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Within the face mask category lies a vast range of options, from sheets to creams, from peel-offs to leave-ons. Which one is right for your skin type? A skincare routine happens daily. Most of the basic steps of that routine, from cleansing to moisturizing, are designed to maintain skin on a day-to-day basis. Washing off the day’s makeup, or the dirt that has accumulated throughout the day, and applying a layer of moisture that seals and shores up your skin barrier. But there are some products that are meant to be used more infrequently than that. Unlike some cleanser, they’re not rinsed immediately, and they’re usually packaged with more potent ingredients than you might find in a moisturizer. We sometimes call these products “treatments”, but we usually call them face masks.Face masks come in a wide assortment that vary by the materials they’re made up of, the ingredients they contain, or the specific skin goals they target. Some are made of paper soaked in serum, and others come distilled in thick creams. A few contemporary masks even use electricity. But how these products are used tends to look the same across their many varieties: Face masks need a short period of time to work after they’re applied to the skin. For this reason, we tend to use them weekly or every few days.Besides the downtime they offer by design, one advantage of masks is how they work on all skin types and fit into all routines. The best mask for you is within reach—but first, it’s a good idea to consider what you’re looking to get out of the masking process. What is a face mask, and how does it work?Here is how a recent article in an academic journal defines face masks: “Facial masks are the most prevalent cosmetic products utilized for skin rejuvenation… [with] some advantages for specific skin types based on the ingredients used.” Masks are divided into different categories. There are sheet masks, which are fabric or biocellulose soaked in potent serum. There are cream masks, which are like heavy-duty moisturizers used sparingly. There are masks that you leave on and others that you peel off. Some even work better when used in tandem.Due to the infrequency with which you apply them, face masks can contain a higher concentration of active ingredients that you might find in a daily serum or moisturizer. The key to reaping the benefits of the best face masks is understanding which ingredients are likely to be found in which formulas—and which skin type they’re tailored to. When should you apply a face mask?Here’s the fun part: The best time to apply a mask is when you’ve got nothing else going on. If you can find a spare 20 to 30 minutes in your day, you might enjoy devoting one or two of them to applying a face mask, and the rest to relaxing while it works. If nothing else, it’s a good time to center yourself in the current moment of wherever you are. The Japanese term teinei loosely describes a state of mindfulness achieved by putting another person first—but for a brief few moments each week, why not practice a little self-teinei?Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you may be able to mask up to a few times each week. The mask’s directions should tell you how much to apply, and how long it should remain for—but the best advice will come from your dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. Before you incorporate a new product into your routine, it’s a good idea to run the idea by an expert, first.What is the best face mask for oily skin?Everybody’s skin produces oil—or, more accurately, sebum, a waxy substance secreted from our pores that protects and moisturizes our skin. But some people’s skin produces more sebum than others, and are typically categorized as oily skin types.Managing oily skin is a balancing act, making sure that skin’s oil and water levels are in proportion. The American Academy of Dermatology Association has a few everyday tips for achieving this: Yes to frequent face washing and oil-free formulas, no to touching your face or sleeping in makeup.There are also skincare products, like face masks, that are known to help oily skin in particular. Many of these formulas are based in clay, which may be the oldest skincare ingredient in human history, with some of the first appearing in ayurveda, or ancient Indian medicine. Tatcha’s Clarifying Clay Mask, perfectly suited for oily skin, is made with Kucha clay, a mineral-enriched marine soil from Okinawa. It naturally absorbs excess sebum and dirt from the pores, and minimizes those pores in the process. What is the best face mask for dry skin? In contrast to oily skin, dry skin might produce markedly less sebum. Sebum comes from sebaceous glands, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and one of its chief functions is as a lubricant that guards against moisture loss. Skin that has less sebum can be more prone to giving up its necessary moisture, and going dry as a result.Skin that is properly hydrated looks bouncy and plump, but skin that is dry could be rough, flaky, or scaly. Untreated dry skin can break open, making things markedly more complicated. For that reason alone, it’s important to have the right skincare on hand for dry skin.Sheet masks are particularly good for hydrating and moisturizing the skin. The “sheet” itself creates an occlusive seal that allows the skincare product to soak into skin—a greenhouse effect, but for nourishing skincare. Tatcha’s Luminous Hydrating Sheet Mask is made from a coconut-derived biocellulose, and infused with the brand’s proprietary blend of anti-aging superfoods. (We found that it boosts skin’s moisture content by up to 200% in 15 minutes.) What is the best face mask for sensitive skin?When it comes to sensitive skin, the idea of adding another product to one’s routine seems counterproductive. When a new interaction between skincare ingredients creates a possibility for a skin reaction, why try anything new? But the truth is that some skincare formulas can actually help with sensitive skin, if you know what ingredients you can use.At Tatcha, we’ve long praised the healing powers of Japanese indigo extract, more commonly associated with a deep blue dye. But the plant has a long medicinal history. Centuries ago, in Japan’s Edo era, it’s said that samurai wore undergarments dyed with indigo to speed the healing of their injuries. The dye was also used for traditional firefighter uniforms to protect against burns, and many of these indigo pieces have been preserved as museum artifacts.Indigo also forms one of the key ingredients of Tatcha’s sensitive skin care range, which includes a unique face mask called the Indigo Overnight Repair. This serum-cream has the density of a heavy moisturizer but functions like a mask that you can wear nightly to soothe even irritated, sensitive skin. The formula also includes ceramides that replenish lipids to keep moisture in and pollutants out, and Mondo grass root, which cultivates good bacteria, helping the skin perform at its optimal level and relieving irritation and dryness. What is the best face mask for dull skin? In short, dull skin suffers from a lack of light, but the dermatological truth is a little more complicated.Dull skin can occur due to a lack of collagen and elastin, structural proteins that give skin its plumpness and bounce. It can also be due to a buildup of dead skin, owing to how cell turnover slows with age, according to dermatologists. A damaged skin barrier might also lead to roughness, cracking, or dryness that can contribute to dimming one’s light. With so many mechanisms contributing to this one skin type, how can you treat all of them with one skincare step?The answer, which might be obvious by now, is a good face mask. To treat dullness, you will want to look for a product that promises radiance but includes more than one active ingredient to provide it. Antioxidants, which help repair environmental damage within the skin, are hugely helpful for dullness—especially vitamin C, one of skincare’s most potent and popular antioxidants. It’s the star of Tatcha’s Violet-C Radiance Mask, which is also dosed with alpha hydroxy acids. These acids will help loosen the bonds between living and dead skin cells, resurfacing the face in the process. It’s a great way to turn on your light—and get some R&R in the process.

