Japanese women never seem to age. With their beauty rituals and anti aging skin care products, it seems they have found the secret code to looking youthful, forever. No matter how closely I look at mother’s skin (who is 79 years old), I cannot see a single wrinkle. Her skin is flawless and still glowing after all these years. When my friends ask what she does to look this good, I tell them to sit down, grab a cup of green tea and pull out a notebook – they are in for a treat.

Japanese skin care secrets, beauty secrets to have younger looking skin.

Japanese Anti Aging Secrets

I must have been seven or eight years old.

Sitting on the hamper in the bathroom, I watched my mother as she went about her daily morning ritual. After washing her face with warm water, she gently patted her cheeks and forehead in an upward motion.

“This is to improves blood circulation”, she said.

She told me that taking care of my skin is very important and that I should always treat it with love and respect.

“As you get older, your skin is going to need your help to stay healthy. You will have to work with it to keep it hydrated and glowing” she explained.

Then she pulled out a few bottles and jars and showed me step by step, her beauty routine.

“This is a traditional Japanese skin care routine followed by all Japanese women. It’s not that complicated but very helpful to your skin. Let me show you how it’s done.”

That was 35 years ago.

Since then I’ve been following my mother’s Japanese skin care routine, morning and night.

And I’m here to tell you, they work!

Why should you trust me with these tips and recommendations?

Because I’ve been a professional model for the past 24 years and have worked with many beauty brands including Lancôme, Perricone MD, Boots No.7 and Kanebo.

I’ve spent more than half of my life in front of the camera and having to deal with different climates, time zones and harsh studio lighting. My skin has seen it all and I’ve had to take exceptionally good care of my skin to keep it from aging quickly.

Tired looking skin or break outs are not allowed in my industry since it’s all about selling youth and health. And I’ve learned that the best way to keep my skin looking youthful is by eating lots of anti-inflammatory foods and using beauty products that are gentle, rich in nutrients and super hydrating.

And nothing is better than Japanese beauty products to give my skin the hydration it needs to stay smooth and glowing!

This is a commercial I shot for Lancôme three years ago when I was 41 years old.

And here I am now at 45 years old with barely any fine lines and wrinkles. People think I’m in my early 30s and I owe this to my daily skin care routine, and the Japanese beauty secrets my mother shared with me.

Me at 45 years old with a brand new haircut 🙂

The best part about those Japanese skin care secrets?

They don’t require a lot of commitment since they only take a few minutes a day to implement.

These are simple and popular Japanese anti aging skin care secrets that can take years off your face.

By taking an extra 10 minutes out of your day, you will dramatically improve your skin’s texture and complexion. It’s never too late to get started – turn these tips into daily habits and see how these changes will make you look and feel younger.

A good anti aging skin care routine helps you age well, naturally.

Japanese Skin Care Secret #1 – Use A Gentle Skin Cleanser

The gentler the product, the better!

Japanese women like to avoid harsh products containing lots of chemicals.

Instead, they use products that are low in alcohol and more on the natural side. By using gentler products like a softener (I wrote a post about it, you can read it here), the skin remains hydrated (instead of being stripped away of its natural oils).

Cleansing is essential to healthy skin because it washes away bacteria that could possibly get into pores and create breakouts.

But only cleanse once a day otherwise you will dry out your skin! The best time to do it is before bedtime to get rid of all the dirt and pollutant your skin is exposed to during the day.

Whether you wear makeup or not, you should always cleanse your skin before bedtime. Finish by applying a serum and a nighttime moisturizer.

Using softer products will help your skin retain lots of moisture which in turn naturally minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Top Selling Skin Cleansers In Japan

1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 

DHC is one of Japan’s most popular brands. The cleansing oil is lightweight and loaded with antioxidants to boost the skin with nutrients, and give it a glow. It effectively removes traces of makeup – including waterproof makeup – and dirt.

 

2. Cure Natural Aqua Gel

This is the #1 best selling exfoliator in Japan, selling 1 bottle every 12 seconds! The extremely gentle formula can be used on people with very sensitive skin.

3. Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

Kanebo is a brand I know well because I had the honor to model for one of their famous brands, RMK.

Kanebo has been around for as long as Shiseido and is considered to be one of the best skin care brands in the world. I love the Suisai Beauty Clear Powder because it’s super gentle to the skin and hydrates it at the same time.

I also love that the powder comes in 32 mini containers since I can take a few with me whenever I travel. All you need to do is add a little water, create a foam in the palm of your hands and gently rub it on your face in a circular motion. And even though it’s quite gentle, it does a great job at cleaning pores and impurities.

4. Shiseido Perfect Whip

On a budget? This is the cleanser for you. The thick foam act as a barrier from the cleansing motion and removes every bit of impurities. It also hydrates the skin and gives it a soft feel.

Japanese Skin Care Secret #2 – Ditch the toner for a skin softener

I’ve had a love affair with skin softeners for years.

