Japanese Beauty - The First Steps to get initiated
Would you like to explore Japanese beauty and enjoy its many benefits for skin quality but don't know where to start? In this article, we introduce 3 simple steps to help you get started with this new ritual.
1. DAILY CLEANSING WITH OIL
One of the fundamental principles of Japanese beauty is to properly cleanse your skin (every evening) to remove impurities accumulated during the day (pollution, dust, and makeup). This promotes skin regeneration, prevents clogged pores, and reduces oxidation.
However, harsh and stripping cleansing can be counterproductive, as irritated skin tends to look dull and produce more sebum as a defense mechanism. This is why Japanese women use an oil-based product (oil, balm, or milk), massaging it gently with their fingertips to remove all impurities without damaging the skin's structure.
To remove the oil-based product, simply rinse with water using your hands or a konjac sponge. The oil transforms into a milky texture and washes off easily without damaging the skin's natural lipid barrier, leaving it clean, radiant, and elastic.
If you're concerned about an oily residue, you can also try double cleansing: an oil-based product followed by a very gentle foam that protects the skin's natural lipid barrier.
2. MOISTURIZE WITH A LOTION
When you're thirsty, you naturally reach for a large glass of water rather than an avocado salad because you crave water, not fat. The skin is an organ, and like all our organs, it needs water.
This is why Japanese women always use a moisturizing lotion (morning and evening) before applying their cream or oil. Moisturizing creams, with their larger molecular weight, remain on the surface to limit water evaporation.
If the skin is not first replenished with water, the effectiveness of the cream is reduced, and the skin will still feel deeply thirsty. This simple step will transform your skin from the first use, making it softer, plumper, and more radiant.
3. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UVA RAYS
You’ve probably heard about the Japanese passion for sunscreen and might not feel the need to achieve that porcelain-like skin. However, sunscreen is, above all, the best anti-aging skincare! In fact, sun damage is responsible for 80% of visible skin aging (wrinkles, spots, dull complexion, etc.). Let’s quickly review UV rays and their impacts on the skin:
UVB - B for Burn
UVB rays damage the surface of the skin. They are responsible for sunburns and some types of skin cancer. These are the rays we’re most familiar with, as we’re more exposed to them during the summer. Sunscreens with an SPF rating help protect us against UVB rays.
UVA - A for Aging
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for wrinkles, loss of firmness, and elasticity. Unfortunately, we’re exposed to them year-round! They are present even when the sky is cloudy and can penetrate through windows. The UVA protection indicator for sunscreens is PA+.
The creamy texture of the SPF50 Sunscreen SOS SERUM is perfect as a replacement for your day cream. Enriched with hyaluronic acids and ceramides, it protects your skin from UVA rays and dryness, preventing premature aging. You can also use the UV mirror to check the application and effectiveness of your UV protection throughout the day.
