How to Prep Your Skin for this Fall/Winter
With the intense heat and UV rays that many regions, including Japan, experienced this year, it is essential to repair the damage done over summer and prepare our skin for cooler weather! 🍂🍁
Here are my tips to achieve glowy glass skin for the coming seasons!
Tip #1 - Hydrate!
Did you know that even in humid Tokyo summers, your skin can still be dehydrated? I've found that many of my clients suffer from dehydrated skin due to factors like sweating and exposure to air conditioning.
As we approach cooler, less humid months, it's crucial to prioritize hydration to combat summer damage and keep your skin happy.
The key is to use hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycans and peptides in your daily skincare routine—morning and evening. Incorporating a hydrating serum with potent ingredients underneath your moisturizer can significantly boost your skin's hydration levels.
A favorite among my salon clients is the Essence serum, which features 5 different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, ensuring optimal absorption into all epidermal layers. Additionally, stem cell culture media derived from placenta and umbilical cord provide essential growth factors to stimulate skin cell regeneration and fortify the skin's barrier function for enhanced hydration retention.
Tip #2 - Proper Exfoliation
Dead skin cell buildup on the surface can hinder the absorption of beneficial beauty ingredients. Even the most incredible formulas won't yield the promised and desired results if the nutrients just can't reach where they're needed. By gently removing this buildup, you allow your products to better penetrate your skin, leading to a brighter complexion and less noticeable pores. This simple step can truly unlock the full potential of your skincare routine.
⚠️ That being said, finding the right exfoliating product for your skin is super important, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some exfoliating ingredients can be too rough for certain skin types or conditions, so feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns before trying a new product.
A great starting point is this exfoliating/hydrating toner. It's safe for daily use right after washing your face. Its mild lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells, but the hidden superheroes are the hydrating ingredients like mucopolysaccharides, including sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and glycosaminoglycans.
It's a two-in-one solution that gently exfoliates while keeping your skin hydrated and protected!
Tip #3 - Vitamin C + Antioxidants
When our skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun, it generates free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells. These free radicals contribute to signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots, and can even increase the risk of skin cancer.
Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Fullerene and Astaxanthin help fight against these harmful free radicals.
Antioxidant Benefits
☑️ Anti-aging properties: Antioxidants promote collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity
☑️ Brightening: Some antioxidants, like vitamin C, help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, caused by sun damage
☑️ Reduced inflammation: Antioxidants can help soothe sensitive skin, preventing redness and irritation
To supply your skin with a variety of antioxidants, consider using CF Serum—an innovative blend of potent antioxidants. This luxurious serum not only boasts the powers of Vitamin C & Fullerene, but also incorporates a unique amino acids derived from a special lake algae found exclusively in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA. These mycosporine-like amino acids work as antioxidants, shielding your skin from UV damage while stimulating your skin's own natural hyaluronic acid production. This comprehensive formula combines science and nature, making it one of my favorite products on the market.
"With retinol, consistency is key. Using a tiny bit every night works wonders, rather than stopping and starting over and over." – Tomoko
Tip #4 - Retinol (Vitamin A)
Retinol helps repair sun damage accumulated during summer, such as hyperpigmentation and dullness, by stimulating skin cell turnover and collagen production. It helps speed up the process of creating new skin cells, which effectively resurfaces your skin and reduces hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Autumn can be an excellent time to incorporate retinol into your routine, especially if you haven't used it before. During autumn, the intensity of UV rays decreases, making it safer to use retinol, as it can increase sun sensitivity especially during the initial stages of use.
By starting retinol in autumn, you give your skin time to adjust before the harsher winter months, when it can be more prone to dryness and irritation.
⚠️ Important to Note
Make sure you introduce retinol slowly, giving your skin time to adjust and minimizing potential irritation that may occur especially in the beginning.
Retinoid reactions may include flaky skin, redness, itchiness, or temporary increase in breakouts. If this occurs, reduce the amount of retinol product (even just a single drop of serum may suffice at first), and gradually increase the amount over several weeks or even months.
Consistency with a smaller amount is more beneficial than frequently starting and stopping its use. Plus, you will see better results faster when you're consistent, even if you are using less than the full amount.
It is an advanced ingredient, and everyone's skin reacts differently especially during the initial stages of use. With patience and care, however, retinol can effectively energize your skin at a cellular level, brightening, smoothing, and tightening your skin.
AC Glow, My favorite retinol serum is a perfect addition for your routine if you are looking for a good retinol product this fall. In addition to retinol, AC Glow contains soothing and hydrating ingredients, such as Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid. These ingredients are encapsulated to enhance absorption into the skin, which helps prevent or ease the irritation that may occur with retinol use.
Tip #5 - Protect!
As the air gets drier, it's essential to use a moisturizer that can effectively seal in your serums and retain moisture. You might want to opt for a heavier moisturizer than your summer go-to. This extra moisture barrier will keep those essential nutrients locked in and protect your skin from dehydration.
And here's a reminder—sunscreen is an absolute must, no matter the weather! Even if the UV rays aren't as intense, they can still cause damage over time. The type of UV rays (UVA) that cause loss of collagen and sun spots are consistent all year round. This means your skin is constantly exposed to these damaging rays, even on cloudy days during winter. So keep slathering on your SPF, rain or shine, to protect your skin. It will make a huge difference in the long run!
Takeaway - 5 Japanese Skincare Tips
To counteract the damages caused during summer, your skincare routine should center around increased hydration and protection. Start by gently exfoliating to remove dead skin buildup, revealing a brighter complexion and better product absorption.
Next, add powerful ingredients like vitamin C (brightening), retinol (now's the time!), and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. To seal in those valuable nutrients, layer on a moisturizer and apply sunscreen every day—yes, even on rainy days.
I hope these 5 Skincare Tips and Japanese products will help you take on the cold dry months ahead!
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