Japanese Skin Care Routine Ultimate Guide - Anti Aging Secrets

In my articles, I am going to simplify the steps of Japanese skin care routine and share some skincare hacks that most people don't want you to know.
If you ever wondered why asians put so much value on skin care routine, maybe you should hear my story first. 
The same morning a year ago, I would rush to get everything done in 5 minutes after getting up, and drive to work. No complete skincare routine, not to mention makeup. Until one night, I had a moms night out. Those friends I just made asked me if I hade a make over done at somewhere. I laughed, but I talked to my self “I have always known how to put make up on, probably way longer than you guys are.” I started doing makeup when I was 12. Since school doesn’t allow us to put makeup on, I was trying to do the “no makeup makeup” lol, and have a line of friends who wanted to learn. I was one of those girls who would hide a stack of makeups in my closet and took them to school to try out different makeup look. But for the past 6 years, I was always stressed out. I don’t put makeup on anymore. I gained weight dramatically. I was trying to do everything right, I was always hurrying, until I had my gallbladder removed due to the hormone change and stress. I know it is time to change.
I quit my job, which is very hard for me. I tried meditation, but it is hard for me to sit still for 10 mins only counting breaths. I finally have some time not to rush to do my skin care routine. By applying skincare products and makeup slowly, I started to notice the change on my skin everyday. By trying different eyeshadow colors on my face, I started noticed a different side of me. I fell in love with this morning skincare/makeup routine. And it is a perfect meditation for me because it allows me to think of nothing but pay attention to myself. Outer beauty is a reflection of inner beauty. To take care of ourselves, we have to take care of our skin. Why rush? I enjoy every little detail of my new skincare routine. Each step, I feel the difference on my skin and get to know myself more. And I think that is part of the reason Japanese culture puts so much value on skin care.

People seem to be confused with numerous products on Asian’s skincare products and complicated procedures. I am going to explain why in my article. When it comes to anti aging products, moisturizer, you have to take consideration of so any factors such as climate, your skin type, season change and so on. Luckily, there are so many high quality brands that wont break your bank. The followings products mentioned are my favorites and are included in my daily routine.

1. CLEANING
First, I use DHC cleaning oil to make sure there is no makeup residue left. That way, my skin can absorb the the nutrition I am going to put on 100%. This product is one of the best sellers anywhere. Infused with olive oil and vitamin E, it nourishes and hydrates the skin. Then, pat dry with a clean towl.

normally, japanese is known for their double cleaning method, which normally happen in the evening. So in the morning, most people just gently use water and pat the face.

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2. LOTION/SKIN SOFTENER
Some people mistaken lotion to moisturizer. I noticed most Americans don’t have this step. But lotion is essential to Asians. They have more watery look. It is used to restore moisture, soften your skin for the products that followed by. 
In winter, I would put both lotion and moisturizer on, but in summer, I would leave this step out. I normally apply it on the cotton sheet and leave on my face for about 10 seconds or just use my hand to pat on my face. you want to leave them on.
This is similar to american toner. 
Now most toners contain antioxidants or other beneficial additives. The most popular one right now is this beauty: IPSA TIME RESET. An alcohol-free, medicated toner that creates an artificial skin barrier on the skin surface to prevent moisture evaporation and increase moisture deep inside the skin. 

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3. ESSENSE / SERUM
I know people are so confused about the essense. Well, basically they are the same thing nowadays. A long time ago, essense in Asia was used as another layer for hydration. Just like serum, they both are concentrate of ingredients that target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines and  uneven skin. Now, serums are getting more lightweight and essences are getting thicker, and they both can contain high concentrations of active ingredients. One of my all time favorite is SULWHASOO Essential Revitalizing Serum Ex 60ml. Sulwhasoo is premium line in korea. Sulwhasoo’s signature First Care Activating Serum EX has been improved to better optimize the results of your skincare regimen for youthful, resilient skin.

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4. MOISTURIZER
Finally, it is something we are familiar with. Moisturizer is such a general term. It is used to lock down everything we put before this. It is like a barrier. With season changes, the moisturizer type may need to be changed too, especially in winter, we need stronger moisturizer to protect us from the climate. If you have sensitive skin, you may choose Vaseline instead of lotion or cream, as some lotions have active ingredients that may irritate your skin.

5. UV PROTECTION
One of the things that most people ignore. Also, UV radiation that is the most common cause of premature ageing. Japanese put sunscreen on everyday no matter what.
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HABA BEAUTY OIL

 Award winning Haba! There is nothing but pure squalene in HABA Squalane. If you are looking for a moisturizer that hydrates, fights aging, returns needed nutrients to your skin, and does it all without oily residue -- look no further! 
Everyone who has used this one before loved it. It is worth every penny. The one I have lasts more than a year. 

THE REAL SECRET
By far, this is the info most people will tell you. The real secret for the glowing and young looking skin?
After applying the moisturizer, most people apply "beauty oil" on top of it.  And it won't make your face look oily. Multitasking camellia oil delivers antioxidant-rich plant collagen deep into skin to firm, tone and tighten while imparting a radiantly healthy glow. 
Only a drop or two does it wonder. you can mix it with toner also. It fits all skin types.