Why did Queen Elizabeth I look like she was auditioning for a role in a ghost story? In this episode of Join the Docs, our dynamic duo, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Dr. Nigel Guest, take a spook-tacular yet enlightening plunge into the world of historical beauty practices. They shine a spotlight on the iconic Queen Elizabeth I, whose beauty regimen had her looking as white as a sheet twith an approach as dangerous as a game of dodgeball with porcupines. The societal preference for pale skin back then was no joke, but the makeup they used certainly was—Venetian ceruse, a concoction so toxic it would make a chemistry teacher cry. This lead-laden face paint was the Elizabethan equivalent of playing Russian roulette with your health.

Ever wondered what happens when you mix pore judgement with a dash of danger? Well, Professor Sackier and Doctor Guest are here to spill the creams—or rather, the ceruse. They dive into the health risks associated with these historical beauty practices, painting a vivid picture of lead poisoning that’s more terrifying than a haunted house. While the ghostly pallor was deemed attractive to our ancestors, we wonder if the lead-induced cognitive impairment was valued, making it clear that looking like a porcelain doll came at a steep price. And let's not forget the long-term effects, like infertility, which was nature's way of saying, "Maybe don't put poison on your face."

How did people back then not realise they were essentially turning themselves into walking, talking toxic waste dumps? The Docs, with their signature blend of humour and expertise, unravel this mystery while keeping you in stitches (metaphorically). They highlight the absurdity of historical beauty standards, making you grateful for modern skincare routines that don’t involve hazardous materials.

By the end of the episode, you'll be convinced that no amount of societal pressure is worth risking your health. So, next time you reach for that new beauty product, remember the powderful lessons of yesteryear and choose health over hazardous habits—or you might just makeup your mind the hard way!

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.

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Lead-ing Ladies - The Price of Pale Skin

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