Japanese skincare routine: layering (2/2)

I have been explaining in the past posts about the Japanese particular skincare routine, that starts with the double cleanse, followed by the layering of multiple products, including the very Japan specific first product, the lotion, that I told about in the first part of this post. So let’s see what’s left in the regimen.

Layering in skincare (continued): secrets of Japanese women’s beauty and youth #4

So like I said, the cosmetic products are generally layered from the lightest in texture to the heaviest, starting with the lotion, the most watery one aiming to hydrate, provide the skin with water.
Now that I described the double cleanse and the particularity of lotion, I realise that the rest is pretty much the same as in West:

1. Lotion

(must, see previous post)

2. Serum

(optional, only 58% of women use the serum*)

* Skincare survey conducted in 2014 by Pola research institute of beauty&culture, n=1500 from 15 to 64

The beauty serum is thicker than the lotion and more liquid than the cream.
The serum is to be chosen according to the skin issue that we are facing, such as lost of firmness, brown spots, severe dehydration, etc. to complete the everyday regimen. However the preference lately seems to go towards a more comprehensive serum, to boost the whole skincare effect. These booster serums are to be applied before any other skincare, meaning before the lotion, to boost the effect of the products that follow.

The top serum that received the best award 2015 in its category on @cosme, the biggest portal site about cosmetics and beauty in Japan, where products are ranked by users’ reviews is:

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

30mL / 50mL
According to Shiseido, one of this product is sold every 18 seconds in the world. It has also received 63 beauty awards in and outside Japan.
The formula aims at strengthening the natural immunity that the skin has in order to beat all kinds of damage that the skin goes through such as UV, stress, ageing, etc. It gives you a smooth, hydrated and strong skin.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 1.6oz, 50ml

3. Parts care

Such as an eye cream or a whitening cream for ageing spots (optional)
This part is the same as in West. There is no particularity about it in Japan.

4. Moisturising milk or cream

(must)
Although we find most of the famous western creams in Japan, we have a little bit different approach to the cream than in West. As the lotion is mandatory in Japanese skincare routine to provide the skin with hydration, the cream which contains more oil allows not only to nourish the skin but to create a barrier like a lid to lock the moisture and nutrients inside the skin. Due to its fatty formula, it also allows to conduct inside the skin the nutrients from the same nature.

The milk has the same function as the cream, except that it has a lighter texture. We generally apply either one depending on the skin type but some people use the milk followed by the cream.

So the milk or cream puts a lid on the skin to complete the skincare routine. When we do so, it is important to make sure the previous products are well absorbed by the skin before applying it. As said on the lotion post, we like to gently pat or press with the hands the whole face to make sure it is absorbed. Then we apply the cream.

Because of its good spreadability, while applying the cream, some people do a quick massage. Even just holding or massaging for a few seconds some acupressure points can be effective to improve the blood circulation, and bring some positive impacts on beauty.

The top milk that received the best award 2015 in the category milk/cream on @cosme is:

Sk-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age

50g / 80g
Pitera and Radical New Age complex, SKII latest anti-ageing technologies help this beauty milk treat in a comprehensive way all ageing issues such as enlarged pores, lack of firmness and moisture.
SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age 50g

5. UV protection

Or makeup base including such a function (must)
This last product finishes the skincare routine. I hope you remember from my past post our culture of protecting from the UVs and how important it is to use sun protection!
The sun protection that received the Best cosmetics award 2015 on @cosme is:

KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

 

50g SPF50+・PA++++
Protects from UVA and UVB.
This product is popular for its light texture and usage values such as a good spreadability, no stickiness after application, good match with makeup and its moisturising effect.
★KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence★

 

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