Aging comes with its blessings along with mature skin. But caring for skin in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond is just a matter of education—and the right routine. A birthday always offers an opportunity to reflect on our life and the choices that brought us here. At the turn of the decade especially, when the passage of time feels more pronounced, the urge to examine your life, down to the routines that make up the day, is irresistible. If you’re wondering if now is a good time to update your skincare, the answer is: Very likely. Why? Because the needs of your skin change. Most women begin experiencing menopause by the age of 55, and the attendant changes in the body manifest all over, including in the skin. One study from India on how menopause affects the skin recognized a dropoff in collagen metabolism. Owing to this change, postmenopausal skin can appear less elastic or supple than it used to be. Even men who don’t experience menopause will see a kind of transition in their skin at this time. If your 40s are characterized by the beginning of your skin maturing, the process may be well under way by the time you are 50. This guide will help you understand the finer points of how to care for mature skin in your 50s and beyond, as well as how to adapt it to your personal skin goals. Be sun-smart Protecting your skin from the sun is something you should be doing every day, whether you’re 8 or 88 years old. The reason for doing so becomes more urgent with age. UV radiation, caused primarily by sun overexposure, can have deleterious effects on every layer of the skin, from the outer layer where it causes burns to the inner living layers where it can attack cells and genes directly. UV exposure from the sun is also the primary cause of skin cancer. Most skin cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 65 and older. Men older than 50 have a much higher incidence of melanoma than women, and men are twice as likely than women to die of melanoma at any age. These statistics are not intended to frighten, but to demonstrate the importance of defending skin against UV radiation. This happens by exercising proper sun hygiene, which starts with a good sunscreen. (We’ll have some recommendations later, but the best sunscreen for your skin is the one you’ll use every day—choose wisely but pragmatically.) Good sun hygiene doesn’t end there, though: You can also strengthen your sun protection with Ultraviolet Protection Factor accessories or clothes, and by staying indoors when exposure is harsh. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a three-pronged defense for seniors: One: Stay out of tanning beds. Two: Use protection whenever you’re in the sun. Three: Get your skin checked by a dermatologist. Don’t neglect the neck Often, the target of our creams and balms is the skin on our face. But if you haven’t started already, your 50s are a good time to start thinking below the chin. After all, the skin on our neck and decolletage—that large plane of skin between our jaw and breast bones—is subject to aging just like the rest of our skin. In fact, a dermatologist recently explained to The New York Times how the skin on the neck ages faster than any other place on the body, citing how “poor posture, insufficient skin care, sun exposure, and the natural weakening and decline of your neck muscles” can all speed up the process. Not only should the neck and decolletage be cleansed and moisturized, but they can also benefit from more potent ingredients, like retinols or exfoliators that encourage cell turnover. Go heavy with hydration Perhaps one of the most critical needs of aging skin is hydration. Mature skin often tends toward the drier side. As we age, our skin loses viable blood vessels, as well as collagen and elastin; our skin barrier weakens and holds on to less water than it once could. Coupled with other biological processes, like menopause, your 50s and beyond are a dry time for your skin. There are, however, plenty of products and potions that help hydrate skin. Hydration is distinct from moisturization, another necessary skin step that has to do with the water content of your skin. But while moisturizers seal moisture in, hydrators help actually bring water into the skin cells. The best skincare routine for your 50s and beyond should address both moisturization and hydration, with special consideration toward keeping skin hydrated with water-binding ingredients and skincare layering. A Skincare Routine for Your 50s and Beyond Above all, your skincare should be gentle but effective. You can design a multi-step routine where each step helps set up the next, creating a cascade of replenishing, firming skincare. But remember that the best ingredient for any skin type is consistency. Try to build a regimen you know you can stick to with these essentials: 1. A gentle but effective cleanser. You should be kind to your skin—you’ve been through a lot together, after all—and that kindness should begin at the very first step of your routine. The Camellia Cleansing Oil, a two-in-one makeup remover and face cleanser, gently melts away even stubborn waterproof mascara, plus dirt and impurities. The oil is also made with Hadasei-3, Tatcha’s proprietary complex of Japanese superfoods that plump and hydrate skin. It starts your skincare off on a gentle note. 2. A hydrating essence and serum. If your mature skin could use a boost in hydration, a product like The Essence will become an immediate mainstay in your routine. The waterweight texture can be softly pat into skin after cleansing for a dose of skin nourishment: The Essence delivers Tatcha’s skin-refining complex to plump skin and prepare for better serum absorption. Then follow it with a potent serum like The Silk Serum to amplify skin’s hydration. 3. A wardrobe of moisturizers. Your face moisturizer is coming soon, but for now, we’re tackling other areas: Namely, the eyes and neck. The delicate skin of these two zones is prone to aging at the same rate (or even quicker) than the skin on our face, but is so often ignored. You’ve probably already adopted an eye cream, but it’s wise to consider a neck cream, too. Tatcha’s Ageless Revitalizing Neck Cream is made with botanical actives and antioxidants that have shown powerful skin-firming properties: When 20 consumers were polled after a four week study, 100% experienced an improvement in skin texture and appearance of wrinkles on their necks.* 4. A cream that seals it all in. At this point, you’re probably committed to your moisturizer—keep on using it! But if we can make a suggestion, the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream is an intensely rich cream that renews and firms the look of skin. The Hadasei-3 complex supplies amino acids that promote natural skin surface turnover, while peony flower and gardenia fruit extracts lend antioxidant benefits that fight free radicals. 5. A glow-boosting mask. In addition to your daily routines, a regular treatment step can help deliver potent ingredients to your skin in short, super effective bursts. The Violet-C Radiance Mask is designed for use up to three times a week after cleansing. This vitamin C mask is a powerhouse of ingredients, including two types of pure vitamin C and Japanese beautyberry. (Among other properties, beautyberry’s antioxidant activity helps to stabilize vitamin C.) Used before events, or whenever you need some extra glow, this step could become something you look forward to. 6. A daily sunscreen. Everyone needs a daily sunscreen, but especially those with mature skin. The higher the protection, the better. An SPF 50 should do the trick. And bonus points if it also contains skin-smoothing ingredients, like The Silk Sunscreen does. Zinc oxide provides broad spectrum protection, while niacinamide and hyaluronic acid plump and hydrate. It’s your best defense against UV radiation and skin cancer—iit just happens to make you look good, too. *Individual results may vary.

