What is Thanaka?

Why do pictures from Myanmar sometimes show people that appear to have white spots on faces or other parts of their body?

The pale yellow or white markings seen on the faces and bodies of people in pictures from Myanmar are caused by Thanaka, a traditional, all-natural cosmetic paste used for skincare and cultural heritage. [1, 2]

What is Thanaka?

Thanaka is a thick, silky paste made by grinding the bark of local Thanaka trees (Murraya or wood-apple trees) against a circular flat stone slab called a kyauk pyin with a small amount of water. The paste goes on wet and slightly translucent, but once it dries, it forms a protective, pale yellowish-white crust on the skin. [1, 2]

Why is it Worn?

The tradition dates back over 2,000 years and is widely used by women, children, and sometimes men for several practical and aesthetic reasons: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Sun Protection: It acts as a highly effective, natural sunscreen and block against harmful UV rays in Myanmar's hot tropical climate. [1, 2]
• Cooling Effect: The paste offers a natural cooling and refreshing sensation to the skin. [1, 2]
• Skincare: It contains natural anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help control oil, tighten pores, and combat acne. [1, 2]
• Beauty & Tradition: While sometimes slathered smoothly over the whole face, mothers and youth frequently paint it into creative, decorative shapes—like simple circles, stripes, patches, or intricate leaf patterns—on the cheeks and forehead. [1, 2, 3]