There is so much to learn from people around the world regarding health and beauty. Numerous civilizations have grounded their culture in what they deem to be beautiful. Health and beauty are directly related to how these various ethnicities live their lives. I have been fortunate enough to live in one of the oldest countries and civilizations, and experience first hand their beauty and health practices….Japan!

Japan                               

Natural beauty from within.

Japanese women, as do I, really believe that beauty starts from within. What you put in your body directly affects how you will look. Japanese products are simple and natural made mainly of rice, camellia, tea, herbs, and seaweed. They also emphasize taking care of their mental health as well. Carving out “me” time allowing them to de-stress is extremely important. Stress can wreak havoc on your skin and body functions, so limiting it is a good idea all around.

Rice is not just for eating.

Geisha women have used rice bran water to bathe in, softening their hair and skin. Rice water is packed with vitamins and minerals! The proteins help to strengthen hair and promotes cell turnover of the skin. It is a beauty elixir that most of us throw/cook away, however the Japanese have once again found beauty answers in a natural planet-friendly way. There are several rice beauty products on the market today, but the one that I continually came across was Wawaza

Avoid the sun at all costs.

Japanese women are pros at protecting their precious white complexion from the harmful rays of the sun. They invest in hats, gloves, umbrellas,  and arm warmers to shield their skin. The harmful UV rays don’t stand a chance.

Sheet masks galore.

If you are to go into any convenient store, you will see a vast selection of beauty sheet masks for your face. These masks are relatively cheep, and contain different benefits: moisture, brightening, collagen, etc. Sheet masks are said to have originated in Japan, when Geisha women would wet cloth with flower water and place it on their faces. –I have asked around and a lot of the Japanese women say that they use these masks nightly.

Exfoliate. Cleanse. Bathe.

It makes perfect sense to me. The Japanese ritual of exfoliating and cleansing your body before you enter the bathtub is simply good hygiene. However it is also prepping your skin to efficiently absorb/detox with the essential oils or powders in your soaking tub. Bath water is usually extremely hot! This helps with muscle soreness and detox from within.

Accurate massage.

I have seen so many variations of body and face rollers. These beauty tools can be heated or even spiky, and can be made out of precious metals, rubber, or plastic! They are used to stimulate skin cells below the skin surface promoting circulation, tightened skin, and lymphatic drainage. The different materials will have different affects. There are different sizes for different parts of your body: face, arms, neck, legs, stomach. I have one that I like to use on my legs and arms to help with lymphatic drainage and muscle soreness. It is light and portable for easy travel.

Beauty Green Tea.

Japanese women drink this by the gallon and who could blame them. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It can be consumed or used topically to battle signs of aging, acne, and further damage.

Collagen Wonders.

Japanese women are obsessed with collagen and all it’s wonders. There are many products that are conveniently available: drinks, powders, serums, mask, you name it. There is even a Japanese beer that is infused with collagen! Collagen IS a beauty wonder. Collagen is naturally produced in your body however depletes with age. It makes your skin tight and wrinkle free, and helps with bone and muscle health. Why wouldn’t you want to supplement collagen to slow down the aging process internally and externally?!

Is there anything I missed? Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comment section below!