Out of high school and into the moisturizer aisle. This guide will help those in their 20s take their skincare routine to the next level with product and ingredient recommendations. Fresh from the acne-pocked days of teenagedom, one day you find yourself embarking on your 20s—the first decade of your life when you are an adult from start to finish. It’s a time of serious change, from living at home to traveling abroad, or graduating from high school onto college or work, or even from just having a parent do your laundry to doing it all on your own. It’s also a time when you begin building routines for everything from cooking to cleaning to skincare.Your approach to taking care of yourself probably looks different from your teenage days, which were likely dominated by acne face washes and “no-tears” shampoos. And while your skin has time before it matures—signs of aging usually don’t appear until your 30s—the groundwork you lay in your 20s can have benefits that last decades. There’s no better time to begin a skincare routine than as soon as possible: Good skincare practices lead to good skin. Before we build the perfect skincare routine for your 20s, here are a couple things to keep in mind when caring for young skin.Stop tanning. Start sunscreening. The first thing you need in your stash is a good sunscreen. Sunscreen is important to wear as a kid, which is why so many beach day memories are slathered in a thick layer of white cream. But it doesn’t lose its importance when you become an adult. In fact, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine for the rest of your life.When our skin is exposed to the sun for too long, it can be damaged at its deepest levels by ultraviolet radiation. Two types of ultraviolet rays are primarily responsible for this damage: UVA rays, which reach down into the skin and can age it prematurely, and UVB rays, which char the skin closer to the surface and can cause burning. Overexposure to the sun is also understood to be one of the main causes of skin cancers like melanoma.For decades, tan skin was in vogue, and to appear to have skipped sunscreen was in fact a desirable look. Perhaps it’s our new understanding of the dangers of UV radiation exposure that have made tanning a less popular pastime than it once was. At least one study found that fewer Americans were using indoor tanning services, such as beds lined with UV lights, than in years past, but 10 million Americans still tan at least once yearly. It’s important to be aware that exposure to UV light in a tanning bed carries the same risks of exposure to UV light from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology advises against indoor tanning. Learn about exfoliation.Exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin-cell buildup, is a necessary part of anybody’s skincare routine. By the time you reach your 20s, you may have already tried it when you indulged in a skin scrub. These products use finely milled materials, like sugar or coffee grounds, to buff dead skin away. (Tatcha, a brand that uses Japanese botanicals uses a fine rice bran for its gentle and effective Rice Polish.) This form of exfoliation known as physical exfoliation works in large part thanks to friction. Another form of exfoliation, chemical exfoliation, cleanses the skin using acids that can dissolve the bonds between living cells and dead ones. In the offices of aestheticians and dermatologists, these acids can be dialed up to induce peeling, but in skincare products they are usually gentle enough for daily use. Daily chemical exfoliants are typically lighter than your average moisturizer or serum. The Texture Tonic, which incorporates alpha hydroxy acids derived from apple, grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, hawthorn, and jujube fruit extracts, feels like an essence or toner. In the end, the best method of exfoliation for your skin depends on your skin type—or just personal preference.Give your ingredients an upgrade. As a teen, the odds are good you dabbled with acne-zapping face washes—if you dabbled in skincare at all.In your 20s, your options multiply. Before you wade into ingredients, ask yourself: What do you want for your skin? Or what does your skin want? Depending on your goals, these tried-and-true go-tos may help you:Hyaluronic acid. This molecule is naturally abundant in places where our bodies need lubrication, like in our joints. Dusted into skincare formulations, it helps cells bind water, and offers other replenishing benefits, too. Hyaluronic acid can be used at any time throughout day, is generally easy to add to your routine, and is found in many different formulations, from moisturizers to face mists. Retinol. This vitamin A derivative is backed by tons of research—and doctor recommendations—for its ability to resurface skin. (Because of its powerful effects, retinol is usually found in products you put on at night before bed.) Natural botanicals have also been discovered that mimic the benefits of retinol when applied to skin. If fine lines or uneven skin texture is a concern, reach for a retinol or a retinol alternative.Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant has manifold health benefits, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it can also benefit the skin. Vitamin C neutralizes the free radicals that occur from sun exposure, and also aids the skin’s natural regeneration process. Vitamin C is usually found in vitamin C serums. More on those later. Get some expert help.Welcome to adulthood. Do you have a dermatologist?Though some skincare advice is fine to seek out on Google, it’s a good idea to have a professional in your corner who can help observe and treat your skin over time. A dermatologist, or a trusted licensed aesthetician, can also turn your skin goals into product recommendations or in-office treatments.Whatever you do, make sure a skin doctor is included on your medical roster, if for no other reason than this: The Skin Cancer Foundation advises you get screened for skin cancer once a year. It’s possible to check yourself, but it’s not unwise to leave