If you’re into makeup and skincare, then there’s no doubt that you’ve seen an increased interest in Asian skincare techniques. Asians are well known for their flawless, youthful looking skin, so no wonder women all over the world are taking notes and implementing the secrets of the East into their daily skincare and makeup routine.
Smooth and perfect skin is highly a regarded beauty trait in Japan; so many Japanese women make it a lifestyle to take care of their skin as well as their health. In other words, the so-called Japanese beauty secrets need to implemented daily in order to achieve flawless skin.
First is to eat right. As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” Japanese women hardly eat fatty, sugary foods or meats. Instead, they eat a lot of vegetables that are packed with vitamins and of course, a lot of fish, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
If you have not heard of the recent green tea or matcha craze where everything from actual tea to beauty products are infused with green tea, then you are certainly missing out. The Japanese are known for drinking a lot of tea, especially green tea, and for good reason.
Green tea is clinically proven to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Matcha, a more potent version of dry green tea leaves, has the same amount of antioxidants as ten cups of green tea, and can even be cooked into all sorts of foods.
Another staple of the Japanese diet is rice. Rice is an antioxidant and natural emollient, and helps protect from UV damage while nourishing the skin and preventing wrinkles. There are even skincare products that are infused with rice because of its positive effect on skin.
Japanese women also simplify their skincare routine. Women are constantly bombarded with all sorts of beauty and skincare products that claim to fix this and eliminate that, but it’s important to remember that simplicity is key. Japanese women don’t use a lot of products in one routine. Instead, they keep it simple by minimizing the number of products they use in one go.
As any Asian will attest, it’s important to avoid the sun. While it’s important to use sunscreen, there are also other methods to keeping away from the sun. Exposure to harmful UV rays is the number one cause of premature aging. As a result, Japanese women can often be found wearing long sleeve clothes, carrying umbrellas to block the sun or wearing hats.
A face mask at the end of a stressful day will not only help you relax, but nourish the skin. The “lotion” mask, a trademark of Japanese skincare, has gained worldwide recognition for its hydrating and pH balancing properties, and are often infused with skin friendly elements like green tea, honey, baking soda and more.
Japanese women also believe in minimal makeup. If you’ve seen images comparing Asian makeup and Western makeup, you will notice how Asian women tend to have a softer, more natural look. Makeup is not as thick or dark, and aims to make the person appear more youthful.
The last and best thing anyone can do for their skin is apply a Vitamin C serum or eat and drink Vitamin C rich foods. Vitamin C skincare promises to perk up dull skin and alleviate hyperpigmentation, allowing for a brighter, clearer and more youthful complexion.
By: Maytinee Kramer
