Technology is ever-changing and it’s super easy to get caught up in these rapid changes and forget that we’ve actually come a very long way, in a very short amount of time. Now, this could be said for technology across the board, but today we’re honing in on one industry in particular: the beauty industry.
If you care at all about any facet of beauty then you know there are always people out there that are consistently on the hunt and willing to try whatever the latest technology is regarding skincare, haircare, or whatever their niche may be. But here’s the thing, the isn’t a new and wild concept. Beauty companies and gurus alike have been around for decades; one doing anything for the almighty dollar, the other to achieve what they perceive as “perfection”. A perfect storm? A vicious cycle? We aren’t sure. But we do know that history tells us that beauty treatments were once bizarre, and while we still find them bizarre, they’re also now oddly fascinating; so let’s take a look at vintage beauty treatments that were once the newest in technology, but now look more like torture devices.
1940’s Face Exam
(image via: women’s day)
How on Earth were you to know what treatment(s) you needed if you didn’t have a proper face exam first? All you had to do was put your face uhm, in it? Under it? Then the beautician would tell you all about your imperfections. Sounds great, right?
1930’s Ice Masks
(image via: pinterest)
If you wanted a clear complexion, all you had to do was simply add ice; and luckily you could nab yourself a handy little mask to help. Throughout the decade celebrities would famously use these masks to cure hangovers.
1930’s Rubber Face Masks
(image via: tumblr)
This terrifying invention contained a number of heating coils that were said to melt away fine lines and wrinkles. It gives us beg Leather FAce/Michael Myers vibes.
1930’s CO2 Powered Freckle Remover.
(image via: purple clover)
There’s a lot to unpack here, but basically, carbon dioxide was used to freeze off freckles using a sharp point to remove each individual one. So, good luck getting that image out of your head.
Early-1900’s Chest Developer
(image via: history of yesterday)
This chest developer was pretty straight to the point – the vibration from the apparatus was said to help firm muscles and prevent your chest from sagging. And that’s it, that’s the concept. Seems simple enough, right?