market, you can catch a glimpse of me in the picture.
We can buy Thanka powder in Singapore too as there are many Myanmar citizens working and residing here.
Very interesting ECL and another thing I learned today thanks to you! Happy Weekend!!:-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcomed Jackie. We are constantly learning something new every day. :)
DeleteGreat shots and interesting post. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carver.
DeleteI've never heard of this paste before. Wonder what it's supposed to do when applied?
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with my NO RULES Weekend Blog Party :)
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
According to the Burmese tour guide, they use it to shield their skin from the damaging and ageing effects of the very strong tropical sun.
DeleteThanaka also moisturises skin and has antibacterial properties, so one can use it to prevent acne from breaking out.
what does this powder do? does it beautify? remove wrinkles?
ReplyDeleteThanaka powder ahs been used by Burmese women for more than 2000 years. It gives a cooling sensation and provides protection from sunburn. It is believed to help remove acne and promote smooth skin. It is also an anti-fungal.
Deletei hope the powder will make you look younger fast. happy weekend dear. :D
ReplyDeletehaha.... unfortunately, applying Thanaka powder on the face doesn't make one look younger.
DeleteDid you try it? This is the first I've heard of this paste too :)
ReplyDeletemy Photo Hunt blog entry!
Yes, I did try it on my face. It gives a cooling sensation. I didn't dare to venture out with the paste on my face though. :D
DeleteInteresting post! Does the powder work like bedak sejuk?
ReplyDeleteBoth Thanaka paste and bedak sejuk gives the skin a cooling sensation and makes the skin smooth.
DeleteThanaka has a fragrant sandalwood scent but bedak sejuk is stinky and the smell will linger.
Note : Bedak sejuk (Cooling Rice Powder) is a traditional rice powder used in Malaysia for it's cooling, soothing properties.
DeleteVery interesting and I love how our PhotoHunt theme's each week teach me more about the world.
ReplyDeleteI have added my entry at http://hindmarsh-island.com/?p=1043
Glad you love it. I hope my weekly Photohunt post is interesting and informative to readers and that all could learn more about the world around us.
DeleteI am not familiar with Thanka powder until your post so this is news to me. Is it good for the skin or is used to accentuate one's beauty?
ReplyDeleteI was told it is good for the skin. Many Burmese use it and they are not shy to apply it on their faces and go out with it.
DeleteNunca tinha ouvido falar nesse pó ou cosmético. Legal tuas fotos! beijos,chica
ReplyDeleteTranslation : Never heard of this powder or cosmetic. Cool your photos! kisses, chica
DeleteIt is commonly used by the people of Myanmar.
Oh lovely! Did you try it?
ReplyDeleteYes, tried it at home, I dare not go out with the paste on my face. :D
DeleteWhat is the purpose using this paste? Does it tighten the skin, bringing along with its use, a special glow to the skin?
ReplyDeleteIt has antibacterial properties so one can use it to prevent acne from breaking out. It moisturises the skin and shield one's skin from the damaging and ageing effects of the very and strong tropical sun.
DeleteIf it blocks the rays of the sun... that might be for me. (at least my dermatologist would think so)
ReplyDeleteThanks for always adding to the PhotoHunt!
We'll be 'celebrating' next weekend~
Sandi
The tour guide says it shields the harmful effects of the sun's ray. Maybe you can try it, it is affordable and easy to use.
DeleteWho knows what we add to our lives...mine is up and the coffee is on.
ReplyDeleteWe are constantly adding to our lives.... :P
DeletePresume those expensive branded cream would be out of biz there haha. Think its quite safe and best to use the natural ones than those chemically produced. No?
ReplyDeleteEver since the country opens up to the world, the ladies in Myanmar are trying International brand cosmetics. I would think the natural ones are better for the skin. :P
Deletegosto de ler suas histórias acompanhada das imagens...bela participação, um abraço!
ReplyDeletehttp://compiladodeideia.blogspot.com.br/2013/01/add.html
Translation : I enjoy reading your stories accompanied by beautiful pictures ... share a hug!
DeleteHi Vane,
Thanks for stopping by. Glad that you enjoy my posts. :)
Hi ECL, very interesting post. I think I would've opted for the powder over the bark too. :) Very nice to catch a glimpse of you. Thanks so much for sharing your photos of this tour and this natural product. I bet it's so much better for our skin.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Trekcapri,
DeleteWhen travelling overseas, I have to consider the extra luggage I have to bring back too. The log of Thanaka wood is a great souvenir though.
Now that's very interesting, but for what is it good, other then looking like a ghost with a beauty mask ?
ReplyDeleteI see that you kept yourself normal for the "glimpse" photo, lol !
hahaha.... husband gets a fright when he sees me in the night with the paste all over my face.
DeleteI should have taken a picture of my face covered with the paste. LOL
Well, I am not familiar with cosmetics too :)
ReplyDeleteNice pics,
Kiss
We are natural beauties. :P
Deletemy friend goes to Burma to teach English. I give her a love gift, and she brought me a wooden spacula, Good for those non stick fry pams.
ReplyDeleteBTW, be4 u go to Japan, yr mum probably says, dun eat that KIA SI fish.
I had a chance, I was Kiasi, and I didn't regret when my sis is still alif.
There are some unique products in Myanmar that would be great as gifts.
DeleteI am scared but I would like to try. Pray that I am lucky. So stressed just to eat the puffer fish. LOL
so, u have perfect skin? lol.
ReplyDeleteWhere can I buy Tanaka powder in singapore?
ReplyDelete