it to the expert, too. A Skincare Routine for Your 20sKeeping all of this in mind, you can assemble a skincare routine that will help your skin adjust from adolescence to adulthood. “Consistency” is a keyword that doctors often use when making skincare recommendations, because it’s the most important ingredient of any regimen: Repetition begets results. You can use the below outline to get a sense for what an effective multi-step skincare routine for your 20s might look like.1. A gentle cleanser. Washing is the first—and one of the most important—step of any skincare routine for two reasons. The first is that it removes accumulated dirt and build-up that can cause irritation and acne. The second is that it preps the skin for other skincare products. Cleansers come in a wide variety of textures, but you might prefer one that doesn’t strip skin of its natural moisture, like Tatcha’s creamy Rice Wash. A thicker formula like the Indigo Cleansing Balm can melt waterproof makeup away while restoring moisture—two benefits in one. 2. A super serum. You could call this the “treatment” step of your skincare routine. Remember those active ingredients you learned about earlier, vitamin C and retinol (and its alternatives)? This is where they come into play. Often, they are distilled into serums, which have a lighter texture and should be applied post-cleanser and pre-moisturizer. Finding a serum is as simple as finding one fortified with your desired active ingredient: Some serums like The Dewy Serum are made with plumping hyaluronic acid, and others like The Brightening Serum are made with glow-inducing vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids. 3. A plush cream. No need to get too fancy—all you need is a simple moisturizer that will seal your skin barrier, keeping hydration locked in and irritants locked out. Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream works on both fronts, thanks to superpowered botanical extracts purple rice (full of antioxidants that fight pollutants and cellular stress) and Okinawan algae (blended with hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention). 4. A sunscreen. But you already knew that. Make sure you find a sunscreen you really like: You’ll be using it every day.

Starting a skincare routine can feel intimidating, but with these few tips and product suggestions, you can easily uncover a ritual that’ll benefit your skin today. How do you start a skincare routine? According to Tatcha’s founder Vicky Tsai, taking into consideration your psyche, skin type, and needs. But don’t let the concept of a daily routine make you feel intimidated—a successful skincare ritual can be only a few steps and take less than a minute to accomplish. Keep reading to uncover tips on how to start a skincare routine (even for beginners), how to introduce new skincare products, and the best formulas for you.How to Start a Skincare RoutineDetermine Your Skin TypeKnowledge is empowering, so caring for your skin begins with understanding its unique characteristics and needs, says Tsai. Discovering your skin type can take mere minutes and will help you make smarter skincare choices that’ll benefit your specific skin. To determine your skin type, we suggest using either The Bare-Faced Method or The Blotting Sheet Method to best identify your type of skin.Pinpoint Your Skincare GoalsFurther build out your skin’s characteristics and needs by zeroing in on your concerns and goals. Hoping to brighten dark spots? Looking to unclog pores and clarify acne-prone skin? Pinpointing your specific concerns will allow you to supplement your skincare routine with products and ingredients that can address these issues.Be Realistic“Beauty routines are personal and in my opinion, an extension of your psyche," adds Tsai. Meaning that you’re not likely to veer far from internalized preferences. Enjoy indulging and luxuriating in self-care? A skincare routine with multiple steps might be a great option for you. But perhaps you’re the opposite—and adhering to a multi-step ritual might feel exhausting and time-consuming. (That’s perfectly okay, there’s still a skincare routine—one that can even be completed in less than a minute—that’s right for you.) Being realistic when considering a skincare routine will help you tailor it based on your needs—and help you not be over- or under-whelmed.Be Consistent (and Patient)As with many things in life, consistency is key. It can take months to know if a skincare product is working and see changes or results in the skin, so be patient. Sticking with a skincare routine, morning and night, can result in significant benefits, but only if you continue to follow it regularly.Start SlowWondering how to introduce new skincare products into your daily ritual? The golden rule of thumb when incorporating new skincare products is to try one product at a time so you can analyze how your skin reacts. If you get overzealous and try multiple products at once, resulting in a negative reaction, it will be difficult to understand the source of the irritation. Paring down your routine to a few key products and slowly introducing more (as wanted) will likely be more effective.Try a Japanese Skincare RoutineAs Tsai has said, the “beauty of a classical Japanese skincare ritual lies in its simplicity.” Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, a Japanese regimen is designed to achieve your happiest and healthiest-looking skin. In this page, titled “The Art of the Skincare Ritual”, we demonstrate and explain the basics of purifying, polishing, plumping, and nourishing. Not only does the page specify tips and products based on your skin type, but it also includes Tsai herself utilizing routine best practices. As an added bonus, a Japanese skincare routine doesn’t just reveal radiant skin through gentle, consistent care, but it also allows for daily moments of mindfulness with the art of self-care.For a customized guide to uncovering your ideal regimen, take Tatcha’s Ritual Finder quiz, which can help discover a skincare routine based on your skin type, goals, and existing skincare collection.

