From health to technology, humanity has made tremendous advancements over the years. One area where we’ve seen considerable change is hygiene. Let’s take a look at some old hygiene practices that have thankfully been left in the past and relish the modern methods we enjoy today.
Lysol as a Feminine Hygiene Product
In the early 20th century, Lysol was promoted as a feminine hygiene product to help women maintain “marital purity.”
Today, we understand that using such harsh chemicals in delicate areas is not only unnecessary but also potentially harmful.
Toilet Paper Alternatives
Before the widespread use of toilet paper, people used materials like leaves, moss, or even corn cobs for personal hygiene.
We’re grateful for the comfort and convenience of modern toilet paper, now an essential item in our daily lives.
Tooth Powder
Toothpaste, as we know it today, didn’t exist until the 20th century. People previously used tooth powders made from ingredients like chalk, salt, and charcoal.
Now, we have a variety of toothpaste options that are more effective and gentle on our teeth and gums.
Hair Washing with Kerosene
To combat head lice, people used to wash their hair with kerosene, a highly flammable and toxic substance.
Today, we have safer and more effective treatments for head lice that don’t involve potentially dangerous chemicals.
Lead Makeup
In the past, makeup products often contained toxic substances like lead, which could cause severe health problems.
Modern cosmetics have come a long way, with strict regulations ensuring that the products we use are safe and non-toxic.
Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads
Before the invention of disposable menstrual products, women relied on reusable cloth pads that needed to be washed and sanitized regularly.
While reusable options still exist, many women today appreciate the convenience and comfort of disposable menstrual products.
Urine as a Mouthwash
In ancient Rome, people believed that urine had cleansing and whitening properties, so they used it as a mouthwash.
Thankfully, we now have a variety of refreshing and effective mouthwashes that don’t require us to use bodily fluids.
The Use of Leeches
Bloodletting, often with the use of leeches, was a popular medical practice to “balance” a person’s bodily fluids.
Today, we understand that this method was not only ineffective but also potentially harmful, and it has largely been abandoned.
The Communal Sponge
In ancient Rome, public restrooms featured a communal sponge on a stick, which people shared for personal hygiene.
Modern bathrooms now offer individual toilet paper and facilities, ensuring a more hygienic experience for all users.
Hair Removal with X-rays
In the early 20th century, X-rays were used as a method of hair removal, exposing people to harmful radiation.
Nowadays, we have safer and more effective hair removal techniques, such as waxing, shaving, and laser treatments.
Arsenic Complexion Wafers
In the 19th century, arsenic wafers were consumed to improve one’s complexion, despite the known toxicity of arsenic.
Today, we have a range of skincare products and treatments that promote a healthy complexion without putting our lives at risk.
The Infantorium
Premature babies were once displayed in incubators at amusement parks and fairs, called “Infantoriums.”
Modern neonatal care has come a long way, with specialized equipment and facilities dedicated to the health and well-being of premature infants.
Mercury as a Cure-All
Mercury was used in the past to treat various ailments, from syphilis to constipation, despite its toxic nature.
Medical science has evolved to provide safer and more effective treatments, eliminating the need for dangerous substances like mercury.
The Carbolic Smoke Ball
In the late 19th century, the Carbolic Smoke Ball was marketed as a cure for various respiratory ailments by inhaling the fumes of carbolic acid.
Today, we have a better understanding of respiratory health and treatments that don’t involve inhaling potentially harmful chemicals.
Radium-infused Products
Radium, a radioactive substance, was once added to various products, such as toothpaste and cosmetics, believed to have health benefits.
The dangers of radium are now well-known, and regulations ensure that our personal care products are safe and free of radioactive substances.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Wash
In the past, women used homemade washes made from vinegar and baking soda for feminine hygiene.
Today, we know that these practices can disrupt the natural balance and cause infections. Modern feminine hygiene products are designed to be gentle and safe for use.
Tape Worm Pills
Tapeworms were once marketed to drop a few pounds, with people consuming the parasites in a pill form.
We now understand the dangers of parasitic infections and have more effective, safer methods for weight management.
Raw Meat Facial Masks
In the early 1900s, raw meat facial masks were believed to provide skin benefits by supplying nutrients directly to the skin.
Modern skincare science has led to the development of nutrient-rich products without the need to use raw meat on our faces.
Reusable Birth Control
In the past, condoms were often made from materials like sheep intestines and were reused after washing.
Today’s condoms are made from safer, more effective materials and are designed for single use, promoting better sexual health and hygiene.
The Rotating Brush for Hair
The rotating brush was a popular hair-cleaning tool in the past, but it often caused hair breakage and damage.
Modern hair care tools and techniques prioritize maintaining hair health while keeping it clean and manageable.
Unsterilized Surgical Instruments
In the past, surgical instruments were not always sterilized, leading to the spread of infections and disease.
The introduction of sterilization techniques and practices has significantly improved patient outcomes and reduced the risk of infections during surgeries.