Japanese Skincare Routine: A Step-By-Step Guide
It is believed that Japanese women look 10 years younger than their true age. Admired worldwide for their elastic, fair, and healthy skin, it seems as though everyone is trying to learn their secret of youth. While genetics may play a part, there are undoubtedly certain special skincare techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
But what are these special skincare techniques?
We are talking about a strict routine application of products in 6 effective steps. This provides comprehensive protection, hydration and nourishment of the skin.
Maintaining a strict daily routine helps to reveal the full potential of all the nourishing ingredients found in Japanese skincare, and to achieve desired results.
Step 1. Cleansing: make-up removal
Step 3. Moisturizing with lotion
Step 6. SPF (only for daytime routine)
The Japanese beauty "ladder" is a multi-step procedure, performed every morning and evening. A multi-step skincare routine may seem daunting to some, but rest assured, after noticing the results you won’t look back to your old ways.
When it comes to skincare it's important to note that each one of us has specific needs, so it’s important to find the skincare that best suits your skin type (but that’s what we’re here for!)
Let’s talk a bit more about developing a Japanese-style skincare routine step-by-step:
Steps 1 & 2. Make-up removal and washing (double cleansing)
Our skin is attacked daily by various pollutants: cold, wind, heat, temperature
changes and UV radiation, exhaust gases, dust and bacteria. These factors destroy the epidermis and accelerate the aging process causing dehydration, loss of elasticity and wrinkles. Therefore, cleansing is an important stage of skincare to get healthy, smooth skin.
First, you want to chose a make-up remover. We recommend using a cream or oil based make up remover as they will effectively melt away make up, oil & other debris from deep within your pores to ensure a deep clean.
Next, you want to finish cleansing with a mild cleanser that isn’t harsh on the skin. Preference may depend on your skin type (gel, cream, or foam) but look for gentle cleansers that do not dry out your skin.
CLEANSING TIP: Forget scrubs! Their small particles get stuck in problematic pores and scratch the skin. Pay attention to peeling or enzyme powders and use them 1-2 times a week to help remove dead cells and loosen up dull skin, revealing smoother, more youthful skin.⠀
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Step 3. Lotion/Toner
Using a toner is necessary to maintain the elasticity and firmness of the outer layers of the skin. Lotion/Toner preps the skin by softening the outer layer and
allowing serums (step 4) and moisturizers (step 5) to absorb in to your skin. It also helps normalize your skin's natural PH and strengthens the protective barriers of your skin.
Use alcohol-free formulas to avoid drying out your skin. Drying ingredients can cause sensitive skin to become irritated, red, and itchy.
LOTION TIP: The lotion will work more effectively if you skip the cotton pads (they absorb everything, leaving an insignificant amount of benefit for the skin). Instead, pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and spread over your face with gentle patting movements. This helps ensure your skin receives the full benefits of the toner.
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Step 4. Serums
Step 4 is all about the serums (& their sister, the essence!) Serums & Essences consist of micromolecules, and are formulated to penetrate the deepest layers of your skin - meaning nutrition from top to bottom.
Serums are usually based on water with a high concentration of active
ingredients: antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides.
Serums can be added to your skincare routine in order to target specific problems such as pigmentation, wrinkles, and uneven tone.
Here are a few types of serum that you may come across:
◾ Anti-inflammatory - relieves irritation & soothes skin (Try: Cica Method Booster Serum).
◾ Moisturizing - restores the skin's natural hydro lipid barrier, protecting skin from environmental pollutants (Try: AXXZIA Beauty Force Prime Serum A1 with Silk Sericin Extract).
◾ Anti-aging - diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and helps rejuvenate dull skin (Try: AVEAUTE Booster Face Up Serum).
◾ Other serums may selectively target the eye area, oily / dry skin, or dark spots/hyperpigmentation.
Serum has the highest concentration of active ingredients meaning only a few drops should be enough for the entire face & neck area.
The right cream/moisturizer is important for many reasons. It acts as a sort of “lid”, sealing in the nutrients and ingredients from steps 2, 3, & 4.
Using a cream/moisturizer helps retain beneficial nutrients, and doesn’t allow for moisture to evaporate.
If a cream is too heavy for your skin, we recommend trying emulsions as a lighter alternative with similar benefits.
Depending on your skin, you may skip the cream and just finish with a serum or switch out your cream for something lighter, like an emulsion. On the contrary, if you are someone who suffers from dry or dehydrated skin, you may benefit by adding a facial oil to your skincare routine. Adding a few drops to your cream/moisturizer or applying directly on your skin as the last step to your night routine can add the extra moisture that your skin needs.
It's important to get to know your skin, as everyone’s skin is different.
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Step 6. SPF
Without a doubt, sun protection is THE most important step in any daily skincare routine.
Spending time in the sun, regardless of your skin type, puts you at a higher risk of sun damage. Applying SPF every day protects your skin from the sun.
Harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, dark spots, red blotches and even cancer.
Sunscreen is clinically proven to even skin tone and minimise pores and improve texture!
Following a consistent skincare routine helps you care for your skin from the inside out, and can radically improve the condition of your skin.⠀
Now that we’ve gone over all the steps, it’s time for you to build your own daily skincare ritual!
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