The Return of Japanese Beauty

No time like the present for smooth skin

When it comes to skincare rituals, Asian beauty trends are in a league of their own. From the sheet-mask phenomena of K-beauty, the regimented routine of J-beauty, and the products that make them up. Over the years, these beauty secrets of the East have solidified their placement in routines for one reason and one reason alone –– because they work.

Inspired by Japanese lifestyle customs and principles, J-beauty encompasses a minimalistic approach that delivers long-lasting results. As “no-makeup” beauty looks continue to dominate the industry, now more than ever is the perfect time for J-beauty’s return. Here we’ll break down the basics of this often-overlooked skincare regimen and show you how to get supple skin that is “rice-cake” smooth.

What is J-Beauty

Like many Japanese rituals, J-beauty is all about minimalism, attention to detail, and most importantly trusted and proven ingredients. It involves a minimal-step routine of products used in a precise order to maximize hydration and improve skin texture. While there are fewer steps each product is meant to build on each other, in a regimen often referred to as “doubles” ( more on this below). It is defined by simplicity, so of course, there is a strong emphasis on product formulation.

Benefits of J-Beauty

Where other skin care systems offer a more aggressive approach, Japanese beauty is focused on nourishment and hydration to make skin soft. The result from the gentle formulas and meticulous method is smooth and plump skin often referred to as mochi-hada in Japanese. Translated to “rice-cake skin”, this result sets the tone for longterm results and overall skin health rather than providing a quick fix to skin concerns.

The “Doubles Technique”

The “doubles” method of skincare originated in Japan and its that emphasis on layering, or doubling, techniques that is the key to J-beauty. The first step in the double process, begins with a cleansing oil which is meant to deeply clean the skin by naturally dissolving oils and dirt. Often used as makeup removers in western beauty routines, oil cleansers are ideal for pre-cleansing makeup-free skin to remove grime, pollutants and even natural oils left on skin from daily life activities. The next step in the double cleansing process involves a gentle water-based or foaming cleanser to further remove impurities.

Following cleansing, the doubles techniques continues with an essence and cream to hydrate and moisturize the skin. Essence’s are common in Asian beauty but provide a great benefit when added to any skincare routine. When applied to the skin after cleansing, the essence is meant to moisten while restoring vitamins, minerals and lipids to the skin. The philosophy behind the “doubles” technique is to provide hydration during each step of the routine, ensuring softness, and even tone and texture.

How to use the J-beauty routine

Step 1: Oil cleanse

Start by using a cleansing oil such as DAMDAM’s Silk Rice Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, gently massaging it into damp skin. It’s made with 100 percent natural oils like rice bran oil and sunflower seer oil to boost elasticity maintain skins barrier Once the oil has been rinsed off, you can expect for skin to feel a little tacky but don’t worry there’s still one more cleansing step!

Step 2: Water Cleanse

Makanai Moisturizing Clean Foam is ideal after oil cleansing. It is enriched with natural ingredients like snow mushroom and Japanese camellia oil which provides a rich and nourishing lather, as well as natural clay to further extract dirt from the skin.

Step 3: Hydrate

After applying a toner refresh the skin with a hydrating essence like this one which counts phytic acid as its star ingredient. Phytic Acid, which is found naturally in Japanese rice, is a powerful antioxidant that shrinks pores, strengthens skin, and enhances elasticity. This essence also sprays like a dream and provides a refreshing and revitalizing moment.

Step 4: Moisturize

A milk-based moisturizer is a good option for daytime routines thanks to its lightweight texture. This pore milk from DHC is made with whitewood tree bark to control oil, and vitamin C to even skin tone. For nighttime routines try layering a thicker moisturizer on top such as their Extra Nighttime Moisture.