There’s nothing like a good skin softener to give your skin an extra layer of moisture!

Skin softeners hydrate your skin and infuse it with nutrients. Unlike toners, which tend to dry out the skin, softeners lock in moisture and brighten up the complexion. The overall look is smooth skin that looks plump and juicy!

My grand mother, mother, aunts, cousins and friends – Every Japanese woman I know uses a skin softener as a base and swear by it (myself included).

Using it is easy to – Apply a small amount to your face and gently pat the softener until it has fully absorbed into the skin. Follow your beauty routine with a moisturizer.

Top Selling Skin Softeners In Japan

1. Amore Pacific IOPE Moistgen Softener Skin Hydration

Amore Pacific is a Korean brand that is a best seller in Japan. Good for all skin types, this softener brightens the skin and gives it a boost of moisture.

2. SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE

SK-II is a high end Japanese skin care line. Used by celebrities such as Kate Blanchett, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a softener rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. It’s lightweight and quickly absorbs into the skin.

3. Shiseido Treatment Softener

This softener is great for people with normal to combination skin, or very dry skin. It’s packed with antioxidants (to help protect the skin against free radicals like sun rays), anti aging ingredients, and feels like a water bomb! It’s extremely moisturizing, giving the skin a plump and sticky texture that lasts throughout most of the day.

 

Japanese Skin Care Secret #3 – Look for collagen rich products

Collagen products are all the rage in Japan.

During my last visit in Tokyo, I swam in a sea of collagen products. I had collagen drinks – which happen to be delicious! – collagen cookies, collagen masks, powder, supplements… Even gloves!

This may just be a trend – there aren’t any concrete proof showing that adding collagen to your diet works. But if there is one thing Japanese women are good at, is taking good care of their skin. With that in mind, I’ve hopped on the collagen train and will continue to take my pills and slap on a collagen mask until more research is done to prove me wrong.

Collagen Products

 

1. Asahi Perfect Asta Collagen Powder 

What makes this collagen powder so powerful is that it’s also packed with additional beauty ingredients. This powder which you can add to your coffee, tea, smoothie, yogurt, or sprinkle over your food, includes hyaluronic acid (3mg), Elastin (1mg), Beauty body lactic acid bacteria (30mg), Glucosamine (60mg), CoQ10 (5mg), and Vitamin C (100mg). It’s easy to see why it’s such a big hit in Japan.

2. Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel

The long-lasting moisture helps to plump fine lines and wrinkles so your skin stays younger, longer. Only a pea size amount is needed per application and provides moisture for up to 24 hours.

3. DHC Collagen Tablets

I brought back a few bags of these and have been taking them daily. The tablets are small and easy to swallow and so far I have noticed that my skin is softer. This product is also good for people suffering from joint pain as collagen production is essential to joint health.

Japanese Skin Care Secret #4 – Apply an anti aging face mask once or twice a month

As you can now see, the foundation of Japanese skin care lies in keeping a high level of moisture to the skin. The more hydrated the skin is, the healthier it looks. Applying a face mask once or twice a month helps boost the moisture level and therefore, give the skin that youthful glow we all dream to have.

Japanese Face Masks

1. Lululun Face Mask Rich Moisture

This is a top selling mask in Japan because of its high volume of moisturizing ingredients included. Each mask is infused with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, citron fruit extract, royal jelly extract, seaweed extract, and Polyquaternium 51. The main goal of the mask is to hydrate the skin as much as possible and thus, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This product is meant to be used before bedtime, nightly, to preserve plump and soft skin.

2. HADABISEI FACIAL MASK SUPER MOIST

This face mask contain royal jelly to plump your skin along with lemon extract to inject it full of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to repair skin cells and preserve youthful looking skin so I always tell my friends to go nuts with citrus!

3. HADA LABO Koi-Gokujyun 3D Perfect Mask

Another product from Hada Labo that’s extremely popular in Japan is their 3D Perfect Mask. This is an all in one mask that brightens and moisturizes skin and also contains anti aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acids, collagen, creamide, and squalane.

Japanese Skin Care Secret #5 – Give your face a massage

While many of us in the Western world like to much on popcorn while watching our favorite TV show, Japanese women use that time to stimulate blood flow (which minimizes fine lines and wrinkles) with a face massager.

Regular use of a face massager will tone and tighten the skin with its kneading motion. Good ones have multi angular rollers to fit every curve of your face and body. Yes, it can be used for legs, arms and stomach too!

To put it simply, you can get a facial and body massage while watching television from the comfort of your own couch. Every single night.

Face Massager/Beauty Roller

Best Selling Beauty Roller

MTG Platinum Electronic roller ReFa 4 CARAT

The MTG Platinum Electronic Roller is designed to replicate the deep “grip and glide” kneading sensation that an esthetician might include as part of a professional treatment. It’s made in Japan and the rollers are platinum coated to suit all skin types, including delicate skin.

