Mr. Skin Care Guru's Blog

     J-Beauty is widely known for their high usage in skincare of natural botanical ingredients. As mentioned in my previous post about "Geishas",  many of these Japanese-derived ingredients are time-tested and even have been used for centuries as part of skincare rituals. Ingredients such as Ginseng, Rice bran, Sake, Yuzu, Green Tea, Algae, Pearl extract 🦪, Camellia Seed Oil, Licorice Root, Silk extract, Japanese mugwort, Coix Seed Extract (Hatomugi), Shiso Leaf, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Safflower Extract, just to name a few. They are relied on their rejuvenative/anti-aging and skin brightening properties, even for acne and sensitivity as well. That combined with today's cutting-edge science & backed technology. To achieve that plumped, dewy, hydrated and clear "Mochi Skin" ( mochi hada ).    These natural-based ingredients mixed with synthetically engineered ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C (aka Ascorbic Acid), Kojic Acid, Peptide...

     Even though there are plenty of more affordable options. I'll be delving into a few of the most popular luxury lines within the J-Beauty spectrum. Shiseido's Future Solution LX line, SK-II, and Clé De Peau Beauté. What sets these apart and their functions for the skin. Short descriptions of each and what makes them stand out. Shiseido Future Solution LX: This brand's lineup utilizes the Enmei herb for its products, along with other botanicals for skin rejuvenation and to address multiple signs of aging being from lines/wrinkles, firmness and uneven skintone. The Enmei herb's regenerative results are also linked with healing properties from reducing inflammation and was used as an herbal medicine. It contains antioxidant protection, upticks a specific protein called Sirtuin within the skin that assists with anti-aging results. With assisting with skin texture, hydration and improved resilience. SK-II:  SK-II is as synonymous with its name as Shiseido's, very we...

   Many J-Beauty moisturizers have such cosmetically elegant textures to them. A lot of thought and precision goes into for cosmetic chemists to creating and manufacturing some of these treasured gems. From gel to rich-type formulas, many are lightweight considering. One of the reasons being for lighter weight formulas is because the summers in Japan can be pretty and extremely humid. Therefore, having lightweight products is a must. Not to say there aren't richer textures formulas, they just don't feel as heavy and comedogenic as others may feel to be. There's something for all skin types, whether you're Normal/Combination, Dry and/or Oily. Many brands to choose from and then it all lies to target concerns & skin type for the most part. Within the Japanese market, I feel there aren't as many serums as there are lotions/essences, maybe not as much as a popular item. Possibly just more of a personal preference for that market, not to say at all that serums are no...

   I've always admired the earlier skincare practices of Geishas. Their rituals are tracing back to the mid-18th century during the Edo Period. They are of the first ones to incorporate double cleansing even! Many of these old time-tested ingredients are still used to this day, I'll break down some of their most popular ingredients used as well: Camellia Seed Oil: These ingredients has been used for very many centuries. Contains beneficial vitamins A & E, fatty acids (such as oleic acid & lineoic acid), and squalene even. It can be used with cleansing and applied topically on skin as well. Has many rejuvenative & anti-aging properties. Along with providing moisturization for the skin as well as fighting free radical and environmental aggressors. Bintsuke Wax: Traditionally used as a makeup primer for thick & heavy makeup application. Helps to create a protective barrier to protect the skin from dryness and skin irritation. As well as providing superior moisture...

     Many believe that J-Beauty being an imported product & due to its high-quality ingredients come with the luxury pricetag. However, that's not always the case... and there's many affordable options that are still efficacious at drugstore or mid-price levels even. There's plenty of wonderfully formulated products on both ends of the spectrum. Some examples I'll provide are being: High-End or Luxury Pricing: Clé de Peau Beauté SK-II Decorte Shiseido (The Future Solutions LX & Vital Perfection Lines ) Obagi Japan Astalift Kanebo Sensai Mid-Level & Drugstore Pricing: Hada Labo Bioré Curél Kikumasamune DHC Shiseido Tatcha DamDam Tokyo Sekkisei Suisai Melano CC Lululun Nadeshiko Momo Puri Minon Amino Moist    Some of these brands are very popular brands as well. There's plenty of options to choose that works the best for your skin and your budget. There's also several Japanese skincare curator sites as well that offer multiple brands on one site even t...

     In the J-Beauty realm, more often than not there's plenty brands that cater to sensitive skin consumers. Plenty of the brands even now do not use fragrance & harsh active, with in mind in repairing the skin barrier. What is included are calming ingredients but still proven to be efficacious, none the less. Even now with formulators opting out alcohol, since for some can flare up sensitive skin, but doesn't apply to all. More of a rule of thumb for individuals though to try to do without it still. I've noticed brands such as DHC, Curél and Hada Labo don't even include any fragrance in their products to better cater to for a larger market audience of all skin types & skin conditions. Some moisturizer can come in different textures as gels, emulsions, and creams.    Calming products with an acute sense of skin's sensitivities in mind. Whether it be from environmental factors, chronic skin conditions, or occasional flare-ups. Gentle botanicals to calm i...

     Japanese sheets masks are an often used item in a J-Beauty routine. They are high-quality in each way possibly. From the soft cotton of the sheet to the high-quality effective ingredients within the essence liquid of the product. A saturated market, sure... And it can feel overwhelming with so many & even within in the K-Beauty realm. I think there's a reason why they have become so popular though. Even though in this post, I'll just be discussing specifically J-Beauty. However, sheet masks in general have been a global dominating skincare product to use. They can feel cooling, relaxing and fun to use for some of a younger demographic with social media posting.    J-Beauty masks to me are the cutting-edge of technology in their formulation and usage of some sheet masks. It can feel like there's a sea of them with so many brands releasing them as a whole. Best way to choose is by finding and targeting what your main skin concerns are, whether it be hyper...

     Japanese liquid lotions are just about a staples in a J-Beauty routine just as much as cleanser is in general. They combine time-tested ingredients with today's cutting-edge technology. Lotion not to be confused in the West & in the US as a lightweight cream formula. They can also be known as "essence" as well. They act in the same way and function as the prep step for your remaining treatment products serums & moisturizers to penetrate deeper into the skin and perform more effectively. The surge of hydration received you receive us an added benefit as well. Hydration levels is increased and Japanese skincare is all about the moisture & skin barrier of your skin and overall hydration for healthier skin.    The viscosity of a lotion can be as thin as liquid water to a lightweight gel. It can vary depending on the formulation and targeted benefits of the product. Regardless of how viscous it is, they do pack a major punch of ingredients. You can e...