Skincare is a Self-Care Artform
The artform of haiku is a perfect example of how beauty is embodied in Japanese culture. Haiku’s compact form conveys volumes of meaning with just a handful of words that have been carefully chosen for the greatest impact; it takes the mundane and elevates it to something sacred. Here, in a single sentence, Bashō expresses many powerful ideas: the joy of seeking relief from everyday struggles, finding renewal in simple rituals, connecting with nature. This distinctive relationship—of embracing natural simplicity and finding beauty in small, everyday rituals—is the essence of what Japanese beauty is.
In many ways, the artform of haiku is similar to Japanese skincare. After all, we know that skincare is a self-care artform—and like haiku, effective Japanese skincare is about impactful simplicity and daily natural inspiration. For Shikō Beauty Collective, this unique ideal drives our purpose of helping people to discover their best selves through self-care. Here are the foundational elements of Japanese beauty (J-Beauty) that inspire what we do.
Ritual
Well-cared for, healthy skin has always been at the heart of beauty for Japanese people. In contrast to Western ideals, Japanese skincare is focused on prevention and maintenance rather than “fixing” imperfections or damage—and Japanese people take their skincare rituals very seriously. The concept of flawed beauty guides Japanese skincare, from which products to use, to what kind of results to expect. Typical J-Beauty self-care routines are thorough and meticulous (though simple) and centered on nourishing and enhancing what already exists. In a country with one the highest life expectancies, it makes sense that people would dedicate time each day to protecting their skin for the long haul. J-Beauty routines distinguish themselves from others (like K-beauty) by focusing on straightforward, unfussy steps using the most effective natural ingredients that nourish not only skin, but holistic wellness—encompassing the body, mind, and spirit.