The platinum rollers have inbuilt solar panels. This means no batteries are ever needed to use the rollers. The micro current generated from the solar panels act in the same way as the type of currents used in esthetic salon treatments.

It can be used for:

• Jaw line • Face • Underarm • Waist • Inner thigh • Neck • Chest

The MTG Platinum Electronic Roller is waterproof (it can be used in the shower and the bathtub) and comes with a cleaning cloth, pouch, instruction manual, guidebook, and warranty card.

Bonus Japanese Skin Care Secret – Leave Your Skin Bare once in a while

Simplify and let your skin breathe.

While it’s great to care for your skin, it’s also good to let it breathe once in a while.

Too many products can cause the skin to suffocate resulting in a loss of elasticity and color. If you’re spending the evening at home, take off your makeup before dinnertime and leave it bare until the morning. I know it will be tempting to slap on a little serum or moisturizer but try to stay away from all skin products. Remind yourself you are doing your skin a favor!

The next day, apply a little skin softener (read skin softener: a girl’s best friend) or a beauty mask to add moisture.

Best Japanese anti aging face creams

1. Shiseido Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream 

This is a rich anti aging cream with bio-revitalizing complex. What it does is reinforce the skin’s elasticity, which promotes skin resilience and firmness.

2. DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel

This is a lightweight moisturizing gel with antioxidant derived from freshwater green algae (considered 6000 times more powerful than vitamin c). This multi-action gel cream absorbs deeply to moisturize and nourish skin. Good for sensitive skin.

 

Best Japanese face cream/moisturizer for wrinkles

SK-II RNA Power Radical New Age

SK-II is renowned for being one of the best skin care lines for aging skin. This particular cream thoroughly hydrates the skin to give it a glowing look. The skin appears smoother, with fines lines that are less defined.

Best Japanese Serum

Pola Wrinkle Shot Medical Serum

This is the hottest beauty item in Japan right now and women swear by it! Revered by all the Japanese beauty magazine as the best serum for aging skin that reduces wrinkles, it’s no wonder this product is disappearing off the shelves!

Best Japanese Sunscreen

Skin AquaTone Up UV Essence

This sunscreen took the top spot at the Cosme Awards, Japan’s largest beauty website. The rankings are based on real users who use the products and vote them up or down.

What makes Skin Aqua Tone Up so popular is the blue-pink-lavender tint that acts as a color corrector to even out skin tone. It has the ability to neutralize heavy yellow sun tan tones that can cause the skin to look dirty or sallow.

It’s not sticky, lightweight and has an SPF of 50. The iridescent pearl particles brightens up the skin and give it a luminous glow.

ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen

ANESSA Perfect UV  Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin and children. Its Aqua Booster technology means that when the minerals from the sunscreen comes into contact with water or sweat, it redistributes itself instead of melting away, continuously protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.

This sunscreen is alcohol-free and fragrance-free and has an SPF of 50. ANESSA (part of the Shiseido family) is considered gold standard in Japan for sun protection and consistently tops the lists for best sunscreen.

 

Natural Anti Aging Products

Seaweed Based Products

Eat seaweed every day to fight fine lines and wrinkles.

Japanese women eat seaweed on a regular basis because it’s packed with natural skin care benefits.

Seaweed is a great anti-aging food and contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals hard to find in other foods. Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, seaweed reduces redness caused by rosacea as well as swelling. The iodine regulates the metabolism and helps rejuvenate the skin.

One sheet of nori contains the same amount of Omega 3’s as two avocados! Omega 3’s are the good fatty acids that help keep the skin retain moisture, consequently reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Packed with Vitamin C, it also strengthens nails and hair.

Fill Your Pantry With Seaweed

YMY TERIYAKI NORI ROASTED SEAWEED. Eat them like chips or break them up and sprinkle them on top of salads or sushi. BUY NOW
YMY TERIYAKI NORI ROASTED SEAWEED. Eat them like chips, break them up on top of salads or rice. BUY NOW
JAPANESE DELIGHT SEAWEED SALAD. Sesame and soy flavor, no MSG, all natural and low in calories. BUY NOW
JAPANESE DELIGHT SEAWEED SALAD. Sesame and soy flavor, no MSG, all natural and low in calories. BUY NOW
SEA BAKIN SEAWEED SNACKS. Vegan, crunchy nori chips in flavor packs. BUY NOW
SEA BAKIN SEAWEED SNACKS. Vegan, crunchy nori chips in flavor packs. Add more minerals to your diet.  BUY NOW
EDEN KOMBU SEAWEED STRIPS. A natural flavor enhancer used to make soup stock. BUY NOW
EDEN KOMBU SEAWEED STRIPS. A natural flavor enhancer used to make soup stock. BUY NOW
WELPAC DRIED SEAWEED. Used in salads, vinegar dishes, miso soup, ramen, it only takes 5 minutes to rehydrate. BUY NOW
WELPAC DRIED SEAWEED. Used in salads, miso soup, ramen, it rehydrates in 5 minutes. BUY NOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green Tea Based Products

Make a habit to drink 1-2 cups a day.

