The Secret to Japanese Mochi Skin
Most of us are envious of how flawless Japanese women look. Here are some beauty tips that are extremely effective to get radiant, healthy looking skin. So let’s go back to the traditional Japanese roots and discover their long-kept beauty secrets.
Rice Bran for soft skin
For centuries, the Japanese have known and appreciated the wonderful benefits of komenuka, or rice bran. Full of antioxidants (more than 70 in fact!) and other essential nutrients, rice bran powder is used in scrubs, facials and even body treatments to help fight the signs of aging, treat blemished skin and leave the skin toned, tight, and soft.
Onsen or natural hot springs
Bathing in Japan is more than a cleansing routine: it’s a beauty ritual. Onsen (natural hot springs) are scattered throughout the city, offering people plenty of opportunities to soak, scrub, and relax in nutrient-enriched and mineralized natural waters.
A steaming bath before bed will not only leave you feeling relaxed, it will also help blood circulation. For extra moisturizing and replenishing skin effects, Japanese women infuse their bath with oils or natural salts. The steam is also a great way to detox, further helping to clear pores and promote bright, healthy skin.
Embrace Vitamin C
We often associate Vitamin C with our ability to fight colds or bleeding gums and rarely make the connection that it works its magic on our skin too. It helps by boosting our natural collagen supply, as well as maintaining bone density and general health.
It also helps deoxidize and breakdown melanin, the natural pigmentation we get in our skin from tanning or aging. Japanese women constantly take vitamin C through food, supplements, drinks, fruit and vegetables, and cosmetic products. Some Japan-only fruit and vegetables, such as the citrusy yuzu, kaki (Japanese persimmon), as well as shiso (a type of wild basil), are all extremely rich in Vitamin C.
Azuki beans to exfoliate the skin
Since as early as the Nara period (710-794), Japanese women have used this red little bean not only as part of a healthy diet, but also for healthy-looking skin. Ground into a fine powder or a slightly coarse scrub, azuki beans are a wonderful natural remedy for those who are prone to acne or blackheads, or wish to diminish fine lines.
These legumes are high in antioxidants and contain a naturally occurring foaming agent known as saponin that helps to cleanse and tighten pores. It has an immediate effect when used as it helps to gently remove dirt and dead skin cells, unclog pores and brighten the skin by stimulating blood circulation.
It’s a common belief across many cultures that true beauty comes from within. In Japan it’s known as mienai oshare, or unseen beauty. The phrase implies that beauty doesn’t need to be physically seen or demonstrated in order to be appreciated or recognized.