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Writer's pictureGlow by Tomoko

Unveiling Glass Skin Secrets at Tokyo's Hidden Gem Facial Salon

Updated: Oct 8

In the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, I offer unique facial treatments that unite time-honored Japanese techniques with the most advanced global skincare discoveries.


View of Tokyo during the day from a high-rise building
View from Shibuya Sky Observatory

As some of you may know, I spent over 16 years in New York City, where I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients and encountering various skin types and conditions.


Drawing from this experience, I've learned that the strengths and limitations of both Eastern and Western skincare approaches, inspiring me to create a space that harmoniously blends the best of both worlds.


Motivated by this realization, I've created a unique environment where treatments are thoughtfully tailored to each individual, ensuring a personalized experience that addresses their distinct skincare needs.


I always wanted to achieve healthy, glowy glass skin for myself. In Japanese, glass skin can be translated as "Tsuya-Hada". ツヤ肌✨

Driven by my personal pursuit of flawless "Tsuya-Hada" for years, my mission is to help you achieve this healthy, radiant glass skin after each facial at my Tokyo salon.



My facial treatments are not just about skincare. When your skin is glowing, it really makes you feel more confident and positive in other aspects of life as well. This is what I strive to achieve for all my clients by utilizing the best products and devices I found in Japan as well as throughout the world. Each treatment brings you one step closer to a more balanced, luminous you that glow from the inside out✨



What’s On The Menu?

I simply offer 60min, 90min and 120min customized facials.

For the first facial at my salon, I typically recommend the 90min option to address all of your skin concerns, but the choice is ultimately up to you. Regardless of the facial you choose, each treatment is tailored to your unique skin type and concerns. It's "Omakase-style"experience like you see at sushi restaurants! Your chef will give you the best recommendation of the day! 「おまかせ」

In general, longer facials include additional modalities (such as LED light therapy, microcurrent, electroporation and iontophoresis), as well as longer massages for extra relaxation and lifting.


Glow by Tomoko's cozy treatment room
Welcome to my salon!

What Can You Expect From Tomoko's Japanese Facial?

Since everything is tailored to each client's concerns and skin conditions, the steps included in each facial may differ. To give you an idea of what a typical treatment might include, here's a general outline.



A woman getting a facial treatment
  1. Cleansing

First and foremost, let's establish the foundation for achieving a radiant glowy complexion.

Although cleansing can sometimes be a bit overlooked due to the fact that the primary purpose is to remove makeup, sunscreen and excess oil. As long as it removes everything effectively, it may seem good enough.

However, it is actually a crucial step in your skincare routine to maintain healthy skin and preserve its natural barrier function, especially since this is a daily ritual.

Some cleansers may strip the skin of its essential components, leading to dryness and irritation.


So, this first step is super important for my facials as well. I usually begin with a Living Libation Best Skin Ever oil cleanser to remove makeup/sunscreen (smells heavenly). This is also a perfect time for some relaxing massage to set the stage for the rest of the treatment. I then follow up with a gentle foaming face wash. Feeling the gentle brush stroke on your skin is so relaxing.

This soothing combination not only prepares your skin for further pampering but also offers a calming sensory experience.



A woman undergoing a facial exfoliation treatment

2. Exfoliation

Proper exfoliation is key to achieving healthy, glowing skin by removing dead skin cells on the surface and gently helping to resurface the skin. I typically use AstaC Peel, my all-time favorite exfoliating gel, to ensure gentle yet effective exfoliation. This process also aids in unclogging pores, contributing to clearer complexion.


This gel is something you can incorporate at home once a week. To learn more about AstaC Peel and its benefits, click here.

After some gentle massage using our fingers, the gel texture will start to loosen and become more watery. You may also start to see dead skin cells coming off, which can be quite satisfying!



