20 Vintage Beauty Secrets to Steal From Grandma

A simple but luxurious way to up your beauty game is to purchase a silk pillowcase or silk sheets. Sleeping on silk sheets can improve skin health by minimizing friction and keeping your skin cool, compared to sleeping on cotton pillowcases. Silk pillowcases and sheets are also beneficial for keeping your skin moisturized throughout the night.

One of the best ways to care for your skin is to protect it from the sun's harmful effects. You can protect yourself by consistently applying sunscreen (even on cloudy days) and by taking a cue from your grandmother and wearing a sunhat or visor when outdoors.

The next time you reach for the curling iron, consider achieving bouncy curls with heat-free tools like hair rollers or flexible rods. Using high heat on your hair too often can cause dryness and split ends, while heatless methods can provide curl definition without the damage. Using hair rollers may take a little practice at first, but your tresses will thank you.

RELATED: Top Hairstyles Through the Decades You May Have Forgotten

One of the best ways to wind down at the end of the day is with a warm bath. This time-honored practice allows you to slow down, relax your sore muscles, and clear your head. A warm bath is also recommended for getting a good night’s sleep, so grab a book and settle into a warm bath before hitting the hay.

Many of our grandmothers prioritized having neat, manicured nails. But if the thought of getting your nails done at a salon every two weeks seems daunting, you can achieve a similar look at home with an at-home nail kit. For a polished look, cut and shape your nails before applying a clear or light pink coat of nail polish.

While our beauty habits often focus on face care, many of our grandmothers also prioritized taking care of their hands. One of the best ways to care for your hands is to apply a moisturizing lotion at night. You can also take it one step further and wear silk or cotton gloves to bed so that you can wake up to smooth, supple skin.

Another way to nourish your hands is to wear rubber gloves while doing household work. Those vintage rubber gloves may seem outdated, but they can protect your skin from drying out from hot water or cleaning chemicals, prevent skin irritation, and maintain the softness of your hands.

Enhance your sleep routine with the centuries-old tradition of spritzing your favorite perfume before bed. Choose your favorite daytime perfume, or opt for a calming scent like lavender or vanilla, which can create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for a good night’s sleep.

Consider making time for regular salon appointments, even if it’s just a few times a year. Establishing a haircare routine with a professional can improve the health of your hair and provide you with a few hours of pampering. There’s the added benefit of socializing at the salon, which, for many of our grandmothers, was a sacred time to relax and connect.

RELATED: Best Hair Products You Can Buy

A bold shade of lipstick can perk up any outfit, and many of our grandmothers had a signature shade of pink or red lipstick that they loved. If you’re not into a bold lip, consider choosing a lip gloss or a neutral shade to keep in your bag for easy touch-ups.

Daily stretching is a simple yet essential way to maintain your body's health at any age. Stretching improves flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and enhances circulation, all of which can contribute to your health. You don’t necessarily need to invest in a gym membership or take expensive pilates classes, but you can do a few simple stretches at home every morning.

You’ve probably heard this advice growing up, but eating your vegetables is one of the best ways to nourish your skin, hair, and organs. Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote healthy skin and hair, so try incorporating fresh vegetables into your diet and explore recipes that feature wholesome ingredients.

For many of our grandmothers, dressing nicely was part of their daily routine. Although people tend to dress more casually today, we can still draw inspiration from our grandmothers and dress up without needing a special occasion. Dressing up can often improve your mood and boost your confidence, which could mean wearing your favorite pair of jeans to work from home or a wearing a new dress for a coffee run.

Many of our grandmothers kept early bedtimes, and getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night is one of the most effective ways to care for both your mind and body. Get the best sleep by taking a warm shower or bath before bed and avoiding screen time at least an hour before you go to sleep.

If your grandmother had smooth, supple skin, you can follow in her footsteps by adopting this simple daily habit. You don’t have to break the bank, but consider purchasing a body lotion, body butter, or body oil, and make it a habit to apply moisturizer at least once a day, preferably when you’re fresh out of the shower, to lock in moisture.

RELATED: Audrey Hepburn Beauty Secrets

It’s tempting to buy every viral product that pops up on social media, but most of our grandmothers had a small roster of makeup products that they used for years. Take some time to determine what type of product works best for your skin type, but a good foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeshadow, and lipstick may be all you need in your makeup bag.

We’ve all been there – it’s been a long day, or you’re coming home late, and you’re tempted to hit the pillow without washing your face. Although it’s tempting, a simple piece of advice that has been passed down through generations is to take the time to remove your makeup before getting some shut-eye.

There’s a reason why baking cookies has become associated with grandmothers. Our grandmothers know the importance of eating well, but also of indulging in the things we love. It may be a slice of cheesecake for dessert or a weekend massage at the spa, but make sure that every once in a while, you take the time to treat yourself to something you love.

Dental health is one of the most important beauty habits, and beyond brushing and flossing, older generations would sometimes brush their teeth with a dab of baking soda. As long as it's used in moderation, using baking soda with regular toothpaste can help remove surface stains.

RELATED: Good Housekeeping's Beauty Awards

Whether it’s a group fitness class, water aerobics, or taking long walks, grandmothers have long mastered the low-impact exercise trend. There’s no pressure to bang out an hour-long high-intensity class every day (unless that’s your thing), but make a point to move your body in a way that feels good to you, and try to make it a routine.