Japanese Natural Skincare Secrets

Japanese women have very smooth, soft and lustrous skin. For these reasons, they hide their age better than most people. The secret is not only what they put on their skin to clean or moisturize it, but what they eat and their lifestyle. If we all adopt a few of these age-old Japanese secrets, we too can preserve our skin better and have more radiant skin, even into old age. Does this Spark an idea?

Phytessence Wakame Seaweed

Wakame, both dried and fresh, is widely eaten in Japan. This seaweed has several properties in it that are very beneficial to skin. Wakame is high in B vitamins, which help soothe inflammation, which dammage cells, and helps the skin retain moisture, which reduces flakiness and fine lines. Wakame has many antioxidants which kill free radicals that attack and dammage skin cells. Lastly, there is an acid in our skin, hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin elastic, smooth and toned. An enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down the hyaluronic acid, and is therefore bad, is also in our skin. Wakame inhibits hyaluronidase, therefore helping to keep our skin toned and healthy.

Omega-3

Not all fats are bad for us. Omega-3 fatty acids are one type of fat that our bodies need to perform necessary functions. It is also very good for our skin. Omega-3 is found in fish oil and deep-water fish. Fish is an important part of the Japanese diet. Omega-3 fights against free radicals, which attack skin cells and cause wrinkles. It also prevents collagen breakdown, which keeps the skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Omega-3 can also reduce the effect of UV rays, which are known to cause skin cancer. There is a strong link between Omega-3 and the improvement of dry skin. If you have psoriasis, eczema, dandruff or dry skin, chances are you are lacking Omega-3 in your diet.

Green Tea

Instead of drinking coffee all day, many Japanese drink green tea, and have for centuries. Green tea works in many ways to protect, heal and strengthen skin. Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants which fight free radicals, those chemicals that cause skin to sag. Free radicals can form from UV radiation from the sun, which cases premature aging. Green tea, when drunk and applied to the skin, helps to neutralize the effects of UV rays, thus combating premature skin aging. Green tea helps rejuvenate skin cells and increase elasticity, which helps to hide wrinkles. It also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which is good for skin conditions such as psoriasis and dandruff.