3. Manual Extraction

This step is especially loved by clients with breakout-prone or clogged skin! After soaking the clogged areas with a disincrustation solution to open up the pores, I meticulously apply some pressure around the pores to extract the excess oil and congestion. The results are visibly minimized pores and a reduced risk of future breakout.


A woman's face under a magnifying lamp
A woman receiving a pore extraction treatment

LED light therapy device and a woman's face

4. LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy technology was originally invented by NASA in the 1980s to grow plants on space shuttles. They later discovered that these lights also offer healing properties for our skin.


This is a perfect time for this super bright light therapy as it helps heal the skin after exfoliation and extraction (or sometimes after a peel, if the client's skin needs it). LED light energizes skin cells, stimulates collagen production, while reducing inflammation and leaving your skin soft, plump and brighter.


The LED panel I use features 1800 LEDs with a deep red, 660nm wavelength, which provides anti-aging benefits. Numerous research studies have shown that human cells respond best to red light with this specific wavelength, ensuring optimal results for your skin.



5. Electric Muscle Stimulation Microcurrent

A woman receiving a microcurrent treatment

In a nutshell, this is a facial workout! This device utilizes low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles. We have 43 muscles in our face, but we rarely use all of them. Over time, a lack of muscle movement can lead to sagging or wrinkles. By targeting specific muscles in the face, this device can help lift and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. Moreover, electric muscle stimulation can improve overall skin health by increasing blood circulation and lymphatic flow, while also releasing muscle tension.

(I've seen remarkable results in clients suffering from TMJ pain, as this treatment has significantly helped alleviate their tension.)



A woman getting an electroporation skin treatment

6. Serum Infusion by Electroporation

By now, your skin has been prepped for optimal serum absorption (dead skin cells have been removed & pores have been deeply cleansed). Your skin is ready to receive the nourishing benefits of effective serums, specially selected for you.


Electroporation works similarly to micro-needling but operates on a cellular level. It's often referred to as needle-less mesotherapy. (It is also painless) This technology uses specific electric pulses to create temporary pathways between skin cell membranes, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate more effectively and deeply into the skin. Our skin's natural barrier function is essential for protecting us from bacteria and pollutants, but it can also hinder the absorption of beneficial ingredients. This is where electroporation comes in extremely handy!


Depending on your skin type and concerns, I mix different types of serums, such as my favorite CF serum (vitamin C serum), AC Glow (retinol serum), Essence growth factor serum, and many others.



7. Soothing Mask with CryoSticks

I always like to finish my facial treatments with a nourishing, soothing mask. For this step, I use cold sticks that I keep refrigerated to ensure an extra-refreshing experience. The cold temperature calms down the skin, provides final de-puffing, and the massage with these stones helps to lift and sculpt the face. The sensation of the cold sticks on the skin is truly amazing.

This is also a perfect time for some scalp massage for extra relaxation!


A woman during a facial soothing mask treatment
A woman receiving facial stone massage

A woman receiving facial massage


8. Final Relaxing & Lifting Massage

My facial is not complete without my lifting, sculpting and de-puffing massage. This is my favorite part of the facial (And it is also relaxing for me✨)

I make sure to release tension from your facial muscles and décolleté, lift and sculpt your features and focus on your pressure points.


You will be left with a refreshed and radiant complexion!






⚠️ Again, each of the steps above is customized to meet the individual needs of the client, and the specific techniques and products used may vary from one treatment to the next. We can always discuss what your skin concerns and desired outcomes before your treatment. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!



How to Book Your Facial


I recommend getting a monthly facial to maintain that post-facial glow, but since I now split my time between Tokyo and Dubai, I regret that I cannot see you every month. I really wish I could.

This is why I'm dedicated to providing advice, recommendations and valuable information through various platforms, including my blog. While monthly facials with me might not be feasible at the moment, I promise to return to Tokyo every season to continue offering personalized care and staying connected with all of you!


I hope this article helped you learn more about my facials and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Tokyo soon!



Glow by Tomoko founder in front of Tokyo Tower

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