Japan takes skincare very seriously, with many following a routine to maintain a healthy complexion. Here’s an example of an everyday regimen in Japan:
Cleansing Oil – this is the foundation of the Japanese skin care routine. They employ an oil that gently lifts impurities and makeup residue without having to scrub at it with harshness.
1. Cleansing
Japan may be known for its innovative beauty gadgets, but they’re equally celebrated for their fantastic skincare techniques. Following Japan’s step-by-step routine will help anyone achieve that iconic “glass skin” effect.
Japanese skincare starts in the home with thorough cleansing using oil cleansers to remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities from the skin, followed by foam cleanser to clear away any leftover residue – popular options being Senka’s Perfect Whip (available through JapanHaul) and Hadalabo Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Cleanser (also sold on JapanHaul).
Next comes gentle exfoliation using rice enzymes to help unclog pores and leave skin looking vibrant and fresh. Next is essences – hybrid toner-serum hybrids packed with skin-loving ingredients to promote cell regeneration, plump skin cells, and balance moisture levels all day. Various varieties are available to select one suited to your particular skin concerns.
Once the skin is clean and hydrated, it’s time for cream! Lotions in this routine tend to be lighter than what we’re used to but still contain beneficial ingredients like shea butter and hyaluronic acid that keep skin supple and soft. After that comes any spot treatments, such as acne or eye creams, targeting dark circles and fine lines.
Finally, finish your skin care regimen with sunscreen – this step should be included regardless of skin type, as sun damage is the leading cause of premature aging. Make sure that you select an SPF appropriate to your needs, and reapply as needed!
2. Moisturising
While Korean skincare trends have become increasingly popular in recent years, many people may overlook its Japanese equivalent. Japan is home to some of the most beautiful skin in the world – their youthful look stems not only from genetic inheritance but also their daily skincare regime – something Westerners tend not to prioritize as much. Japanese people place high importance on layering products to nourish and protect their skin effectively.
Cleansing oils are an integral component of Japanese skincare. They work by dissolving oil onto the skin’s surface without drying it out – often containing rice bran and ceramides to nourish dry, arid areas.
Step two is exfoliation with gentle exfoliants. There are two kinds of exfoliators – physical and chemical. Japanese women prefer physical exfoliators as they’re gentler on their skin while more effective than their chemical counterparts; examples of physical exfoliators can include scrubs or brushes, while chemical exfoliants typically include serums containing enzymes or acids to break down dead skin cells and reveal new, fresh skin cells.
Japanese aestheticians practice using an alcohol-free toner after exfoliation to restore the skin’s pH level and remove any leftover exfoliant residue from their exfoliant. Toning the face after exfoliation helps minimize fine lines and hyperpigmentation for improved aesthetic results.
At last, skin is moisturized using a lotion – usually a light emulsion or cream that blends water and oil – including products containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen to improve elasticity and prevent premature aging. Many Japanese women also utilize facial massagers at this step to increase blood circulation and ensure complete absorption of moisturizing ingredients.
An effective moisturizer requires applying it gently over all parts of the face; otherwise, it can lead to fine lines and wrinkles forming over time. To achieve maximum moisturizing efficacy, press and spread it gently with your fingers across all parts. Pulling or tugging at the skin may cause fine lines or wrinkles to form while applying the product.
3. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the cornerstones of Japanese skincare and essential to keeping it looking its best. No matter how many anti-aging and moisturizing products you use, if they don’t protect from UV rays of the sun, then your skin could end up damaged! Luckily, Japanese beauty brands provide lightweight yet effective sunscreens at drugstore prices, which contain popular skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C and come in various textures like gels, creams, sprays, and powders!
Shiseido sunscreen products provide light, smooth, and transparent coverage for sensitive skin. Their Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen features an elegant milky texture that blends easily under everyday makeup for seamless protection from harmful sun rays. Furthermore, its water resistance provides further peace of mind against potentially harmful sun rays.
KAO Curel Day Barrier UV Protection Milk (kiyureru UVkatsuto deibaria UVroshiyon). This ceramide-powered product was specially created to meet the needs of dry and sensitive skin types, free from perfumes, coloring, and alcohol – giving your skin an ultra-smooth feeling after using this light, creamy sunscreen.
Protecting yourself from UV rays all year is vitally important – not just during summer. According to Japan Meteorological Agency data, UV radiation levels peak between June and August; ensure sunscreen is applied every time you step outside, even on cloudy days!
If you prefer lighter sunscreen to wear under makeup, consider Nivea Ultralight Sun Protection Lotion (Nivea Ultralight sun protection lotion) with its very soft gel texture that absorbs quickly into the skin and water-resistance rating of up to 50 meters of depth. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and a fragrance/colorant-free formula! Rohto’s Koi Gokujyun UV White Gel offers another excellent alternative. It has high concentrations of tranexamic acid to curb melanin production and botanical extracts such as peony root and Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf extracts.
4. Collagen
Collagen is a protein found throughout the body that gives tissues elasticity, rigidity, and texture. [2] For skin cells, collagen acts like an anti-wrinkle agent by creating an impermeable matrix of moisture-retaining granules that keeps water inside for increased hydration levels that help diminish fine lines and wrinkles.[3] Collagen strengthens nails, hair, and bones as a powerful anti-aging component. Japanese Taste customers have reported seeing positive results after adding collagen supplements into their routine – such as glowing complexions and improved flexibility/mobility of joints/muscles! Japanese Taste customers have reported having excellent results; Japanese Taste customers have reported seeing results such as improved flexibility/mobility in joints/muscles, which has given way to more extraordinary radiance on all fronts!
Collagen’s effectiveness lies in its molecular weight of less than 500 daltons, which allows it to penetrate the skin easily. Add hydrolyzed collagen-rich serums into your skincare regimen to stimulate production and maximize the efficacy of collagen production.
Hada Labo Tokyo’s Serum contains hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid to provide skin hydration. This serum smooths, brightens, improves elasticity, and reduces fine lines and creases for a more plumped and firm look in just one step!
Add collagen drinks to your daily regimen as an effective and tasty solution to revitalizing dehydrated and damaged skin. These drinks are delicious and work from within to replenish natural sources of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which fill their own. These drinks can benefit all skin types but are especially helpful for those suffering from dry conditions.
An effective way to incorporate collagen into your skincare regimen is with a Japanese collagen face sheet mask, which is quick and straightforward, providing deep hydration that improves skin elasticity while visibly diminishing signs of aging.
Japanese skincare practices prioritize skin health as a top priority, and their products reflect this. Their best products combine high-quality ingredients and cutting-edge technology, resulting in exceptional results. To implement Japanese techniques into your daily routine, start with double cleansing using an oil cleanser to remove makeup and impurities from the surface before switching to a water-based cleanser for final cleansing – leaving behind only clean skin!