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to protect the skin against UV rays (which is one of the main causes for wrinkles). Some research has been done with women who had moderate skin damage and by supplementing their diets with green tea (over a two month period), saw significant improvement in elasticity. It’s easy to include green tea into your diet these days as there are so many green tea based products available on the market.

Fill Your Pantry With Green Tea

Advanta Supplements Green Tea X-tract
Advanta Supplements Green Tea X-tract
Kirkland Ito En Matcha Blend Japanese Green Tea
Kirkland Ito En Matcha Blend Japanese Green Tea
Japanese Kit Kat - Matcha Green Tea.
Japanese Kit Kat – Matcha Green Tea Flavor.

 

Tradition Pure Green Tea Powder, Matcha Tea Powder
Tradition Pure Green Tea Powder. Use this to flavor desserts or add to water for afternoon beverage.
Two Moms in the Raw Organic, Gluten-Free Truffles, Green Tea Vanilla Nut Butter.
Two Moms in the Raw – Organic, Gluten-Free Truffles, Green Tea Vanilla Nut Butter.
Kintaro Nut Clusters - Green Tea
Kintaro Nut Clusters – Green Tea flavor. Gluten free, vegan and 100% organic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Beauty Related Posts:

 

Caroline Caron Phelps

Meet The Author: Caroline Phelps

Caroline Caron-Phelps is a recipe creator, food blogger, and photographer. She showcases delicious, authentic Asian recipes, especially Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, with beautiful photography, easy-to-follow instructions, videos, and practical recipe variations. Caroline has been featured on Bon Appetit, Shape Magazine, Self, Today Show, and more.

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Questions and Reviews

  1. Awesome blog ! these are a whole set of new ideas for me. I love natural skincare and follow an Ayurvedic skincare routine. I follow iahas.com for all the great remedies on skincare, but these are unique, and I will try them for sure.

  2. Great tips The Japanese diet is full of vegetables and fish, and extremely low in meat and sugary foods, Japanese women also believe green tea is a source of clear, beautiful skin.

  3. Thank you for your very informative article! I really like to visit your product review. it’s very useful to everyone. Stay healthy and keep safe!!!

  4. oils are definitely gaining a lot of popularity among skincare enthusiasts, and for good reason. Depending on your skin type, facial oils can be one of the best ways to get the hydration your skin needs without causing you to break out or feel greasy..

  5. I am 35 due to cancer treatment I have developed low electricity my skin less firm wrinkles in just two years I looked as if I have aged five years I would like to know what would you recommend products wise for all not just for facial but for body as well if you have information for me I can use that would be great much appreciate 

    1. Hi Kathleen, I’m so sorry you had to go through such a difficult time at such a young age. Before focusing on skincare products I would recommend nourishing your skin from the inside with a diet high in vitamin C and healthy fats to boost collagen production. I think I read somewhere that coconut water with a freshly squeezed lemon in the morning helps with electricity, so that might be something you want to look into. I would also look into following a Mediterranean diet or Okinawan diet. One book I highly recommend you read is the Blue Zone, which is full of recipes to keep the body healthy. It’s based on decades of research (it’s not a diet fad or a trend) by the people at National Geographic, so it’s very informative and science based. As for skincare, I would look into EGF (epidermal growth factor) products. The downside is that they are expensive. They were originally created to heal scarring so what they do is thicken the skin, which might be helpful in reducing the appearance of fine lines. My husband and I (we are both in our mid 40s) use BioEffect EGF serum and have seen some improvement is skin tightness and wrinkle reduction.

  6. Japanese cosmetic industry is rich of anti aging products. Thank you for sharing the details and product information.

  7. Hello there! thank you for your advice. Any idea on good face oils? I live in Japan and have dry skin

    1. Lucky you for living in Japan! If you have dry skin I recommend staying away from any oils and using something water based. Your skin needs hydration first so focus on that with a skin softener and an oil-free moisturizer. Also drink plenty of water and vitamin C! 🙂

  8. Hello! My name is Alex. I saw you page. I have a question for you . You mentioned a lot of creams and products. How many can I use and how to I make a good routine with them. Can you please help me with that I got a little confused. Thank you!

    1. Hi Linda! I believe it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin 🙂 You may not be able to get rid of certain age spots or lines but I promise that you will notice a difference in your skin’s complexion. Aside from basic skincare, food is very important in nourishing your skin – the easiest way to give a boost of vitamin C is to drink a smoothie every morning. I have a few recipes you might be interested in, listed in the drinks section. And lastly, a serum is what you want to invest in since it’s the most potent of all skin products. Dior has some good ones – they are expensive but do work. To get the most benefit out of it, only use it at night since this is when your skin does all the work in repairing itself. I hope this helps!

