Two years ago I focused my work at Tatcha entirely on the connection between the skin and the mind. We have always believed that skincare is self-care, but what we’ve learned through research into bodymind science is that skincare can be care of all health: physical, mental, and even spiritual.
There is a saying in Japanese, hinou dokon, which translates to “skin-mind same root.” It comes from the belief that caring for the skin is caring for the mind. This is biologically true: our skin and brain develop along the same stem cell line so that our skin both affects and reflects our internal state, even how we think and feel. From goosebumps and blushing to stress breakouts and eczema, our skin is constantly talking to us about what’s happening under the surface.
This work has completely changed my relationship to my skin. For decades, we have been taught to see our skin as a list of problems to be solved and offered an arsenal of increasingly harsh treatments. But the truth is, your skin was not made to be burned, stripped or scrubbed. It is a wondrous organ that carries you through life. Our hope is that by empowering you with a deeper understanding of the wonder of skin, you can fall in love with yours too.
To date, the skincare industry has created formulas for what you see on the surface, and rarely addressed skin health at the root. But serums and creams can only go so far if you aren’t attentive to your well-being, because caring for your skin requires caring for all of you. With this realization, Tatcha is undergoing a transformation.
All our skincare will now be formulated to provide both physical and emotional benefits, such as a calmer spirit or clearer mind. And for truly holistic care, we will also offer curated well-being rituals that touch the mind, and engage your five senses for harmony from skin to soul. Our research is new and ongoing, and we will be sharing our learning journey with you every step of the way.
As part of this work, we’re changing how we show and talk about skin—honoring its dynamism as an organ, without perpetuating unhealthy beauty standards. We will phase out the use of “normal” as a skin type from our packaging and retail merchandising because it implies that the natural condition of skin is somehow abnormal. We are also phasing out “anti-aging,” as a term because we believe that aging is a gift, and our formulas are crafted to support healthy aging. We are all trying to live longer, healthier lives, and supporting our skin helps promote longevity. And finally, we’re making an even deeper commitment to portray skin as it really is, celebrating it at every age, in every shade of beautiful.
As a woman and a mother, I’ve come to realize how important it is to not only practice self-care, but self-compassion, too. Perhaps if we view our skin as a part of ourselves, we can give it the appreciation and care it deserves.
Wishing you health and harmony,
