When it comes to a night skincare routine, you should not make any compromises. Think of it like your skin’s getaway to rebuild itself from within as slumber. Besides stress, it melts away dirt, grime, and oil, helping your skin breathe. It nourishes it with essential minerals and vitamins, preparing it to take on the next day. And what better than a Japanese night routine to ensure your skin feels rejuvenated?
With a skincare philosophy deeply rooted in simplicity, hydration, and nourishment, the Japanese have perfected the art of the nighttime skincare routine. For this reason alone, we will peel the Japanese's revered night skincare routine step-by-step for you.
And while we are at it, allow us to introduce the master of your nighttime skincare ritual - the ILEM JAPAN Yoru Bento. Inspired by Japanese philosophy and nature's finest, this bento box contains all the essentials to unlock a glowing and radiant complexion.
So, without further ado, here's your path to PM skincare routine bliss!
Japanese Nighttime Skincare Routine: Step-By-Step Breakdown
1. Cleansing
Cleansing is hands down the cornerstone of any skincare routine, especially your evening skincare routines. But do you know that the Japanese were among the first to practice double cleansing?
The Japanese have been double-cleansing their skin for ages as part of their traditional "oshiroi" routine. They believed this routine helped them keep their skin clear and bright by removing all the dirt and oils that may lead to clogged pores, acne, or breakouts.
The question is: Does it help? Yes! Yes! YES!
During the day, your skin goes through a lot. Think of makeup, harsh sunlight, dirt, pollution, oil, and dry air. The dirt, grime, and oil settle on your skin and even clog your pores. Similarly, pollution and dry air damage your skin's barrier, causing your skin to feel dry. Thus, you must remove all the impurities and let your skin breathe. Double cleansing's two-step process in your night skincare routine helps with this.
It involves washing your face with two different kinds of cleansers. Each one of them serves a specific purpose. Step 1 involves using an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and accumulated oil. Step 2, which uses a water-based cleanser, washes away dirt and any remaining impurities.
Now, washing your face twice with a cleanser can make it feel drier. For this reason, it's recommended to use a mild cleanser, like our Gentle Cleanser, in the Hydrating Yoru Bento box. Its formula is specially designed with Japanese Yuzu Extract and Grape Leaf Extract to be gentle on your skin while washing away the dirt. And the icing on the cake? It also soothes and hydrates your skin, leaving it clear and refreshed.
2. Toning
Once you have washed your face, you need a quick boost of hydration and something to balance your skin's pH level. Additionally, now that your skin is clear, you must prepare it for the rest of the routine. So, who do you turn to next in your night skincare routine? Your toner, of course!
But be careful to choose a hydrating and pH-balancing toner like ILEM JAPAN's Balancing Toner. Along with its soothing and pH-balancing formula, which eases inflammation and balances your skin's texture, the toner strengthens your skin’s outer barrier for refreshed skin. Thanks to the presence of hydrating Sea Fennel Plant Stem Cells and moisturizing & antioxidant-rich Marula Oil, the toner leaves the driest of skin types deeply moisturized.
What about the application technique? You can apply a toner in various ways. Some prefer to spray it, while some prefer to use cotton and swipe it across the face. Another popular way to apply it is by patting it on the skin.
Gently patting any product into the skin stimulates blood flow to aid cell rejuvenation. It may also help with firming and toning. Moreover, it reduces friction and the possibility of tugging your skin too hard, which may lead to wrinkles.
3. Serum or Essence
Now that your skin is ready to absorb more goodness, it's time to target those pesky skin issues with your PM skincare routine. And to do this, you need to apply a serum or an essence.
Wait! Are the two different? How?
Serums are generally designed to target specific skin concerns. Say hyperpigmentation, dull skin, or aging. For this reason, they contain a high concentration of active ingredients. Essences, on the other hand, are known for their lightweight and watery consistency. While their primary purpose is to deliver hydration, they may contain some active ingredients for skin health.
When it comes to texture, a serum is thicker than an essence. Essences are designed for quicker absorption and are typically applied right after cleansing or toning. Serums, since they are denser, can be used after essence or toner (if you wish to skip essence) but before moisturization.
Both are equally important to your nighttime skincare routine because they promote overall skin health. But the good part is that you may choose one or use both depending on your skin's needs. The choice is totally yours!
What makes them unique is their ability to repair your skin. They can be a total game-changer in your routine because they penetrate deep into the skin and work from within. Moreover, depending on the ingredients, they may promote skin cell regeneration and collagen production while controlling for oiliness.
Some of the popular ingredients that you will come across include the following:
Hyaluronic Acid for its super hydrating properties and plumping effect. It also improves skin elasticity and calms skin.
