Youth for Sale

Bedak sejuk or 'cooling powder', is a kind of face powder used widely by residents of Northern West Malaysia. I have read that it is also used in Terengganu, but known by another name.

It comes in small pieces, which one must mix with a little water into a watery paste and then smear it all over the face - and eventually end up looking like a geisha.

I have been a faithful user of bedak sejuk since I was a baby. Traditionally (in Penang and Alor Setar anyway), babies are smeared with the white paste and once dried, gives a cooling feeling which makes babies and young children feel comfortable. Usually, one grows out of it, giving preference to more sophisticated skincare but having grown up alongside my grandmother until my teens, the habit stuck. My Ah Mah is about 88 years old and she is still using it daily - she never looked her age until very recently. I do too, every night before I go to bed. It is like a ritual, I can't live without it. I carry a small bottle of it everywhere I go, including to trips overseas as far as the US. Like I mentioned, I cannot live without it. It is as precious to me as sunscreen is a must for all women (and men, I suppose..).

My ex-housemate swears that because of this, I look much younger than my age. She got deeply offended when once, we were both offshore and she was referred to as the 'older sister' - she is 3 years younger. I have been mistaken as an intern at work and being asked for ID at clubs and cinemas. I am 30 for goodness' sake !!! While the quest for eternal youth may not be of immediate concern to me, looking like an overgrown teen is not all that 'cool'. Not when I work as an engineer in an oil and gas company. Not when I have to meet partners at the National Oil Company and not being taken seriously at first sight. Not when someone looked at my wedding photos and remarked "Oh my you look like such a sweet kid!" (KID?????????????? WTF). Not when someone dials my number looking for me and says "Hello, may I speak to your mother? (Did I also mention I am 'blessed' with an equally youthful voice?).

It never did occur to me my bedak sejuk habit might have had something to do with my 'youthfulness'. Until one day, a close friend of mine, also from Alor Setar, remarked it is our Malaysian version of the 'miracle water'. Ingredients are similar, ways of preparations also similar. Hmmm....if it is true, then perhaps I have overdone it by starting too young!

P/S. By the way I only swear by the ones made either at home by my mom or those made in Penang.