Fashion and BeautyThe full 12-Step Japanese skincare routine

The full 12-Step Japanese skincare routine

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There’s a reason why the Japanese have one of the most beautiful skin in the world. Taking care of one’s skin and being diligent in following a skincare and cleansing routine is a lesson imparted to Japanese women—and even men—early on. If you want to jump on the J-Beauty bandwagon, here’s a run-through of what you need to know about Japan’s best (beauty) secret:

Step 1: Take it all off

At the end of the day, clean skin is key as it makes way for better absorption of your skincare products. Start with an oil-based cleansing balm that cuts through the buildup and removes surface grime. Yes, double-cleansing makes all the difference!

La Mer The Cleansing Oil
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Resveratrol
Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Derma-E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil

Step 2: Let your pores breathe

Follow with a foam cleanser to clean pores and remove residual oil, sweat, and dirt—remnants of the day that are not product- (makeup, skincare, and sunscreen) related.

Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy face wash

Step 3: Express facial

Exfoliate once or twice (for oily skin) a week with a water-based exfoliator or a gentle scrub. This removes dead skin cells to make way for new ones and for skincare products to absorb and take effect more smoothly.

Derma-E Microdermabrasion Scrub
Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Step 4: Tone

Women, starting from their 20s, worry about pores. Toners balance the skin’s pH, cleanse the skin further, hydrate, treat, and remove dead skin cells. Think of tones as a primer for your skincare routine. The result: glowy skin.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
The Body Shop British Rose Petal-Soft Gel Toner

Step 5: Find your soft spot

This may be a new addition to your routine but one you shouldn’t skip. Softeners or lotions are watery in nature and are infused with anti-aging ingredients to give optimum moisture and result to a more resilient skin. When applying skincare, massage product onto the face in gentle patting motions, starting from the chin up. This stimulates blood circulation for cell rejuvenation and muscle firming.

Clarins Multi-Active Treatment Essence-Vitality
Kanebo Graceful Flow Lotion
La Mer Genaissance The Infused Lotion

Step 6: Put your mask on

In the ancient times, geishas put on silk cloth soaked in floral water—the first facial mask. Depending on your skin type and need, a facial sheet mask is an instant skin treatment and an added luxury you can enjoy every night. Pop it in the fridge prior to application to help contract pores and reduce skin inflammation.

Kracie Hadabisei All-in-One face mask
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Mask
LuLuLun face masks

Step 7: Serum

Serums are highly concentrated formulas absorbed easily by the skin, created to address specific problems: firming, hydration, lightening, anti-aging. Pick one that suits your skin concerns best.

Clarins Double Serum
L’Occitane Divine Immortelle Serum
Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Booster Serum
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum

Step 8: Lighten the spots

Japanese women want their skin fair and even. To lift spots from sun exposure and acne scars, apply a lightening solution to concerned areas religiously.

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector

Step 9: Bring it all together

To seal in water-based and light products, apply an emulsion. Emulsions not only help achieve plump skin and smooth fine lines, they also prepare the skin to absorb moisturizers, which are thicker.

Kanebo Fulfilling Emulsion

Step 10: Moisturize

A moisturizer does what it says it does—moisturizes the skin. It comes in different formulas and textures, depending on the skin’s need. For those with dry skin and come winter time, a cream moisturizer, which contains more oil, is ideal. For oily and acne-prone gals, pick a light or gel formula (yes, even those with oily skin needs one!).

Derma-E Age Defying Moisturizer SPF 15
Perricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Hydrating Cloud Cream
La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler

Step 11: Eye care

Say no to puffy and panda eyes! Invest in a powerful anti-aging cream to help diminish and slow down signs of aging around the eye area.

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
Sisleyä L’Integral Anti-Age Eye Contour Cream
Pond’s Age Miracle Eye Cream

Step 12: Protect from the sun

We’ll say it again: never skip sunscreen. Japanese women try to avoid sunlight and wear hats when heading out for a long time. SPF 30 is the least sun protection you must wear for daily use—higher if you’ll be exposed to the sun longer. If you’re not a fan of shine, pick a mattifying sunscreen that smoothens the skin at the same time.

Bioré Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+
Anessa by Shiseido Perfect UV sunscreen SPF 50+
Celeteque Sun Care Matte Moisturizer with SPF30

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