Niacinamide for its ability to boost collagen production and skin's protective barrier. It also reduces redness and helps fade pigmentation.
Retinol because it improves skin texture, boosts collagen production, and reduces signs of aging. It also enhances skin renewal.
4. Moisturizing
Moisturizing is the ultimate goal of most night skincare routines. Think of your moisturizer as a treasure trove for your skin. Hydration, skin brightening, softening, plumping—name it, and there's a good chance a moisturizer offers it.
When choosing a moisturizer for your PM skincare routine, pick a rich, hydrating moisturizer. This contrasts your morning skincare routine, where opting for a lightweight moisturizer is better. But why? Because your skin will not be exposed to the same amount of dirt and pollution as it does during the day. Thus, using a slightly thicker moisturizer is okay.
We suggest you try our Rejuvenating Night Gel. It's the perfect addition to your nighttime skincare routine to enhance overall skin health. The goodness of Bulgarian Damask Rose Stem Cells, Primrose Seed Extract, and Japanese Plum Extract work on a deeper level to restore your skin. The gel envelops your skin in a nourishing cocoon, gently soothing it and locking in moisture overnight for glowing, plump, well-rested skin in the morning.
Remember: when it comes to a moisturizer or any other product, you must consider your skin type and needs before making a choice. The right product will offer just the nourishment your skin needs for its good health.
5. Eye Cream
Is there something else that requires extra love and care? Yes!
If you have noticed, we are yet to speak about your beautiful eyes. The skin around your eyes is fragile. It is, in fact, one of the firsts to show early signs of aging. And our daily screen time and exposure to the sun only make it worse. Thus, it's important you shower it with extra nourishment with an eye cream before going to bed.
Like all other steps, your eye cream should be gentle and hydrating. Gentle so that it doesn't irritate the skin around your eyes and hydrating to fight early signs of aging. Take our Nourishing Eye Cream. It is packed with essential nutrients from Japanese Rice Lees Extract, Swiss Apple Stem Cells, and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid. The rich blend of these botanical ingredients hydrates your skin and helps combat fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet.
Like a toner, an eye cream should be applied with care. It is recommended that you use your index finger to dab the eye cream into your skin gently. Be sure to move from your eye's inner corner to the outer corner. To de-puff your eyes further, apply it entirely around your eye bone.
6. Night Masks and Treatments
The Japanese night skincare routine also recommends using masks or treatments when you want to show your skin some intensive care. These products work their magic as you doze off to your dreamland.
The night masks have a unique hydrating formula that locks in moisture plus offers additional benefits. It leaves your skin soft and plump. Plus, they come in handy when you want to boost nurturance for your skin, given the presence of active ingredients. And the best part? These masks stick to your face like a second skin.
You can also include spot treatment in your routine on some nights. Spot treatments refer to the use of special products to target specific skin areas or problems—for instance, acne spots or blemishes. Pimple patches are typically left overnight to reduce inflammation, remove excessive fluids, and avoid exposure to other bacteria. Similarly, dark spot correctors are applied to fade hyperpigmentation.
But if you want to stick to the simplest night skincare routine, that's okay too! But where do you find the products you will need? Here: Hydrating Yoru Bento!
Tips for a Restful Night's Sleep
Japanese skincare philosophy focuses on holistic well-being and care. This means it suggests you go beyond skincare products to care for your skin. And as you know, sleep is essential for your skin and physical health. Because when the body is well-rested, the same will reflect as glowing skin.
So, to get a restful night's sleep, create a calming routine. Scented candles, a cup of herbal tea, soothing instrumental music, or a few minutes of meditation—they all contribute to a deeper and more rejuvenating sleep.
Remember, beauty is not just skin deep; it emanates from the tranquility within!
Japanese Night Skincare Routine: Best Way To Get Radiant Skin With ILEM JAPAN
A Japanese nighttime skincare routine is as simple as it can get.
Start by double-cleansing your skin and follow it up with a toner. Next, apply a serum or essence to boost your skin and lock everything in with a moisturizer. Finally, show your eyes some extra care and use your eye cream. And if you want an extra touch of indulgence, add a night mask or treatment option. Last and most importantly, get a good night's sleep!
Remember, each step in the routine contributes to the harmonious composition of your skin.
So don't forget to customize your routine to match your skin's needs and preferences. Above all, be patient and consistent in your pursuit of beauty. For within the embrace of the Japanese night skincare ritual lies the promise of timeless elegance—a beauty that transcends time itself.
With ILEM JAPAN as your guide, you are on the right path to unlocking the radiant secrets of nighttime beauty!
Happy Skincare!