  9. Hey softner and face wash is one thing?
    If not can y suggest me a good face wash… serum should I apply bot the time or in the night only…
    Can you also suggest some othe serum…

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Kanika,
      Find a face wash for oily skin type. If budget is an issue, try Olay. My mother used Olay for years and I also use it sometimes. I would recommend checking out site like Makeup Alley and Sephora and reading the comment section. It’s hard for me to recommend anything since I don’t know anything about you. Google ‘best affordable serum for women X (add your age)’, look at recommendation and pay attention to the products that show up often. Then visit the Makeup Alley and Sephora and read the comments. The good thing about those sites is that women share their age, skin type, etc.. It’s very helpful in choosing a product 🙂

  10. Thank you so much for your reply.
    So should I continue using Jojoba oil or use some serum?
    I don’t use makeup only once in a month.

  11. Hi! I really liked your post.
    One question my skin is oily but it’s less oily from last two years when I shifted to Japan,I
    am using Jojoba oil andbi feel good so should I continue or try to use something else? I don’tt take much care of my skin but after delivering baby I realise my skin and hairs are getting worse so please can you suggest me how to start with which products?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Kanika! It sounds like it could be more of a hormonal thing for you since your hair is also affected. I think it’s normal to be going through that stage after having a baby, your body is trying to return to normal and that will take time. I would suggest reading about post natal diets like this one – https://www.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/postpartum-diet/basic-postpartum-diet
      Also, if your skin is oily you should avoid oily moisturizers. Try something more basic for now that’s oil-free but make sure you still moisturize everyday. I would also recommend and exfoliant 2-3 times a week to get rid of residues that may be sitting at the surface of your skin. Your pores are bigger than someone with dry skin which is great because you will look young forever! But it also means that it’s easier for dust and other pollutants to enter your skin and create breakouts. I hope this helps, keep me posted!

  12. Hi,i have mixed type facial skin and very sensitive .and some blackish spot around my lips after using some bleaching agent .could you please suggests me about how can i take care of my skin.(Full routine) and thanks for your helpful post.

  13. A very interesting read. I am very interested in Japanese skincare treatments as alternatives to some of the modern harsh treatments out there.

  14. Hello!  Is the Cure Aqua Gel a cleanser or exfoliator?  I double cleanse every night and need a gentle exfoliator once a week, i don’t need another cleanser.  

    1. Hi KT! Cure Aqua Gel is an exfoliator and it’s very gentle. I use it once or twice a week 🙂

  15. Hello! I really enjoyed reading this beauty tips. I am from Japan and this article explained everything very well. Thank you Caroline!

    1. Hi Daisy! I have used all the products at some point but don’t use them all at the same time. Right now I’m using a softener, day cream, night cream, serum, and I exfoliate my skin once or twice a week. I also use the scrub which I love 🙂

  16. Wow! I can’t believe the quality of this blog! I love your tips and how you recommended products in each category so thoroughly. All these products are really perfect for anti aging skin care! Also appreciated the fact that you also suggested the ones that are affordable and not so expensive like DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Cure Natural Aqua Gel, Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip and Lululun Face Masks.

    Something I would like to add is that I believe Lululun just released a new version, Lululun Precious Green Face Mask which really targets at anti-aging care and skin-repair with the new L22 ingredient. It is a moisturising ingredient that imitates the sebum balance of 22 years old in the aim to achieve youthful skin. So for those who didn’t know about this, it’s definitely worth checking out as it could be really beneficial for your anti-aging care!

  17. What other budget friendly softener do you recommend now that shiseido’s ibuki line softening concentrate has been discontinued?

    1. Hi Marie! I’ve updated the list with one softener I absolutely love – Shiseido Treatment Moisturizer. It’s affordable and is super moisturizing!

    1. Hi Sakura, you can use the Benefiance line by Shiseido, the softener is really nice or I also really like the treatment softener too (both by Shiseido).

  18. Awesome! Such a wonderful checklist. you provide us great information in this whole content. The content seems very useful. Thanks for sharing, I would definitely try this.

  19. I like how you said a good anti-aging skincare routine will help you age well. I have been looking into getting a routine of some kind. Knowing that a routine will help makes me more inclined to find one that works for me.

  20. Hi. I would like to ask you this. You said that your mother has zero wrinkles and is 74 years old. Okay. I have two questions. 1. Does she only have wrinkle free face or does she have a wrinkle free body? 2. What products or foods does she use to be wrinkle free?

    1. Hi George, I’m finally back from vacation 🙂 My mother pretty much has a wrinkle-free face aside for some very fine lines around her eyes. Her skin is plump and so soft! The problem she has is with sagging (I have the same problem, sadly). Her body is also wrinkle-free, I applied lotion on her back a few months ago and couldn’t believe how soft her skin was, just like a 20 year old! Since my mother doesn’t have a lot of money, she cannot afford expensive brands, but she has been taking of her skin every single day since her early 20s. She also avoids the sun by wearing a hat if she goes out or she will stay in the shade. Food wise, she eats mostly traditional Japanese food and has fruit smoothies every morning 🙂 I think consistency is the key to great skin + staying out of the sun!

