The idea that skincare is a "modern" or "feminine" concept couldn’t be further from the truth. Ancient civilizations across the globe understood the importance of caring for their skin and took great pride in maintaining their appearance.
From Roman warriors to samurai, men across cultures have recognized the importance of caring for their skin. These historical practices weren’t about vanity; they were about survival, health, and presenting one’s best self. Today, we have access to even better tools and knowledge to protect and nourish our skin, so why not take a page from history?
The Roman Warriors and Their Olive Oil
In Ancient Rome, skincare was an essential part of a soldier’s regimen. After enduring long days in the sun and battling harsh elements, Roman warriors used olive oil as a cleanser and moisturizer. They would slather their skin with the oil and scrape off dirt and sweat using a tool called a strigil. This wasn’t just about hygiene; it was a way to rejuvenate the skin and maintain its strength as a protective barrier.
Olive oil was also believed to have healing properties. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it helped soothe minor wounds and prevent infections—an early example of skincare doubling as healthcare. The practice was not limited to soldiers; Roman men of all statuses engaged in these rituals to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance.
The Sophistication of Ancient Egypt
Skincare in Ancient Egypt was a reflection of status, hygiene, and spirituality. Men—from laborers to pharaohs—used creams and oils made from ingredients like myrrh, honey, and aloe vera. These natural remedies provided protection from the sun and arid desert climate, which could wreak havoc on the skin.
Egyptians also used milk and honey masks to exfoliate and soften their skin. And let’s not forget kohl, a form of eyeliner that men wore not only for aesthetic purposes but also to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun and to ward off infections. Skincare in Ancient Egypt wasn’t about vanity; it was a practical necessity intertwined with health and ritual.
Greek Ideals of Balance
The Ancient Greeks emphasized balance and harmony in all aspects of life, including skincare. Greek men bathed frequently in public baths, using fine sand to exfoliate their skin. They followed this with oil massages to moisturize and improve circulation. Grooming was considered an essential part of maintaining one’s health and adhering to the Greek ideal of kalokagathia—the unity of physical beauty and moral virtue.
Greek athletes, in particular, were meticulous about their skincare. Before competing in the Olympics, they would anoint their bodies with oils to protect their skin and enhance their appearance. This practice highlighted the cultural significance of a well-maintained body.
The Rituals of Feudal Japan
In Feudal Japan, skincare was deeply rooted in respect for the self and others. Samurai warriors practiced personal grooming as part of their Bushido code, which emphasized discipline and honor. They used rice bran to cleanse and exfoliate their skin, leaving it smooth and fortified against the elements.
Japanese men also relied on camellia oil to moisturize and protect their skin. Known for its lightweight yet deeply nourishing properties, camellia oil remains a popular ingredient in modern skincare. These rituals were seen as a way to prepare for battle, both physically and mentally.
Lessons for the Modern Man
As these ancient societies show us, skincare is not a modern luxury; it’s a timeless act of self-care and resilience. Taking care of your skin is just as important as eating well or exercising—and it’s a tradition steeped in centuries of wisdom.
The shift away from men embracing skincare came with industrialization and the advent of mass marketing. Products targeted women, and self-care for men became synonymous with a quick shave and cologne. But here’s the thing: what worked for Roman warriors—or even your grandfather—isn’t enough in today’s world. Increased exposure to environmental pollutants and longer lifespans demand a more proactive approach.
Skincare and Masculinity: Lessons from Ancient Societies
The idea that skincare is a “modern” or “feminine” concept couldn’t be further from the truth. Throughout history, men have understood the importance of maintaining healthy skin—not for vanity, but for survival, protection, and resilience. From Roman warriors to samurai, grooming rituals were a key part of daily life, helping men defend against harsh environments, prevent infections, and present their best selves.
Today, we have access to advanced skincare products that make it easier than ever to care for our skin. If ancient civilizations relied on oils, scrubs, and natural remedies, why wouldn’t modern men take advantage of scientifically backed skincare to keep their skin strong and healthy?
Roman Warriors: Olive Oil & the First Exfoliation Ritual
After enduring brutal battles and long hours in the sun, Roman warriors took skincare seriously. They slathered their skin in olive oil to cleanse and hydrate, then used a strigil (a metal scraping tool) to remove dirt, sweat, and impurities. This wasn’t just about looking good—it was about keeping their skin resilient against infections and environmental damage.
Today’s warriors—whether in the gym, on the field, or at the office—face their own daily battles. Instead of olive oil, modern men can use Ombré Men’s Exfoliating Bar to remove dead skin and dirt while keeping the skin smooth and fresh. Follow it up with Ombré Men’s Premium Body Lotion to lock in hydration and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, just like the Romans intended—minus the strigil.
Egyptian Skincare: Hydration & Sun Protection
Egyptian men, from laborers to pharaohs, knew the desert sun was no joke. They used aloe vera, honey, and oils to protect their skin from dryness and sun damage. Many even applied milk and honey masks to keep their skin soft and healthy.
Fast forward to today, and men still need protection from the sun’s harmful rays—except now, we have SPF. Ombré Men’s Daily Defense Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 combines hydration with broad-spectrum sun protection, preventing premature aging and damage from UV exposure. Whether you're spending hours outdoors or just walking to work, applying SPF daily is one of the most effective ways to keep your skin healthy—just like the Egyptians would have, if they had access to it.
Greek Athletes: Skincare & Peak Performance
Ancient Greek athletes were known for their meticulous grooming habits. Before competing in the Olympics, they exfoliated with fine sand and massaged their skin with oils to boost circulation and keep it supple. Grooming wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about peak performance and overall health.
Modern athletes can take a similar approach. After an intense workout, cleansing the skin is essential to prevent breakouts and irritation. Ombré Men’s Foaming Face Wash removes sweat, dirt, and excess oil without stripping the skin. Follow it up with Ombré Men’s Body Lotion to restore moisture and keep skin feeling strong and smooth—because skincare is just as much a part of your routine as stretching and hydration.
Samurai Discipline: The Ritual of Skincare
For samurai warriors, personal grooming was a sign of discipline and self-respect. They used rice bran to cleanse their skin and camellia oil to keep it moisturized and protected. These rituals weren’t about indulgence—they were about preparing for the physical and mental challenges of battle.
Today, skincare remains an essential part of self-care and preparation. Whether you’re heading into a high-stakes meeting, a big game, or just a regular day, a simple routine can help you look and feel your best. Start with Ombré Men’s Exfoliating Bar in the shower to cleanse and refresh, then apply Ombré Men’s Daily Defense Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Skincare: A Modern Tradition Built on Ancient Wisdom
Ancient societies show us that skincare is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it was Roman soldiers scraping away dirt, Egyptian pharaohs protecting against the sun, or Greek athletes prepping for competition, skincare has always been about function, health, and resilience.
The biggest difference today? We have better tools. With modern formulas designed for men’s skin, products like Ombré Men’s Exfoliating Bar, Body Lotion, and SPF Moisturizer make it easy to maintain a strong, healthy appearance. The best warriors—past and present—know that taking care of yourself is a sign of strength, not weakness. So why wouldn’t you give your skin the same attention as your body and mind?
