Japanese skincare is rooted in a philosophy of layering products for optimal skin health. The idea is to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin in a balanced, harmonious way. Unlike routines that rely on aggressive treatments, Japanese skincare promotes hydration, balance, and gentle nourishment, leading to long-lasting skin health.
If you're new to Japanese skincare or just looking to optimize your existing routine, it’s essential to understand the proper order of products to ensure each one works effectively. This post discusses the best order for a traditional Japanese skincare routine and highlights some of the top products on the market, including emulsions, lotions, and more.
Step 1: Cleanser – The Foundation of Your Routine
Every effective skincare routine starts with clean skin, and in Japanese skincare, this typically involves a double cleansing process. The first cleanse removes makeup, oil, and impurities from the day, while the second cleanse purifies the skin at a deeper level.
Oil Cleanser
Begin with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and excess oil. Japanese beauty rituals often favor oil cleansers because they remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Look for products that gently dissolve dirt while keeping the skin hydrated.
Foam Cleanser
Follow up with a water-based cleanser, like a foam cleanser, to ensure that any leftover residue from your oil cleanser is fully washed away. This step leaves your skin soft, clean, and ready to absorb the next products.
Step 2: Exfoliator (Optional, 1-2 Times a Week)
Exfoliation is not an everyday step, but incorporating it once or twice a week is essential for removing dead skin cells, enhancing skin renewal, and ensuring that subsequent products penetrate effectively. Opt for gentle exfoliators that won’t irritate or over-exfoliate the skin. Avoid harsh physical scrubs and instead choose chemical exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells without being abrasive.
Step 3: Toner – Prepping the Skin
Toners in Japanese skincare differ from the astringent toners commonly found in Western routines. They are designed to hydrate and balance the skin’s pH level after cleansing, preparing it for the absorption of the next steps. Japanese toners, also known as "lotions," are incredibly hydrating and work to soften and soothe the skin.
F. Ishii Essence Lotion
F. Ishii Essence Lotion is a perfect choice for this step. This essence lotion provides deep hydration and primes the skin for the next steps. With a lightweight, watery texture, it delivers essential nutrients while helping to balance your skin’s moisture levels.
Step 4: Essence – The Heart of Japanese Skincare
Essences are an integral part of Japanese skincare. They contain active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin than toners or moisturizers, helping with hydration, anti-aging, and skin regeneration. Essences are particularly effective at preparing the skin to absorb the subsequent serums and treatments.
Dassai Oil-In Moisturizing Lotion
The Dassai Oil-In Moisturizing Lotion deeply hydrates and provides a delicate balance of oils and moisturizers to give your skin a plump, radiant look. The oil-in formulation helps lock in moisture, ensuring your skin feels smooth and nourished throughout the day.
Step 5: Serum – Targeting Specific Concerns
Serums are powerful treatments that target specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation, fine lines, or acne. They usually contain a high concentration of active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or peptides. When selecting a serum, focus on what your skin needs most. Apply it immediately after your essence for maximum absorption.
Step 6: Emulsion – Lightweight Hydration
Emulsions are a staple in Japanese skincare routines and are used as a light moisturizing step before heavier creams. Emulsions are lightweight, milky products that hydrate the skin without feeling heavy or greasy, making them perfect for layering.
Lala Vie Oil-In Lotion
Emulsions like the Lala Vie Oil-In Lotion provide a layer of easily absorbed moisture, leaving your skin soft and supple. The oil-in formulation adds an extra dose of hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for all skin types, including oily and combination skin.
Step 7: Moisturizer – Sealing It All In
A moisturizer locks in all the previous layers, providing a barrier to keep moisture from escaping and protecting your skin from environmental factors. In the Japanese skincare routine, moisturizers can range from lightweight gels to thicker creams, depending on your skin type and the season.
For daytime, opt for a lighter moisturizer that works well under makeup, while at night, you might want to choose a richer cream that nourishes your skin as you sleep.
Step 8: Sunscreen – Protecting Your Skin (Daytime Only)
Sunscreen is essential to any skincare routine, especially in Japanese beauty. UV damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, so applying sunscreen every morning is crucial. Choose a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it as the final step in your morning routine to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Step 9: Night Cream or Sleeping Mask (Nighttime Only)
In your nighttime routine, you can replace sunscreen with a richer cream or sleeping mask for intense overnight hydration. Sleeping masks often contain active ingredients that work while you rest, helping to repair and rejuvenate the skin. They seal in moisture and allow your skin to absorb nutrients while you sleep.
Tailoring the Routine to Your Skin Type
While the traditional Japanese skincare routines generally follow these steps, it is also important to listen to your skin and adjust accordingly. If you have oily skin, you might opt for lighter products like emulsions and gels. If you have dry or mature skin, focus on richer creams and serums that provide deeper hydration.
Building a J-Beauty Skincare Routine with Shiko Beauty
Shiko Beauty offers a range of products that align with the traditional Japanese skincare approach, emphasizing hydration, balance, and nourishment. Each product is crafted to work harmoniously in a layered routine.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll enhance your skin’s health and achieve the dewy, radiant complexion that Japanese skincare is known for. Explore the collection at Shiko Beauty and start building your perfect skincare routine today!
