Ever wonder what that yellow patch of stuff is on most Burmese women’s faces? Nope, it is not dirt. It is actually an ancient Myanmar cosmetic called thanaka. And yes, men and boys also apply it to their cheeks and foreheads. Its use has also spread to neighboring countries including Thailand, especially around the border areas.

Thanaka is made from tree bark, wood and roots. The trees used are the murraya, wood apple and sandalwood trees, all native to Myanmar, so it is a genuine Burmese product. From there, the raw materials are grinded with a small amount of water on a circular stone slab which has a channel around the rim for the water to drain into. The most common appearance of the finished product is in small 10 – 18 centimeter long logs which is sometimes bundled and sold in packs.  It is also common to find thanaka in a paste or powder form.

So, what are the benefits of this traditional Burmese cosmetic? Well, first of all beauty. And you can’t lie to over 2,000 years of local use and testimony. Plus, it offers a cooling sensation to the face. And if you have acne problems, why not give thanaka a try? This may just be the cure you are looking for! And ever wonder why the Burmese have such smooth and desirable skin texture? That’s right, it’s this very cosmetic..

In order to apply the cosmetic, it is usually grounded and lightly soaked in water, producing a yellow liquid which is then immediately applied to the skin.  When it is wet, thanaka is almost transparent.  Only after it dries, which usually takes less than an hour do you start to see the cosmetic’s distinctive yellow rich crust on the skin.

So, grab one of these thanaka, dip the cosmetic with some water and apply it onto your cheeks, forehead or anywhere else on your face. Be creative and draw pictures, designs, and shapes if you want. Hey, the locals do it, so why not you?

The mystique and beauty of Myanmar can be experienced with Exotissimo’s People and Heritage tour. Some of the country’s most impressive sites will be experienced along with the hidden gems that many fail to see. We will also take you to the country’s villages for an authentic experience with the locals.

For more on Burma, see what we have in our Myanmar tours page. A truly extraordinary country indeed!

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