There are countless options available, but what skincare products do you really need? Discover the most vital products to add to your regime and why. A daily skincare ritual can not only be beneficial for your skin, but also your mind. Self care via a consistent skincare routine can increase one’s overall mood and happiness, as established routines can help maintain order and predictability in your life. But with the countless offerings on the market, how do you know what skincare products to use? Keep reading to uncover the most effective and vital products to build the best skincare routine for your specific needs.The Basics: What Skincare Products Do I Need?At Tatcha, we aim to bridge the gap between timeless practices and modern ingredients. And that combination is abundantly present in our simple and straightforward skincare routine for women of every age. Don’t let the word ‘ritual’ intimidate you: a daily skincare practice can be completed with just a few steps. All you need is to purify, polish, plump, nourish, and protect for your happiest, healthiest-looking skin.PurifyArguably, the most important step in your skincare ritual is cleansing. This vital step is not just rushing through the purification process, but actually taking the time to carefully and thoroughly cleanse for cleaner, healthier-looking skin. The trick to transforming the mundane cleanse into a mindfulness ritual is to embrace the Japanese concept of kiyome, which translates to purification. This belief can act as not only a physical cleanse, but also an emotional one, allowing the cleansing process to be an act of letting go. Take a page out of founder Vicky Tsai’s book, Pure Skin, by visualizing distractions, negative thoughts, and self-doubt melting away as you cleanse. PolishExfoliating or polishing is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical or physical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants are acids that dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and the most common forms are AHA, BHA, and PHA. Physical exfoliants, or exfoliating scrubs, mechanically buff off dead skin cells. They often contain, as the name suggests, physical ingredients, like rice bran, to buff skin.While exfoliation may seem like a modern technique, geishas have been using komenuka, known as Japanese rice bran, to polish the skin for centuries. This is a crucial step in your daily routine because it removes dead skin cells and impurities, while also helping the rest of your products achieve their maximum potential.PlumpWhen simplifying or building a routine, utilizing products that have multiple uses is helpful. One of the most multi-use arsenals in your skincare ritual is an essence. A classic Japanese skincare ritual has long featured these “beauty waters”, known for their ability to soften and brighten the complexion. The humble liquid can resurface, soften, plump, and boost the effects of skincare in a single step. To utilize, simply splash a palmful of essence into your hand after cleansing and gently press it into the skin.NourishSeal in hydration with an effective moisturizer. A moisturizer is not a one-size-fits-all product, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. They suggest a moisturizer can come in several different formats, including lotions, gels, thick creams, or ointments. Whether it be a richly hydrating cream or a light, gel-based moisturizer, your ideal product should, on the most basic level, accomplish two major goals: prevent water from leaving the skin and deliver an optimal level of moisture for your healthiest-looking complexion, says the AAD.ProtectDon’t skip the sunscreen! While it might be tempting to consider an SPF simply just a summer must-have, sun protection is a year-round necessity. Even on cloudy or frosty winter days, the sun can damage your skin, notes the AAD. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day. It is a necessary—and should be an instinctive—step of your daily skincare routine, says the AAD.Best Skincare ProductsStill wondering what skincare products you should use? Here are a few of our favorite options to round out your ideal daily routine.PurifyingIt’s helpful to separate your morning and evening purification processes. In the morning, you may simply need a splash of water (ideally for dry skin types) or a quick cleanse with a gentle face wash. For the evening, a more thorough cleanse is ideal. Lean into the art of the double cleanse, which is helpful to not only remove makeup, surface debris, and sunscreen, but also unclog pores and prep skin for the following steps.Try: Consider The Indigo Cleansing Balm, our newest cleanser that features a fragrance-free, buttery-soft balm texture that melts away makeup while improving the skin barrier for stronger skin. Or perfect your Kyoto Cleanse with the delightfully nourishing Camellia Cleansing Oil to remove makeup and follow it with either the bestselling Rice Wash or The Deep Cleanse. PolishingChemical and physical exfoliants both have distinct positives. Chemical exfoliants are wonderful for almost all skin types, as long as you stick to low-percentage AHA, BHA, or PHA products when first incorporating them into your routine. Physical scrubs with gentle ingredients, like rice bran, can be wonderfully effective and give you more control over how deep of an exfoliation you’d like to achieve. Whether you prefer a chemical or physical exfoliant, we’ve got you covered.Try: If you prefer a liquid exfoliant, try The Texture Tonic. The AHA-powered formula is ideal for even sensitive skin and is gentle enough to be used daily. It’s specifically formulated to reduce excess oil and sebum, while also improving skin’s moisture levels. The formula has niacinamide and Japanese mugwort to reduce the look of discoloration, while also calming visible redness and irritation.If you’re more of a physical exfoliator fan, Tatcha’s game-changing Rice Polish is a must-have. The Japanese exfoliant transforms into a creamy, cloud-like foam with just a few drops of water. Finely ground rice bran and papaya enzymes promote natural skin turnover, while the amino acid-based formula provides effective cleansing without stripping the skin of essential moisture or breaking the skin’s barrier function. There are also three other Rice Polish formats, from Calm to Gentle to Deep, allowing you to find the formula that’s best for your skin. PlumpingThe top layer of your skin is made up of dead skin cells that protect the delicate skin beneath, but this layer can prevent active ingredients from sinking into the layers where they are needed most. This is where an essence steps in. The simple, yet transformative, formula floods the skin with hydration and amplifies the performance of any treatment that follows. The most important job of the essence and its primary function is to make the skin ready for whatever treatment follows.Try: If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting one of Tatcha’s most cherished products, allow us to introduce you to The Essence. This simple yet transformative formula is 100 percent Hadasei-3, a proprietary fermented complex of the very superfoods core to the Japanese diet: rice, algae, and green tea. This potent formula boosts the effects of skincare, resurfaces, and hydrates for primed, plump, petal-soft skin at any age. In studies, panelists demonstrated a 621+ percent improvement in skin moisturization immediately* and 100 percent of panelists demonstrated an improvement in skin glow and radiance after just one week of use.** *Based on an instrumentation study conducted on 30 panelists in 2022.