The Ancient Japanese Beauty Rituals You Should Follow!

It’s true that Japan has a rich history of beauty rituals that are worth exploring. Doesn’t matter if you are a newbie or a cult follower of Japanese skincare in NZ, there is always something new to learn from J-beauty secrets that have been there for centuries. After all, how can you not be jealous of the ever-youthful beauty of Japanese women, who stay ageless even in their 60s?

The Cult of Japanese Skincare and Beauty

There is an old Japanese proverb, saying “white skin covers the seven flaws.” The proverb describes the desire Japanese women have for fair skin throughout their life. The obsession with radiant and ever-glowing skin dates back to the Nara period (710-794), when Chinese and Korean cultures were dominating the Japanese culture.

Back then, Japanese women were painting their faces with white powder and red pigments. Take oshiroi, for instance. It was a popular white powder foundation among Japanese women.

Japanese woman wearing oshiroi makeup

Fast-forward to today, the Japanese beauty wave has been sweeping us over for a while now. Mochi skin, intricate skincare routines, and more and more cosmetic stores in Auckland have taken over our lives.  

On top of that, Japan is among the largest markets for cosmetics and skincare products globally. Reports suggest that the J-beauty products market is going to reach $36.93 billion by 2029, at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.87%.

Courtesy: Mordor Intelligence

As more and more people are embracing Japanese skincare in NZ, natural ingredients and organic formulations are witnessing a surge in demand. This is driving manufacturers to incorporate traditional skincare secrets in their products. Here are some amazing aspects of Japanese beauty rituals you can add to your daily skincare routine:

1.      Japanese Camellia

Scientifically known as Camellia japonica, the Japanese Camellia is a flowering plant native to East Asia. This evergreen shrub is common throughout Japan, particularly in areas with milder winters. It offers multifunctional properties for beauty purposes.

For example, Camellia oil can be applied to the skin to moisturise, soften, and protect against environmental stressors. It is also helpful in nourishing and conditioning hair, making it a staple in Japanese hair care routines.

2.      Gua Sha Facial Massage

While Gua Sha has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine, it has also found its way into Japanese beauty practices. This facial massage technique involves using a smooth, flat tool to gently scrape the skin. It helps in blood circulation and reduces tension, enhancing the skin’s appearance and youthfulness.

A woman using gua sha to massage her face

3.      Rice Bran for Skincare

Rice has been a staple in Japanese diets for several centuries, but its benefits extend beyond the kitchen. Rice bran oil comes from the outer layer of rice grains and has been used in Japanese skincare for its moisturising and antioxidant properties. The oil is a staple in Japanese skincare in NZ, promoting radiant and skin anti-inflammatory benefits.

4.      Onsen and Misogi Bath

In Japan, bathing is something that goes beyond just cleaning your body. It is a form of self-care to relax and unwind yourself. Sento or public bathhouses have been part of Japanese culture for generations. Onsen or natural hot springs are also popular in the country as a way to nourish the skin from the inside out. The custom of “Misogi” is another bathing ritual that’s done under a cold waterfall to remove dirt from the body as well as calm the mind.

5.      Green Tea and Matcha

Green tea and matcha are well-known superfood beverages from Japan. Both are rich in catechin - a polyphenol that slows aging and boosts immunity. They help strengthen the skin against environmental damage, reducing skin redness, treating acne, and even guarding against premature aging.

Green tea in a glass decorated with green tea powder

6.      Natural Hair Cleansing

Forget about those synthetic shampoos that contain harmful chemicals. Natural hair cleansing is one of the best hair secrets that beautiful Japanese women own. They use seaweed powder to cleanse their hair, so that there is no damage done to the hair roots and ends. Instead of relying on conditioners, they use camellia oil to moisturise their hair.

7.      Azuki for Exfoliation

Azuki is an invaluable ingredient Japanese women use in their skincare regime. This red bean has been around for centuries and is great for scrubbing and exfoliation across the body. It helps remove the dirt and dead skin cells, leaving with a smoother skin. You can find it in many products in cosmetic stores in Auckland.

Summing Up

By integrating these ancient Japanese beauty secrets into your daily skincare regimen, you can achieve youthful skin that glows with a timeless allure. Embrace the rich heritage of Japan, combined with traditions and modern science, to unlock the true potential of your beauty. So, get ready to step into this captivating world of Japanese skincare in NZ.