Four Japanese Secrets for Radiant Beauty

We all dream of having smooth, glowing skin like that of Japanese women. And with just a few Japanese beauty habits, you can achieve similar skin.

1. Food is the Secret to Beauty

To be beautiful, you must first pay attention to what you put into your body, rather than what you put on it – and the Japanese diet is one of the most beauty-preserving! Japanese women don't eat fatty or sugary foods, or lots of meat. Instead, they eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, and of course, lots of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals that accelerate the signs of aging.

2. Green Tea and More Green Tea!

Clinical studies have proven that green tea contains enormous amounts of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. So, beautiful Japanese women not only drink cup after cup of green tea, but they also apply green tea extract directly to blemishes. People in Japan still drink large quantities of green tea, and they've even created a beverage based on it: matcha, made from young green tea leaves. One cup of matcha contains the same level of antioxidants as ten cups of regular green tea. It can be used to make cakes by mixing it into milkshakes and added to just about anything you can think of.

3. Avoid the Sun!

Instead of using heavy sunscreens, Japanese women prefer to avoid the sun altogether. They wear hats to protect themselves from the sun's rays and avoid direct sun exposure. They also make sure to use SPF 50+ when they must be in the sun. It's worth noting that exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays is the leading cause of premature aging, so who can blame the Japanese women?

4. Protective Mask

In the past, geisha would soak a piece of silk kimono in distilled rosewater and place it on their face, a primitive form of sheet mask. The protective or sheet mask is a Japanese skincare brand that has gained worldwide popularity thanks to Japanese skincare expert Shizuo Saeki. Saeki suggests soaking a cotton pad in moisturizer or cream and placing it on the face for 5 to 10 minutes for quick hydration.