**Based on an expert-grading study on 30 panelists in October 2021.NourishingA nourishing moisturizer is always beneficial to your complexion, whether your skin tends to be more dry or oily. After plumping skin with The Essence, apply a moisturizer to support the protective barrier of your skin.Try: At Tatcha, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to nutrient-rich moisturizers. As luxurious as they are effective, each unique face moisturizer delivers the optimal level of moisture for any skin type, helping you achieve your healthiest-looking complexion yet.Consider The Silk Cream, a rich yet weightless gel-cream moisturizer enriched with silk extract for softer, smoother, and firmer-looking skin. Or grab the award-winning Water Cream, ideal for oily complexions, which balances the skin, decongest pores, and minimizes oil production. For dry skin, try The Dewy Skin Cream, which plumps, hydrates, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. For a richer cream, grab the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream for an intensely hydrating and nourishing treatment. Sensitive skin? Slather on the innovative Indigo Overnight Repair, which visibly calms irritation, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and balances the microbiome overnight.Or not sure which formula is right for you? Consider Tatcha’s newly updated formula, The Indigo Calming Cream. The rich, fragrance-free moisturizer delivers therapeutic soothing relief from redness and itchiness with long-lasting hydration. ProtectingSkincare is moot if you aren’t using sunscreen daily. Not only does it help fight premature aging, but it, most importantly, protects from cancer-causing rays. Protect yourself with an FDA-approved formula that is broad-spectrum and a sun protection factor of at least 30+.Try: The Silk Sunscreen, a silky, lightweight, and sheer SPF that offers 50+ coverage (with 10 percent zinc oxide) and is packed with skin-benefitting ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and reduce redness. If you prefer a matte finish, consider the Silken Pore Perfecting SPF 35 Sunscreen, which has both mineral and chemical protection that not only protects the skin, but also helps tighten the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and calm visible irritation.

When helping the skin defend and repair itself from aging factors, there’s one skincare product that towers above the rest—and it might already be in your medicine cabinet. The best anti-aging skincare product on the market comes in a wide—but not too wide—variety. Some cost hundreds, and others cost less than 10 dollars, and they’re sold everywhere from gas stations to department stores. Many of them share the same ingredients—and many of those ingredients are regulated by the government. Yes, the best anti-aging skincare product on the market is probably already in your home, if it isn’t already on your skin: Sunscreen.Does sunscreen prevent aging? In some ways, the answer is yes. Skin ages naturally due to biological factors, which is why wrinkles and changes in tone and texture are the signs of a life well-lived, and are worth embracing. But many signs of premature aging are brought on by environmental forces, like pollutants in the air or overexposure to the sun. So, yes, a lot of aging is a matter of prevention. And sunscreen is preventative.But here’s the thing: Even if you were someone who was totally cosmetically unconcerned, sunscreen and other forms of sun protection would still be daily necessities. By protecting your skin from the sun, you are also protecting it from health complications, including one of the most common cancers; any aging skin benefits are merely attendant, but welcome. And by understanding how the sun ages skin, you can quickly understand how sunscreen helps with aging. How skin agesWe’ll begin on the smallest level we can, beneath an electron microscope. Have you met your DNA’s telomeres?Telomeres are DNA sequences that live at the end of our chromosomes and help with cell reproduction. Uncontrolled cell reproduction can be dangerous—and a key event in the development of cancer—so our telomeres shorten over time, until the cell reaches the end of its life. Now it can no longer reproduce, and dies off.As skin cells in particular begin to diminish, the process becomes visible as collagen and elastin proteins decrease in number, resulting in skin-slackening, wrinkles, dryness, hyperpigmentation. This kind of aging is also known as “intrinsic” aging, as a result of our cell biology. But our environments, as well as lifestyle choices, can also accelerate this process. Those who smoke cigarettes, for one example, have been observed to visibly age faster, for a variety of reasons from nicotine’s effect on skin thickness to changes in skin circulation.This is known as “extrinsic” aging. There are a variety of these risk factors, but according to a 2018 article in the journal Cell Transplantation, exposure to UV light “is the primary factor of extrinsic skin aging.”How UV light accelerates agingUltraviolet light from the sun causes an estimated 90% of visual aging, according to data from the Cleveland Clinic. Unprotected exposure to the sun can manifest in skin changes from deep sagging to dark spots to just about every other known sign of aging.But what happens on a deeper level is a matter of more concern. Remember those microscopic telomeres? That is how deep UV rays can reach. Ultraviolet light can be described in three varieties, known as A, B, and C. UVC radiation is absorbed by our planet’s atmosphere, but UVB rays reach the outer layer of our skin, right down to our DNA; this kind of radiation can damage our DNA, aging skin or increasing chances of precancerous cell growth. UVA rays are less potent, but go even deeper into the layers of our skin, where precious collagen cells and capillaries reside. Our bodies can repair some of the damage wrought by ultraviolet radiation, but it can’t repair it all. This is why sun protection is an imperative for all people.This news is a recent development in the history of beauty. As recently as the 2000s, tanning was still seen as a way to enhance one’s appearance, a concept that experts at the American Academy of Dermatology now dispute. They insist that the term “healthy tan” is an oxymoron, and that no amount of tanning is healthy. How sunscreen worksThere are a few mechanisms by which sunscreen works, but the main endeavor is the same: To protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. Some sunscreens use physical filters, like zinc and titanium dioxide, that reflect and scatter UV light, and some use skincare ingredients like octisalate or avobenzone to absorb and neutralize UV light. Others use both to provide a certain kind of skin finish.Because sunscreens in the United States are subject to approval from the Food and Drug Administration, if you see a sunscreen on a store shelf, you can assume it’s safe to use, and has been tested for efficacy. The sunscreen formulation you use probably depends on your own preferences, as there are numerous differences between physical and chemical sunscreens. Does sunscreen prevent aging?By now, the answer posed at the beginning of this guide is clear: Sunscreen absolutely prevents aging, by helping ensure that harmful UV rays don’t reach the skin.Sunscreen isn’t just good for mature skin types—it’s good for all skin types. And the options are nearly endless. Nowadays there are SPF formulas that offer heavy-duty sun protection in weightless and hydrating formulations, like the SPF 50 Silk Sunscreen from Tatcha. (It’s a mineral formula that glides on to skin like a fine veil.) There are also formulas that tend toward improving skin, or provide a perfect base for makeup. Tatcha’s Silken Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection from UVA and UVB rays while smoothing skin and tightening pores—perfect on its own, or underneath a little foundation or concealer. Sunscreen is one of the most popular and widely implemented forms of sun protection, but it isn’t the only one. The best forms of sun protection are the ones you use, so make sure to find a method you like—and then don’t go a day without it.

