Thanaka is a light yellow paste made from thanaka bark. It is used as a sunscreen and makeup applied on the face. In order to create the paste, a thick rock slab called kyauk pyin, a few drops of water and thanaka bark are needed. Then the bark is ground until it creates a yellow paste of the desired consistency. It takes from around one to three minutes. 
When I had severe sunburn, my mom would put thanaka on to the burnt area and leave it overnight. The next day, the affected area disappeared. Not only is this yellow paste used to soothe sunburns, but it is also used as makeup. My mom believed that every young girl should wear thanaka when they visited monasteries or pagodas. Therefore, my mom would put thanaka on my face before every visit. I still enjoy putting on thanaka because of its calming scent. 

– Nyein (Evelyn)

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant