7 Qualities to Love About Japanese Skincare

Apart from anime and bullet trains, Japanese skincare is yet another reason to adore the Land of the Rising Sun. The J-beauty industry dates to the sixth century, when geisha used crushed safflower petals to color their lips and rice powder to set their makeup.

Fast forward to today, the Japanese beauty industry has become a leader in the scene as brands and manufacturers have kept up with the changing times through tech and innovation. J-beauty made itself a household name, lauded for merging the best of both worlds – traditional Japanese beauty secrets and innovative science-backed solutions.

What qualities make Japanese skincare exceptional – and adored by beauty fans – to this day? Learn a thing or two about the values and philosophies that make their skincare up to standard.

Let’s start with the Japanese concept of mochi-hada or “mochi skin,” which means having a plump, radiant, and well-hydrated complexion. For the Japanese, having a rice cake-like glow equals a strong skin barrier that can fight against dryness, roughness, and signs of aging.

Nourishing through deep hydration is key to achieving this. This is why the softening lotion is considered one of the cornerstone products in their skincare routine.  

This is a core beauty philosophy of J-beauty. Rather than aggressive solutions or quick fixes, the Japanese value skin-nourishing products meant to be used consistently in their skincare routine. Instead of thinking about how to treat pimples or fade acne scars, they would rather focus on preventing them in the first place. In other words, it’s about addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms.

The Japanese are big on sun protection. They consider the sun’s harmful rays the primary cause of aging and skin damage. Applying SPF, regardless of the season, whether they’re going out or not, is a must – and this practice is second nature to them.

This importance on sun protection is reflected in what you see on their shelves, lined with sunscreens of all types, formats, and consistencies. The products are also labeled with their SPF and PA levels.

ICYDK, SPF, or Sun Protection Factor measures the sunscreen’s protection against UVB rays, while PA or Protection Grade of UVA measures UVA protection. Both UVB and UVA are harmful to the skin.

Why complicate things when a fuss-free regimen works for you? The first step in a Japanese skincare routine is double cleansing: an oil-based product or a cleansing balm is used to remove makeup, dirt, and oil, followed by a gentle water-based facial wash to eliminate the remaining residue. Next comes hydration and treatment to combat skin issues, then a moisturizer and a face mask to seal all the nourishment.

An island nation, Japan is abundant with lush plants and flowers, and these make their way to their skincare products. Antioxidant-rich green tea is used in skincare to help combat acne and redness. Rice bran restores skin hydration and softness. Sake, more than a staple Japanese drink, can improve skin texture. Seaweed is filled with nutrients and can help improve skin tone and texture. These are just a few examples of common nature-derived ingredients infused in skincare to boost its benefits.

If you want to experience the power of Japan’s botanicals, try Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. It contains Japan’s Sakura blossoms and Himalayan Sea salt extract, helping make skin soft and glowing.

Balancing the wisdom of their ages-old traditions with modern science is a key tenet in Japanese skincare. For one, fermented natural ingredients are infused into skincare products to help strengthen the skin barrier. Another example is how sunscreen formulations are now made resistant to water or sweat, making them more efficient and offering better protection.  

Rather than rely on fancy packaging or a buzzy celebrity, J-beauty brands communicate the efficacy of their products by sharing what they can do for your skin. They highlight the benefits of Japanese skincare ingredients and the latest technology used to update their formulations. They also make sure that their claims are backed by years of research, scientific study, user feedback, and insights from experts.

Overall, Japanese skincare remains a key player in the industry by combining the best of both worlds: nature and technology. This is their tried-and-true formula for achieving plump, radiant, and hydrated mochi-like skin.