    1. Hi Cris, I use both but rarely at the same time. The oil I use like a serum to boost my skin with nutrients. The moisturizer I use day and night to protect my skin from free radicals and pollution. If you have oily skin though, I don’t recommend using oils as they could clog your pores. Only use products that are oil-free 🙂

  21. You make a great point that cleansing the skin is essential since it washes away bacteria that can create breakouts. I just got back from a trip to South America where it was very hot, and my skin reacted terribly to the climate there. I would love to fins a product that can help my skin feel better, I’ll look around for a good product and also keep these tips in mind.

  22. I feel like Dermalmd serum for anti aging does a great job with wrinkle prevention. You don’t need to use a lot at once; one pump is enough for your face and neck. Smells to me like offensive which I don’t like, but my husband comments that he likes what I’m wearing when I’ve used it.

  23. Hi Caroline! Thanks for the great article! You look great! Could you share your detailed weekly ritual let say and the products that you use? I got little confused with so many products and uses. For example what do you apply on your face in the morning(First face cream/Lancome…name…, Second eye cream/…), in the evening(First, Second…)…when do you use softener? How often in the week you use masks/what type? Sunscreen? And I realy want to try some of the products that you mentioned but it seems that in amazon are not so authentic. Where is the best place to order such cosmetic?

    1. Hi Maggie, I have a beauty ritual guide you can download by signing up to my newsletter. Just make sure you sign up on one of the beauty pages, not the recipe pages as the freebies are different 🙂 As far as brands are concerned, I love Shiseido but lately I have been using a mix of Tatcha and Tula skincare which are more natural and cruelty-free.

      1. Hello Caroline. This article is awesome! Thanks to your advices I bought some of those products, but I’m also feeling a little bit lost about the routines. Unfortunately I didn’t find your beauty ritual guide on your beauty pages. Can you share a link for where I can find it? Thanks a lot!

        1. Hi Tatiane! Can you tell me what you purchased and how you are currently using the products?

  24. Recently, I noticed that I am starting to get wrinkles and this worries me. I don’t feel like I am old enough to have wrinkles yet. I never knew that there were anti-aging masks, I’ll have to keep my eyes open for these and keep them to use once a month.

  25. Would anyone able to tell me which all probiotic or prebiotic or postbiotic skin care brands available in Japan, I can see lot in USA and Europe, however could not find those in Japan. For eg. Tula, Aveeno, Éminence Organic etc.

    1. Hi Harshada, I don’t know any Japanese skincare brands but I have been using Tula for 3 months and if you can get it where you are, you will love it! The best product for me is the Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment, it moisturizes my skin like you wouldn’t believe!

  26. Caroline:
    Did you purchase your MTG roller in Japan or through Amazon? I saw some reviews that questioned whether the one sold on Amazon was the genuine product.
    A wonderfully curated list of Japanese skincare! I first became hooked on the water-based Japanese sunscreen (such a difference!) and just ordered the softener you recommended. The roller would make a great addition to my list for Santa this year….

  27. Just want to say that you have beautiful skin but was wondering If you have any natural/organic skincare recommendations. I am 47.

  28. Hi,

    Your skin looks great but I was wondering If you had any Japanese natural/organic recommendations. I am 47.

    1. Hi Jodie, I just turned 44 this years so we are in the same age bracket 🙂 I don’t know about Japanese natural/organic brands but I’m about to publish a post about a US brand I have fallen in love with. They are called Tula and they are 100% cruelty-free and their products are made with probiotics and superfoods (100% free of Parabens, Toxins, Carcinogens, Mineral Oil, etc…) I like their products so much that I told them about it and they’ve offered my readers 20% off their first purchase. If you’re interested, you can use my code PICKLEDPLUM at checkout, here’s the website link: https://pickledplum.com/tulaskincare
      I especially recommend their overnight skin rescue treatment – my skin goes from dry to super hydrated every time I use it!

  29. Hello Caroline,
    I am so happy to come across your amazing article as I am planning to switch to Japanese facial skin care products. I have mild rosacea so my skin flares up from time to time, especially in the winter. I used to use Cliniderm RosaCalm Cream 30 in the morning and Cliniderm RosaCalm Cream every other night because I have to put on the medication (Noritate) too. The Cliniderm creams had helped minimize the red lines for a few years, but it is weird that I have allergic reaction with them now. Would you please give me your recommendation on what products I should use for my skin type?
    Thank you very much!

    1. Hi Anh, I’m not too familiar with Japanese products that combat rosacea but I know that Laroche Posay has a good one. Skin & Lab is high in vitamin K which would help calm the skin and reduce the redness https://item.rakuten.co.jp/co-s-me/vitak-k1/#vitak-k1
      Ulu also seems to be very popular to combat rosacea https://ameblo.jp/hana400/entry-12117256326.html

      I hope this help Anh, and please share on this thread your results, I’d love to know if there is a good Japanese product for rosacea!

