5 Ancient Japanese Beauty Secrets
There is no doubt that Japanese beauty secrets have been admired for a long time.
They are usually easy to prepare, often use natural products and are an all-rounder system.
These secrets have been shared for generations and could also become part of your skincare plan!
Here are 5 beauty tips which the Japanese have been following for a long, long time and how they could help you, too.
1. Rice Water
Rinsing your face with rice water is one of the oldest and most famous skincare hacks in Japan.
This has been in practice since at least the Heian period, relying on water used to rinse rice to give court ladies skin like porcelain.
Rice water is water that has been used to wash the rice, or that has had rice boiled in it, and is then used as toner or rinse.
Why is rice water so good? It has inositol, which aids the skin’s flexibility and in the replacement of skin cells.
Plus, it also contains vitamins B and E, antioxidants that help delay skin aging.
This makes it fit for use as one of the natural treatments for the skin to give it a natural glow.
How to use:
- Rinse a cup of rice. Discard the initial rice water.
- Soak the rice in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes, then strain the liquid.
- Store the rice water in the fridge for up to a week and use as a facial toner or hair rinse.
The results speak for themselves – many people report brighter skin and smoother hair after just a few uses!
2. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially the catechins that help fight free radicals and lower inflammation.
According to research done on green tea, it helps to fight wrinkles and increase the production of collagen, while aiding in UV protection.
Japanese women also incorporate green tea in their beauty regime in different ways.
Japanese skincare routine also consists of matcha masks, scrubs and even serums containing green tea.
For a DIY version, try this:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water to reveal hydrated and glowing skin.
3. Camellia Oil
- Camellia oil is derived from the seeds of camellia flowers and has been a beauty staple in Japan for over 1000 years.Known as Tsubaki oil, geishas used it to keep their hair glossy and their skin soft.The oil is rich in oleic acid, omega-9 fatty acids and vitamin E, making it great for hair nourishment and repair.It also helps retain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness and irritation.Here’s how to use camellia oil:
- For hair: Warm a few drops in your hands and massage into the scalp and ends. Leave on overnight for a deep treatment, or rinse after 30 minutes.
- For skin: Apply a small amount to damp skin after washing.
This oil is proof of the Japanese concept of minimalism – using less while retaining positive effects.
4. Azuki Beans
Azuki beans from Japanese desserts are also a beauty secret for smooth skin.
When ground into a powder, these beans are a great exfoliant. Unlike harsh chemical scrubs, azuki bean paste is gentle and won’t irritate the skin.
The natural enzymes in azuki beans cleanse pores, reduce inflammation and prevent acne.
This is why it’s a favorite for those who want gentle but effective exfoliation.
Try this:
- Grind dried azuki beans into a powder.
- Mix the powder with water or honey to form a paste.
- Massage the paste onto your face in circular motion, then rinse.
Exfoliating with azuki beans gives you a brighter complexion and smoother skin, so it’s part of Japanese beauty routine.
5. Balanced Lifestyle
Japanese beauty routines are not limited to only creams and gels; they are much broader and encompass health and diet.
Local Japanese food includes a lot of fish, seaweed, and fermented foods that are beneficial to skin and long hair health.
They are rich in omega-3s, probiotics and antioxidants that feed the body from head to toe.
Another important tip is stress management. In Japanese tradition, items like white tea, cups, foldable fans, umbrellas, and lace are often used to create a calming atmosphere.
However, beauty practices aren’t limited to Japan; they work together in harmony with various routines that promote overall health.
How to Learn More About Japanese Beauty Rituals
Not living in Japan, it can be difficult to find all the info you’re looking for when it comes to lesser-known Japanese beauty secrets.
That’s where VPNs come in handy; by connecting to a VPN, you can make your search results appear as they would for someone googling things directly from Japan!
To learn more, you can find resources on networks explained in a way that will help you make the most of it, so you can find all the most niche Japanese beauty tricks – even if you don’t speak Japanese.
The traditional Japanese approach to beauty emphasizes the natural virtues of simplicity and balance.
By embracing this philosophy, you can step out into the world with healthier skin and hair, all while adopting a more balanced lifestyle. Give it a try!
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