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Asian Beauty 101

What are Japanese Lotions?

You've probably seen the term "lotion" being used in the packaging or product translations when shopping for Japanese skincare products. But what are lotions? When should you use them in your routine? And how do they compare to western beauty products?

These are all great questions! This article will demystify the Japanese Lotion.

Layering hydration is a very important part to Japanese Skincare

Before understanding what the Japanese lotion does, we need to first understand a very important difference between Western skincare and Japanese skincare. Japan's approach to skincare is heavily focused on layering hydration to add moisture and prepare the skin to better absorb further products. It is because of this concept of layering hydration that we have the lotion.

Introducing the Japanese Lotion

Japanese lotions, also known as "toners" or "skin lotions," are skincare products that are used after cleansing to refresh and hydrate the skin. Japanese lotions typically have a watery consistency and are applied to the skin using a cotton pad or by patting the product into the skin with the fingers.

Japanese lotions are an important step in the Japanese skincare routine, as they help to remove any remaining traces of makeup or impurities, balance the skin's pH levels, and prepare the skin for the next steps in the skincare routine. They are often formulated with natural ingredients, such as green tea, rice, and sake, which are known for their nourishing and hydrating properties.

Unlike western toners that often contain alcohol and act as astringents, Japanese lotions are meant to be hydrating. They do a wonderful job at preparing the skin to absorb the next steps of your routine.

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What step of the routine do I use Japanese Lotions

The lotion is applied right after the cleansing phase.

Refer to our Asian Skincare 101 Guide to see the complete routine.

Benefits of Japanese Lotions

Deep Cleansing

Double cleansing ensures that all types of impurities are effectively removed from the skin, reducing the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.

Better Absorption of Skincare Products

By thoroughly cleansing the skin, double cleansing helps improve the absorption of subsequent skincare products, such as serums, moisturizers, and treatments.

Maintains Skin Barrier

Using an oil-based cleanser first can be gentler on the skin, helping to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and preventing over-drying.

Suitable for All Skin Types

Double cleansing can be adapted to suit different skin types by choosing the appropriate cleansers for your specific needs (e.g., using a hydrating cleanser for dry skin or a gentle foaming cleanser for oily skin).

Types of Japanese Lotions

Brightening lotions

Designed to improve the skin's tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration

Moisturizing lotions

Designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, and help to improve its elasticity and smoothness

Balancing lotions

Designed to balance the skin's pH levels and help to regulate oil production, making them suitable for people with oily or combination skin

Soothing lotions

Designed to calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin, and help to reduce redness and inflammation.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I replace my toner with the lotion?

Yes. The Japanese lotion can replace your toner.

If I have oily skin, should I still use a lotion?

Yes. All skin types are able to use lotions. Lotions helps your skin retain more water not oil. So it is safe for oily skin.

Can Japanese lotions balance my skin?

Yes - many Japanese lotions also have balancing properties. Especially the balancing type of lotions.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

This would largely depend on the ingredients used but generally speaking, lotions are often suitable for sensitive skin because the active ingredients are usually not very harsh because the active ingredient's primary function is to help hydrate.