      1. Hi Caroline,
        I’ve tried the SHISEIDO IBUKI SOFTENER and HADABISEI FACIAL MASK SUPER MOIST for a few times now. I can tell that my skin feels so soft and refreshing, however, I can not use the softener at night as I have to put on the medication on my face nightly.
        I will try the 2 products that you mentioned and let you know the outcome. It’s a little hard as the websites are in Japanese, I have to use Google translate 🙂
        Thank you very much!

  30. One of the best skin treatment I really love is the facial treatment! Thanks for sharing this helpful and informative article. Keep it up!

  31. Hello Caroline! I loved this post, what a great breakdown of a powerful skincare routine that has obviously been proven to work, judging by your skin! You look amazing! Facial massagers, and just manual massage feels soo good and works wonders for your skin, my skin looks so much brighter after a good rub.

    Thank you again for the tips, and have a beautiful day 🙂

  32. I’ve been using a product called Cosmedique for a while now and I think people should take a look at this product. I use this product as my all in one product and it removed the bumps in my chin area and the circles under my eyes. I tried the 15 days trial and was very happy with the product. Although the product is quite pricey I was able to get a discount on the first product that I received.
    I agree getting on the phone to talk with a customer support takes a lot of time but I find communicating with them through email to be faster.
    I’m very happy with the product and I can see my skin improving, the only problem for me is the price.

  33. Hi, thank you for the post it was very helpful. Can the products listed above be effective in hot humid climate? Im a nigerian

    1. Hi Gloria, Japan is also very hot and humid so yes, absolutely! Humid weather can really dry out the skin so adding moisture to it will help it retain its natural glow and balance 🙂

  34. Eating anti-aging foods is good to reverse the aging effects up to certain extent. I know it will take time but it can heal you internally. These foods are loaded with plethora of nutrients that is required by the body to maintain the optimum function of the different organ system.

  35. Thanks for sharing your idea! This is very helpful for everyone. Also, your idea explains very clearly and it is also informative. I want to share my tips too about anti-aging. Just visit my profile to see my blogs.

  36. Hey, very useful post for all the beauties. Thanks for sharing this post as it is very helpful for looking younger. CURE NATURAL AQUA GEL is something that I need because of my sensitive skin. I would like to share your beauty products with my friends so that even they can keep their skin healthy and look younger. Keep posting such beauty tips.

  37. HI,
    I’m planning to switch to japanese products and wondering what night cream can you recommend? I have a really dry skin.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Jackie, for really dry skin I would actually recommend using Laroche Posay. They have an amazing line of skin care specifically created for that: https://www.laroche-posay.us/dry-skin
      I would also advise you to use water on your face as little as possible since it can really dry your skin. Over cleansing is also very bad because it strips away the natural oils. If you wear makeup, use makeup removing towelettes or a gentle oil cleanser like Shu Uemura’s https://www.shuuemura-usa.com/Cleansing-oils/skincare-cleansing-oils,default,sc.html
      I hope this helps! 🙂

  38. Hi Caroline,
    Im a lil confused in the order of Japanese skincare. Like. im using the skin softener, skin conditioner, and also serum at the same time. Which one should be used first and last?
    Thank you for your reply

    1. Hi Thanh Ha,

      A skin care routine can indeed be a little confusing, especially when you are using more than just a couple of products 🙂
      After washing your face, use the skin softener, then the serum and give it a minute to absorb. Finish with the moisturizer and then foundation, powder, etc.. You can also mix your serum with your moisturizer if you use less serum since it can be quite expensive.

  39. I have a problem with my skin…I have acne and really sensitive skin…I already used many products but nothing can get away my acne…Can you suggest me what product should i use to get clear face like japanese woman ? I really did not know what product should i use anymore…please help me 🙂

    1. Hi Miza, have you tried changing your diet? Acne can sometimes be caused by food. I had a friend who had really bad acne and Proactiv cleared his skin completely! https://www.proactiv.com/
      I would suggest seeing a dermatologist if your acne is always severe, it could be a hormonal issue. I hope you find something that works soon! 🙂

    2. I hope Caroline doesn’t mind me jumping in. I just want to share with Miza my past experience clearing acne.

      Caroline is totally right about food causing acne. For me, the worst offenders are dairy, refined sugar and processed food. I don’t think many dermatologists look into the link between food and acne but to many people, food can lead to acne. Think of it as a way your body is telling you it doesn’t like something you eat or do. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause acne. Eating more food with zinc may help your skin heal better.

      There are also other things that can cause acne. I used to live in Asia and never had acne during that time, and a few years ago I moved to Europe and later to the U.S. The water in Europe and the U.S. make my skin worse. I’m not really sure if it’s because of the hard water or something in the water. If you suspect the water where you live worsens your skin, you can look into installing a water filter or water softener.

