Japanese people are known for their flawless, glowing and healthy skin. Japanese culture is embedded with discipline and clean aesthetics, which is reflected in their skincare products as they're made with only natural ingredients and have the simplest skincare routines that are easy to follow and maintain. Japanese skincare routine is based on ancient skincare knowledge that is a perfect blend of science and culture.
If you are wondering what the big beauty secret is behind the Japanese skincare, then we're here to unpack it for you! We've compiled the ultimate guide to the ancient secrets of Japanese skincare.
If you are remotely familiar with Japanese culture or have been to Japan yourself, a mere walk down the street of Osaka or Kumamota, and you will find drug stores filled with skincare products like toner, moisturizer etc.
They are very particular about their skincare, which is not just a passing trend but a practice that is deeply embedded into their culture. Japanese skin care has inspired the world and has become a popular reference for all the beauty products and brands to have more natural ingredients (1).
Japanese skincare, also popularly known as J-beauty, emphasizes having cosmetics with the most simple and natural ingredients which sets them apart from others.
They have a very holistic approach towards skincare which means it is not focused on treating a specific skin concern, but rather on promoting overall well-being from the inside out. Hence, they draw inspiration from traditional Japanese beauty rituals and follow the motto œprevention is better than cure.
The Japanese refer to their skin as œmochi-hada or œrice cake skin which is a reference to an ultra-soft and plump dessert in Japan. The concept of ultra-soft skin in Japanese skincare is recurring, which is reflected in their skincare as they focus on nourishment, hydration and moisturization of the skin.
The core of Japanese skincare routines is minimalistic and high-quality products centric. The simplicity of the regimen makes it easier to follow and maintain a consistent skincare routine. The ingredients used in Japanese skin products are natural and simple in nature which does not have side effects on your skin.
Japanese skincare incorporates natural ingredients then most other skincare brands in the market. Some natural ingredients include:
â— Green tea- prevents wrinkles and provides intense hydration & nourishment.
â— Rice bran- clears the skin naturally making it softer and more hydrated.
â— Seaweed- soothes skin, prevents acne, is anti-inflammatory, and reduces signs of aging.
The benefits of using natural ingredients in skincare products are they are gentle on the skin and do not cause any side effects. Natural ingredients are also more situated to all types of skin. Using natural ingredients also improves the effectiveness of the product.
Hydration is an essential part of Japanese skincare.
A study was conducted on a cream with a formula that closely mimicked the skin's natural moisturization and it showed that it significantly improved the skin's hydration (1). Hence, Japanese skincare includes products with ingredients that are extremely hydrating in nature such as rice bran, tea seed oil, cherry blossom, green tea, reishi and plum fruit extract.
Sun protection is an important aspect of skincare. The UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and cause conditions like sunburn, spots, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer. According to research Japanese use sunscreen to œprevent blemishes or for aging rather than to avoid skin cancer risk from UV exposure, the lower risk of skin cancer amongst the Japanese could be a contributing factor to it (2).
Japanese sunscreens are not only effective against UV rays but are also:
â— Waterproof and sweat-resistant
â— Infused with collagen or hyaluronic acid
â— Gentle ingredients and fragrance-free
Japanese skincare is focused on ingredients that are gentle and non-irritating. , making it suitable for all sensitive skin types. A study was conducted to study the low irritant skincare cosmetics, with 20 Japanese subjects with dry skin that required moisture retention identified by a dermatologist. The subjects used the skincare product for moisturization twice a day for four consecutive weeks. It was found that after four weeks their skin dryness, itchiness, and redness were balanced out along with the water/oil content of the skin. It proved effective for all skin types (3).
Several Japanese skincare products contain ingredients such as sake and rice bran, that contain kojic acid which is used for skin lightening and is effective in treating skin conditions such as scars, sun damage and age spots. Kojic acid has lightening agents that affect melanin production which brightens the skin, fades dark spots and helps with hyperpigmentation.
Japanese skincare is all about prevention rather than just treating skin concerns. By maintaining a consistent skincare routine with easy, natural and non-invasive skin care they aim to prevent skin issues before they arise.
A good skincare routine needs a holistic lifestyle. Japanese skincare routine involves things that is not just about skincare products but also about holistic approach to skin health. Takin frequent baths, avoiding environmental damage, eating healthily in small quantities etc. This is why skin care practices also encourage you to have a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, focus on stress management, and stay hydrated, which contribute to overall skin health.
Diving right into cleansing with an oil-based cleanser to remove the first layer of makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. Massage the cleanser into your dry skin and then rinse. Follow up with a gentle foam cleanser to remove any impurities left behind from the first wash. Rub it thoroughly then rinse and dry.
This step is not recommended every day but 1-2 times a week to remove any dead skin cells and to achieve brighter skin. You can choose an exfoliator that works for your skin from a physical exfoliator, or a gentle beads exfoliator. Gently massage it onto your damp skin, then rinse it off.
Time to get in the toner for hydration and to balance the skin's pH levels to prepare it for better absorption of the subsequent products. Pour a small amount onto your hands or use a cotton pad to gently run it onto your skin.
Essence is a lightweight, watery product that is extremely hydrating and nourishing for your skin. Pour a few drops onto your palms then gently pat it onto your face and neck. This will help improve your skin texture and boost moisture levels.
Serums are subjective, you need to choose the one that targets your skin concerns whether it is anti-aging, brightening or hydration. Apply a small amount onto your fingertips then gently massage it into your skin.
Choosing a sheet mask with the perfect hydrating ingredients will help give your skin the extra boost of nourishment every day. Align the face mask onto your face through the hole positioned for your eyes, nose and mouth then leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, remove and if there's remaining essence just gently pat it onto your skin.
Always moisturize to lock in all the goodness from the products used in earlier steps. Choose a moisturizer that fits your skin type and gently massage it onto your face and neck using an upward motion.
Eye creams help hydrate and protect the skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. Take a small amount of eye cream onto your fingertips and gently pat it around the delicate eye area.
Never leave your home without applying sunscreen! The last step is to lock in all the layers with sunscreen. Use the three-finger method to measure out the sunscreen and apply it to your face. Don't forget your neck too!
Japanese beauties skin care is more than just their products or ingredients, it's about the spirituality of wanting to heal from the inside out, creating a balance between mind, and body. We hope this blog has helped you understand Japanese glowing skin secrets. Japanese skincare uses simple and natural ingredients that help you stay consistent without irritating your skin. Try above mentioned simplified Japanese skincare routine to experience the results yourself today!
FAQs
1. What is the Japanese secret for younger skin?
The secret to Japanese younger skin holistic approach to the skincare routine.
2. How to get glowing skin like Japanese?
To get glowing skin like Japanese people, follow Japanese skincare routine of using natural ingredients for your skincare.
3. What is the Japanese ritual for glowing skin?
The Japanese ritual for glowing skin involves double cleansing, exfoliating, toning, face mask, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
4. What is the Japanese secret to aging?
Japanese lifestyle such as diet, skincare, mindfulness and quality of sleep is the secret to aging.
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