French Grape Skin-Softener

the ritual: France is the land of the best wine châteaus, and its women have used freshly cut grapes on their skin to make it feel softer and more youthful.
why it works: Grapes — the seeds, skin, and pulp — contain linoleic acid and polyphenols, potent antioxidants that have moisturizing benefits and possibly anti-aging ones, too.
to try it at home: Smooth on a grapeseed-infused product, such as Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($56, www.sephora.com) or Lancôme Vinéfit SPF 15 Complete Energizing Moisturizer With Grape Polyphenols and Nutrients ($40, www.lancome.com).

Ghanaian Hair Conditioner

the ritual: The women of Ghana have long used shea butter to soften their skin and condition their hair. They gather fruits from karite trees, which grow all over the west coast of Africa. The nuts are removed from the fruit, boiled, then dried in the sun. Once dry, they are roasted and crushed, then heated until the “butter” is released.
why it works: “Shea butter works particularly well on heat-damaged or overprocessed hair,” says Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey. “It’s a rich moisturizer and a great humectant that leaves hair softer and draws moisture to it.” Shea butter also smooths the hair cuticle so that it lies flatter and appears shinier.
to try it at home: Comb a deep treatment through your hair, such as Lavett & Chin Extensive Treatment With Mango Butter & Shea Blend ($32, www.beautyhabit.com).