Face masks can be a fun, relaxing treat for the skin. But hydrating face masks are one of the few treatments that actually can improve the quality of every skin type. We explore how to use them, the ingredients to look for, and the best hydrating face mask for your skin type. While face masks can often be looked at as frivolous or unnecessary—they can make a big difference in the quality of skin, particularly for hydration. "If you do want to mask, I recommend them only if you want them for hydration purposes," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin to Well+Good. Regardless of your skin type, hydration is a key element of any skincare routine. Below we uncover the best hydrating face masks, how to use them, and ingredients to look out for in your next masking session.Face Mask 101According to the Cleveland Clinic, face masks work by driving ingredients closer and deeper into the skin, infusing your pores to help unclog them, and allowing the skin to soak up more of the mask’s key ingredients.When considering ingredients, the Clinic suggests tried-and-true hyaluronic acid to combat dehydration, whether your skin is dry or just dehydrated. They also note that those with sensitive skin should be on the lookout for harsh ingredients that could cause irritation—consider products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free of dyes and parabens. In fact, the best face mask should help to calm sensitive skin, rather than cause irritation. The best face mask should also never cause pain or hurt your skin.How to Use a Hydrating Face MaskBefore using a face mask, be sure to thoroughly wash your face with a cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, and residue. (Better yet, double cleanse to ensure you’re starting with a clean slate.) Also, importantly, follow the product package instructions closely. Allowing a mask to sit on the skin for an extended period of time is not more effective, but rather can lead to irritation and discomfort, and even damage the skin barrier.The Best Hydrating Face MasksWhether you’re looking for a touch of radiance or to address blackheads or minimize pores, the following face masks not only support the health of your skin, but also work overtime addressing additional concerns. Let’s find the right hydrating face mask for your skin concern.The Best Hydrating Face Mask for Dry Skin Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask According to the Cleveland Clinic, sheet masks tend to be more hydrating as they allow the moisturizer to be distributed and absorbed directly into the area it touches. Our unique, coconut-derived, biocellulose sheet mask boosts skin’s moisture content by up to 200 percent in just 15 minutes. The mask contains a proprietary serum composed of Okinawa Red Algae and natural hyaluronic acid that delivers instant hydration. The result is a hydrated, firmed, and lifted appearance in mere minutes—making it one of the best face masks for dry skin. Dr. Levine told Well+Good that she’s a fan of sheet masks made of hydrogel or biocellulose (which describes this hydrating option) because it allows active ingredients to penetrate better.The Best Face Mask For Oily Skin Clarifying Clay Mask Many clay masks can address excessive sebum production—but they also tend to absorb much-needed moisture in the skin, too. But the Clarifying Clay Mask both minimizes excess oil and sebum and improves skin’s hydration, making it the best hydrating face mask for oily skin, blackheads, and clogged pores. The formula uses a clever mix of Okinawa kucha clay, Japanese konjac, and volcanic ash for a pore-changing transformation in minutes. In clinical studies, skin showed an improvement in texture, clarity, appearance of pores, and hydration in just one single use.* Smoother, clearer, and more hydrated skin in just three minutes? Yes, please!*Based on an expert grader study conducted on 40 panelists after 3 applications over 1 week.The Best Face Mask for Sensitive SkinIndigo Overnight Repair While this bestselling serum-in-moisturizer treatment responds best to consistency and is designed for daily use, users can elevate the application to feel more like a spa experience with a massage technique. The Japanese indigo, ceramides, and mondo grass formula visibly calms irritation, strengthens skin’s barrier, and balances the microbiome overnight, but is also helpful when massaged into the skin for a quick treatment. Gently massage in upwards strokes and allow the skin to soak up the potent serum-in-cream for as long as possible before delicately washing it off and admiring your plump, calm, and radiant skin.The Best Face Mask to Achieve Glowing Skin Violet-C Radiance Mask Looking for an instant soft, dewy glow? This bestselling brightening mask is gentle enough for sensitive skin but also hydrates, improves skin’s texture and tone, and resurfaces dullness. The creamy treatment features two types of vitamin C (for maximum benefits), 10 percent AHAs (to resurface uneven, dry skin), and our proprietary Hadasei-3 complex (to hydrate and glow). In just 15 to 20 minutes, skin is left brighter, more translucent, and with a radiant glow.The Best Skincare to Amplify Your Face Mask The Essence and The Dewy Serum Regular use of a hydrating mask will boost hydration, but hydration is more of a daily maintenance issue than something you should turn to a mask for consistently. If dehydration is a daily occurrence, consider amping up your moisturizing products in your regular skincare routine. Try utilizing the deeply hydrating duo of The Essence and The Dewy Serum. This leave-on daily treatment packs a deeply hydrating punch, helping to lock in moisture long-term and look smoother, plumper, and dewier. First pat on The Essence, then immediately follow up with The Dewy Serum—ideally applying while skin is still slightly damp from The Essence for better absorption.

