I usually hangout at the mall near my place and always find Japanese people shopping and hanging out. Their flawless skin is not just in the pictures; they look realistically photoshopped :p clear, smooth and glowy face! The Japanese are known for their ageless, porcelain skin and beautiful thick hair so whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it good and we need to know about it. Here are the top Japanese beauty secrets for flawless skin:
GREEN TEA
Clinically proven to possess a ton of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, Japanese beauties traditionally not only drank cups and cups of green tea, they also applied a concentrate to acne. In Japan they still drink a LOT of green tea, and have created a potent green tea drink, Matcha, from ground green tea leaves.
GO THE ‘OIL’ WAY
While most of us choose “oil-free” skincare products, Japanese women love products “oil-based”. They use facial oils for cleansing and moisturising because oil dissolves oil; allowing makeup, sebum and sunscreen to easily melt away. The key is to avoid mineral oil as it is known to clog pores and leaves a residue layer that requires another cleanser to remove.
RICE
Rice is not just a superhealthy food, packed with vitamins and minerals, that helps the skin glow from within. It, or rather the water you’ve boiled it in, or simply rinsed it in, can be used as a facial wash. You can also add it to your bath water. Rice water for skin and hair >>
VITAMIN C
When it comes to their seamless skin tone, the Japanese swear by their daily dose of vitamin C. Adding this to your diet helps to break up melanin and remove pigmentation which means a healthy, even complexion is just a few oranges (or a supplement or two) away.
BLOTTING PAPERS
A centuries-old Japanese beauty secret, blotting papers are used throughout the day by Japanese women to keep their faces shine free and preserve their makeup. Most come in little packets so they may be stored in a purse for on-the-go touch-ups.
EXFOLIATE
Smooth complexions are the hallmark of the Japanese woman’s beauty. They get it by exfoliating with gentle facial scrubs made of finely ground azuki beans or using washcloths with a special weave that wipes away trapped dirt using little or no soap.
NATURAL PRODUCTS
Traditional Japanese beauty products tend to be simple, natural and non-toxic. They are made from natural ingredients such as rice bran, camellia oil, various seaweeds, yomogi leaves and azuki beans and marine clay.
SUN PROTECTION
Rather than using heavy sunscreen, Japanese ladies tend to skip it altogether! Instead they protect their skin by wearing hats and staying out of direct sunlight. If they do have to be in the sun, SPF 50+ is a must. Given that exposure to harmful UV rays is the number one cause of premature ageing, can’t say we blame them.