Japanese women are known to have a flawless skin with ample hydration, which always looks plump and spotless. Just like Korean skin care Japanese skin care also emphasize on protecting and repairing.
Japanese women always focus on hydrating the skin, nourishing it from within. West on the other hand always focuses on exfoliation and using strong treatments to achieve clearer skin.
I always wondered how Japanese have such nice skin, ever since I was in my teens. I used to read articles, read interviews of celebrities and look through products and their ingredients. I remember being so eager to use the products once but they were just not available here in Canada but soon I realized that it’s just not the products – it’s the routine and regimen they follow. Japanese skincare has long been captivating and it’s assumed to have been started from Geisha’s in Japan, Geishas had to take special care to cleanse and revive their faces from layers of traditional white makeup so they created their own regimens. Definitely products help but the glow that you get when your body is nourished and your skin cells are renewing is different. Japanese women follow years old traditions and rituals that keep them looking flaw less. So, let’s discuss what actually goes into achieving a Japanese skin .
Relying on double cleansing , essences, lotions, moisturizers, serums, and facial massages, Japanese beauty is all about nourishing skin with a gentle cleanse, multiple layers of hydration, regularly masking, and, of course, sun protection. Japanese products are developed based on healing spirits. The Japanese skincare brands also focus on what is missing from the market and what the customers really want, hence, they are really attentive. You can find innovative products to suit your every need.
Matcha tea: Matcha tea has been used for centuries in Japanese culture not only as a beverage, but also for its skincare benefits. Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that is rich in antioxidants, catechins, and vitamins, making it a popular ingredient in many Japanese skincare products.
Here are some of the ways matcha tea is used in Japanese skincare:
- As a face mask: Matcha tea can be mixed with water or other ingredients to create a paste that can be applied to the face as a mask. The antioxidants in matcha tea help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, while the chlorophyll in the tea helps to detoxify the skin and improve its overall appearance.
- In skincare products: Matcha tea is a common ingredient in Japanese skincare products like cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
- As a facial steam: Adding matcha tea to a bowl of hot water and using it as a facial steam can help to open up the pores and cleanse the skin. The antioxidants in the tea help to fight against acne-causing bacteria and promote healthy, clear skin.
Probiotics: Staples of the Japanese diet are pickled vegetables and fermented foods like natto or miso which are considerably beneficial for gut health. Gut health is directly relate to overall wellbeing of an individual. There are many studies that show a relationship of gut health and skin health. A study published Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases, Gut Microbes, 14:1, DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995”any alteration among gut microbial diversity (dysbiosis) can increase host vulnerability and disrupt mucosal immunological tolerance, which can subsequently influence skin health. Several dermatologic conditions, such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea are linked with intestinal dysbiosis. Many studies have associated gastrointestinal health with skin homeostasis and allostasis, and there is evidence of a bidirectional interaction between the gut and the skin Members of the gut microbiome can influence skin conditions through their metabolic activity and immunological impact. For example, commensal gut microbes can foster skin allostasis by controlling T-cell differentiation”
Japanese skincare brands have also incorporated probiotics into their products to help improve skin health and prevent skin problems such as acne and inflammation. Probiotics work by encouraging the growth of good bacteria on the skin, which can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause skin problems. In addition to using probiotics in skincare, many Japanese skincare brands also emphasize the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle in achieving healthy, radiant skin. This holistic approach to skincare is known as “beauty from within” and focuses on the idea that the health of our bodies is reflected in the health of our skin.
Rice: The basis of Japanese cuisine is white rice which contains a lot of nutrients that have a nourishing effect on the body, like vitamin B1, which helps the human body recover from fatigue; iron, which a lot of women tend to lack; zinc, an important element in helping maintain collagen levels in the skin; and dietary fiber, which improves the intestinal environment and because they eat white rice on a daily basis, Japanese receive all these benefits.
Double cleanse: Doing a double cleanse is must in every Japanese woman’s everyday skin care routine. We now all know how important it is to double cleanse your face once a day. Japanese women clean their faces with oil based cleansers first which helps in better removal of makeup and removing the grime from the pores. You can either use a balm or a cleansing oil to use as a first cleanse and then follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser. This will help the in cleaning the skin but also retain the moisture
Lotions: Lotions play a crucial role in Japanese skincare routines. In Japan, lotions are often used as a toner to balance the skin’s pH level and prepare it for the next steps in the skincare routine.
Japanese lotions typically have a lightweight, watery consistency and are formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and green tea. They are designed to be easily absorbed into the skin to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture.
Some popular types of lotions in Japanese skincare include:
- “Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion”: This is a popular Japanese lotion that is formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity.
- “Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture”: This lotion is made with sake, which is rich in amino acids, and arbutin to brighten the skin and improve its texture.
- “Matsuyama Hadauru Moisturizing Infusion Moist”: This lotion is made with natural ingredients like rice ceramide and rice bran oil to provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Overall, lotions are an essential part of Japanese skincare routines and are used to maintain healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin.
Sun protection: It’s true that Japanese women take sun protection very seriously, especially during the spring and summer months when the sun can be particularly intense. In fact, Japanese culture places a great emphasis on having clear and radiant skin, and this includes taking measures to protect the skin from sun damage. Japanese never skip their sunscreens and sunscreens are usually higher in SPFs.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to wrinkles, freckles, and other forms of skin damage. This is why many Japanese women take proactive measures to protect their skin, such as using parasols, sun visors, and other protective gear. They also use sunscreen and other products that provide UV protection to keep their skin healthy and youthful-looking. Japanese women also follow a strict skincare routine that involves using high-quality products and incorporating traditional Japanese ingredients like green tea, rice, and sake into their regimen. By taking a holistic approach to skincare that includes sun protection and other preventative measures, Japanese women are able to maintain their youthful and radiant complexions for years to come.