      In terms of products, you should stay away from harsh products. Don’t use cleansers that make your skin feel dry and dull after washing. That means they are too harsh for your skin and over time will cause damage to the moisture barrier of your skin. A healthy moisture barrier will help keep acne away. Also, moisturize your skin well, exfoliate your skin once a week (use chemical exfoliator, using those with scrubs can worsen your condition). Some products that worked for me were SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence, La Prairie 3-minute peel and Creme de La Mer. Since everyone’s skin is different, try to test new products on a small area first.

      It took me a while to find out what was doing damage to my skin and fixed it. Stay positive, eat clean and healthy, do exercises, check for vitamin deficiency, use good skin products. Oh, and never pick at your acne and it’s best to touch your skin only when your hands are clean. I hope your skin will get better soon!

      Sorry for jumping in, Caroline!

  40. Thanks for sharing information, I am indeed looking for tips for beautiful Japanese people and I think I find the answer here. Nice Website 🙂

  41. Hi Caroline,

    I completely agree that using a gentle cleanser is super important. I once used La Prairie cleanser for a short period of time and it was so dry and harsh on my skin that my skin broke out and healed very slowly. It took me a few months to recover from the damage… Is there an eye cream that you really like? My problem is dark circle under eyes. I tried eye cream products from several high-end brands and they didn’t improve the under eye area much. Thanks!

    Oh and I need to say this: your skin is gorgeous!

    1. Hi Sophie, I think for dark circles, it’s all about getting the blood flowing so you should try compresses, used tea bags and cucumbers. You should get a cool gel mask to sleep with at night – this should help a lot, I’ve seen them sold on Amazon. There’s also makeup, depending on your skin tone, try using a purple or green based foundation (talk to someone at a makeup counter or do a quick search online to do a self-assessment). Almond oil or vitamin E (oil caplets – break it and apply to your skin) are also supposed to be very good. It may take a while before you see results but you should see a difference after a few weeks.

      1. Thank you so much for all the suggestions! I just bought almond oil yesterday. I will try applying it every night to see if that’ll help. Thanks again :)!

        1. You’re welcome Sophie! Have you tried Cure Aqua Gel? It’s a scrub but super gentle. I love it, it makes my skin so soft but not dry 🙂

          1. I haven’t tried Cure Aqua Gel. I will take a look at it. It’s quite fun to try out new skincare products :). I will have a few hours at Narita airport at the end of this year and I already think about hoarding lots of Japanese products :).

  42. Hi Caroline,

    Thank you for sharing! I always use Japanese skin care products, specifically Shiseido products. These products are really effective to my skin. I also love wearing the sunscreen lotion because it gives enough moisture and hydration.

  43. These are steps that must be followed! Sometimes I believe we can get caught up in a quick fix that we totally forget that harsh chemicals harm our skin in the long run. I will now start incorporating more seaweed and green tea in my diet.

  44. Hello Caroline,
    Thanks for your reply! Heard so much about Shiseido’s Ibuki line but I’ve already started using Cetaphil as my cleanser because just recently, I saw a few white crusty spots on my face, and it was so itchy. Good thing, my sister (just came back from her S.Korea trip) gave me a bottle of Tony Moly Nutra Energy Toner and a couple of I’m Real Tea Tree Masks. I haven’t tried the mask yet, but the toner was awesome, it seem to work nicely with my Cetaphil cleanser. My skin doesn’t feel so dry anymore, and the spots are fading. Thanks for your suggestions, I’ll take note of them. Thanks so much! 🙂

  45. Wow! This is an amazing article. I’ve always loved my Japanese’s friends skin, so fresh and young-looking. I haven’t tried any of their products, though. What would you recommend for a moisturizer? I have a very dry skin type. Thanks!

    1. Hi Jenny! I would recommend you start with a softener and follow with a moisturizer. I’m currently using Shiseido’s Ibuki line (softener and moisturizer) and my skin has managed to look hydrated all winter long! I would also recommend looking into Korean face masks – they are cheap and amazing for hydration!

  46. Traditional Japanese oil are best to use for skin care as long as they are not mineral. This generally include herbal oils such as camellia oil used as a makeup remover and cleanser.

    1. Hi Naomi, you can find amazing products everywhere in Japan. The best are SK-II, DHC and Kose. These products are sold in department stores although I would recommend you also look at cheaper products such as Hado Labo which they might sell in drugstores since they are also very good. Have a fun trip!

  47. Please!I want a simple answer: what is your top recommendation for a Japanese eye cream for anti-aging?
    Many thanks,
    Heather

    1. Hi Heather, I would recommend anything from the SKII line like the Essential Power Eye Cream. I think the cream is about $125, quite expensive but well worth it. Otherwise I really like the Benefiance line from Shiseido. I use their Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream all the time.

  48. Japanese women do have a clear, smooth face. They really took good care of their skin especially Japanese women above 50 years, they still maintain the youthful glow in their face. Thanks for sharing this. People will be knowledgeable of what to do if they want to have a Japanese like skin.