Sunburns can sneak up on us, even with diligent sun protection. Thankfully there are a handful of after-sun products and techniques that can speed up skin’s recovery. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the best after-sun skincare products. Even with the most cautious suncare protection, sunburns can happen. Unfortunately, just one mild sunburn can damage skin cells, leading to accelerated aging and the potential risk of skin cancer, notes the CDC. But fret not, there are after-sun products that can rapidly repair sun-damaged skin, plus a few tried-and-true techniques that can expedite healing. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the best after-sun care products.Sunburn 101Sunburns and sun damage can occur shockingly hastily. And while the short-term pain, redness, and discomfort hurt, the potential skin damage (and elevated risk of skin cancer) remains far after the burn fades. It’s a good reason to stay diligent with sunscreen, reapplication of SPF, and even sun-protective clothing and accessories (including a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, and sun protection parasols or umbrellas). But with all the proactive suncare in the world, sunburns still happen.Best After-Sun TipsSo the sun’s rays snuck up on you? A sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. Thus, the best course of action is to minimize the inflammation. Here are the best techniques to soothe skin (and the burn) with tips and ingredients you likely already have at home.Hydrate and CoolExcessive sun exposure can dehydrate—both the skin and the body. Drink plenty of water because a sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, a recipe for dehydration, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Then take a cold shower to wash off the SPF and cool the skin. (Only use mild cleansers in the shower, anything with scrubs or exfoliants can further irritate the delicate skin.) Speaking of cooling things down, if the skin feels hot to the touch, apply a cold compress or even a classic solution: a frozen bag of peas wrapped around a clean towel.Take a Pain RelieverFor relief from the pain of a burn, take a nonprescription pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, says the Mayo Clinic. This can help with swelling, redness, and discomfort, adds the AAD.Best After-Sun Skincare IngredientsYou might be wondering, ‘Do after-sun products actually work?’ While a standard body lotion can help hydrate the skin, a dedicated after-sun product has been formulated to soothe the burn, minimize inflammation, and hydrate. Consistent application of a top after-sun product can provide relief and improve the look and feel of skin. Here are a few ingredients and products to consider.Aloe VeraWhat makes aloe vera the gold standard for after-sun care is its anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly helpful when you remember that a sunburn is an inflammatory reaction, so aloe is practically perfect for sunburns. And clinical research has shown that the succulent can speed up healing and reduce pain.Hydrocortisone CreamThe AAD recommends applying a one percent hydrocortisone cream (which you can find at your local drugstore without a prescription) if the burn area feels especially uncomfortable. The cream can also help soothe the itchiness that accompanies a bad sunburn. The Mayo Clinic recommends applying a hydrocortisone cream to the affected area three times a day for three days, and they suggest storing the cream in the fridge for an added cooling sensation.Reparative LotionsGentle creams and lotions packed with healing ingredients are a great addition to your after-sun regime, too. Look for ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, and algae, which can hydrate, soothe, and calm skin.Best After-Sun ProductsAt Tatcha, we believe in bringing the ‘care’ back to ‘skincare’—and nowhere is that belief more important than with after-sun skin products. Here are the best products to soothe, repair, protect, and correct sun damage.A Calming Cleanser Try: The Indigo Cleansing Balm A gentle, yet effective, cleanser is important after sun exposure to help remove any excess SPF, salt, or chlorine from your beach or pool day. But it’s also vitally important to use a calming, nurturing cleanser on sunburnt skin that can soothe visible irritation and replenish moisture. This is where our newest cleansing innovation comes in: The Indigo Cleansing Balm. The skin-strengthening formula instantly calms visible irritation, while also supporting and transforming the barrier—important when skin is in a delicate state (like a sun damage).An Overnight Treatment Try: Indigo Overnight Repair Beauty sleep is not just a figure of speech: skin really does repair itself overnight. This inspired our award-winning Indigo Overnight Repair, a fragrance-free soothing serum-in-moisturizer treatment that visibly calms irritation, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and balances the microbiome while you sleep. The formula is ideal for disrupted skin, helping to immediately improve moisture, barrier strength, and radiance.An Instant Moisture Boost Try: Luminous Hydrating Sheet Mask Store this biocellulose treatment mask in the fridge for a deeply hydrating and cooling experience. The Luminous Hydrating Sheet Mask has been shown to boost skin’s moisture content by up to 200 percent in just 15 minutes. A Soothing Sunscreen Try: The Silk Sunscreen There’s no better time to continue to prioritize sun protection than when experiencing sun damage. Try an ultra-gentle option, like The Silk Sunscreen, whose broad-spectrum formula protects against UVA and UVB rays with 10 percent zinc oxide for a mineral, reef-safe filter. Not only does the Silk Sunscreen feel impossibly light, but the formula also soothes skin, making it ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. The SPF also includes hyaluronic acid to help immediately boost skin’s natural moisture levels and niacinamide to reduce redness.A Corrective Serum Try: Violet-C Brightening Serum Once the skin is completely healed, consider incorporating an antioxidant serum, like The Violet-C Brightening Serum, which can help reduce visible sun damage. The serum includes two forms of vitamin C, which help to reveal brighter skin and a more translucent, healthy-looking glow. Plus the daily serum is boosted with the addition of mild fruit alpha hydroxy acids to resurface dullness and uneven skin, antioxidant-rich Japanese beautyberry, and angelica root to help reduce the appearance of discoloration.