I'm a huge fan of J-Beauty skin care for many reasons but where should I start first? First and foremost, this wouldn't be considered a debate but more of a comparison and contrast between the two latest trends as well that made recent big headways in the Western world. As opposed to K-Beauty, J-Beauty is considered to be more for the more sophisticated client, where K-Beauty likes to meet the latest trends... J-Beauty has certain time-tested ingredients that have been used for years beyond years of time that have worked towards for facial skin benefits. Rather than a 7-10 Step regimen with K-Beauty, Japanese Skin Care is more minimalistic towards their approach with very science-driven formulations.
I personally feel that the formulas are much more technologically advanced and can be considered to some "ahead of its' time" to many skillful practices done in Japan. The several brands I have tested are far more cosmetically elegant in texture than I've tested with other brands & more so within the American market. The widely used natural ingredients would be like concentrated amounts of Green Tea, Rice, Seaweed, variety of forms of Algae extract, Pearl extract (considered to be helpful for brightening), Japanese Angelica Root, Camellia oil, Sakura Flower extract and that's just to name a few... The ingredients that the Japanese use are deeply rooted from ancient customs & traditions.
Another widely used ingredient I've come to notice that is heavily used in J-Beauty is one of my truly favorite ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid, it holds 1000x times its' weight in water & when applied topically it grabs moisture from the air and to keep your skin locked in with hydration. Hyaluronic acid is as well in cosmetic facial fillers to help with skin plumping and filling in cheeks, under eyes, any kind of hallowness from underneath eyes & down. Applied topically from a product depending on how well-formulated the product is, it can fill in and plump lines & wrinkles, firm skin and since it is in fact a humectant, it will provide hydration and moisture.
Plenty of people, I keep hearing them say that Asians just have a gene that makes their skin age slower, maybe in fact there could be some truth to that notion. However, other factors are also to be considered as well! In terms of diets... Most eat very cleanly, that being seaweed, fish (which are chock full of Omegas!), green tea being very high in antioxidant levels for starters. Skin Care in Asian parts of the world are a top priority and regimens can be quite rigorous for those who take it very serious. As well SPF is considered an even more main priority to Asians to prevent dark spots/hyperpigmentation and freckling, since sun damage is a main concern for many in the East and they dress to cover areas exposed to the sun even during very hot days. Many Asians don't believe in getting in a "tan", it's not as popular there as it is here in the West, a tan is not considered to be "healthy or nice-looking" (which still a "healthy tan" doesnt exist, unless you're using sunless options) and refers to future sun damage and dark spots. Sunscreen is always a must and in Japan, there are so many more options of different sunscreens in textures going from liquid, gel, lotion and cream. They are far more preventative than anything. Makeup & color in the U.S. seem to hold a far wider priority out here than with skin, however I have seen a change in recent times, while Americans are becoming more skin care conscious in this day & age. Either way, I love using this phrase because it just makes so much more sense... "you need to have clear canvas for everything else to go on more evenly".
P.S. Tatcha is technically an American brand but very Japanese-inspired and the actual products are developed and made in Japan, but just not sold there.
Yours truly always,
Mr. Skin Care Guru
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