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Reduce Face Redness Quickly Flushed, pink cheeks are often the symbol of a coy blush or an invigorating time spent outdoors. Other times, a change in skin tone can be a sign of something else. Just as the eyes are the windows to our soul, our skin is the door to our overall being—and skin redness can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are the reasons behind what causes redness and flareups, and how best to treat it. Why is My Face Red?Facial redness occurs when the blood vessels in your face begin to dilate—which means more blood is rushing to your skin and causing it to turn red. It takes its cue from many outlying elements. Some of the most common triggers are: Feeling overwhelmed or stressed Eating spicy foods Imbibing an excess of alcohol Sensitivity to specific ingredients in your skincare products Exposure to extreme temperatures As a first step in pinpointing your exact triggers, it’s important to note whether the redness occurs after experiencing any of the above common causes.Red skin can also occur from common skin conditions, including rosacea and contact dermatitis.How Do I Treat Skin Redness?We recommend incorporating products with ingredients to help reduce redness. While you may not see the redness disappear completely, but with the right skincare products assuming their place in your ritual, you will discover fewer flareups and instances of red, inflamed skin. There are four very important products to incorporate into your skincare routine:Step 1: Start with a Gentle Cleanser.—Your skin’s moisture barrier helps the skin to retain moisture, which keeps skin looking dewy and protects against irritation. When there is a disruption in the moisture barrier, that can lead to redness in the skin. The Rice Wash is a gently effective cream cleanser that washes away impurities without stripping skin. It’s formulated with a pH-neutral amino acid base to balance the skin—and, because it is pH-neutral, it will not disturb the moisture barrier. It also contains Japanese rice powder to soften, clarify, and boost luminosity, and a blend of hyaluronic acid and Okinawa algae to plump and hydrate.Step 2: Make Time for a Mask.—Incorporating a mask into your skincare ritual is not only a way to bring even more hydration and nourishment to your sensitive skin, but is also an ideal way to take time for self-care. The Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is a unique, coconut-derived biocellulose sheet mask that contains a replenishing serum with Okinawa red algae and natural hyaluronic acid to boost the skin barrier and deliver instantly hydrated, firmer-looking skin.Step 3: Moisturize Twice a Day.—The Indigo Calming Cream is a multi-tasking, fragrance-free moisturizer that delivers therapeutic natural ingredients to provide relief and long-lasting hydration for sensitive skin. This velvety-rich, cushiony cream contains natural Japanese indigo extract to calm and soothe, and colloidal oatmeal to relieve minor skin irritation and itching caused by eczema and rashes. It also contains Hadasei-3™, our proprietary trio of Japanese superfoods that combines green tea, rice, and algae, to visibly restore youthful radiance and a dewy glow. This formula would traditionally be referred to as an anti-aging moisturizer, and does indeed treat the signs of accelerated aging that occur from environmental elements, lifestyle choices, and other factors. However, it is our long-espoused belief that beauty knows no age. We believe that time is a gift, and to better align our language with our values, we have pledged to phase out the term "anti-aging" in our marketing.Step 4: Finish with SPF.—To avoid painful sunburn and the lasting effects of harmful UV rays, it is imperative to apply sunscreen every single day. Our Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen is a weightless sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 35 that protects from UVA and UVB rays. It contains Japanese wild rose to tighten the look of pores and smooth skin texture, loquat leaf extract—whose antioxidants protect and calm skin—and silk extract, which leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.Are There Skincare Ingredients I Should Avoid?Certain ingredients can be stripping and more irritating to the skin. All Tatcha products are free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, DEA, TEA, and phthalates. We also do not use retinol or salicylic acid in any of our products. We also recommend steering clear of harsh physical exfoliants and polishing scrubs — however, our exfoliator, The Rice Polish, is a water-activated exfoliating of nourishing Japanese rice bran that is gentle enough for everyday use.If you experience continued redness or rashes for more than two weeks after avoiding common triggers or incorporating certain skincare products into your ritual, we recommend making an appointment with your dermatologist for further consultation.

We believe that a ritual is a routine we make meaningful with our intention. From brushing our teeth to making a pot of coffee, there are dozens of routines we perform everyday without even thinking. But there are some habits, like your skincare practice, that have the potential to transform into greater moments of care. Though washing your face and applying a serum are in and of themselves physical acts of care, bringing mindfulness into these actions allows you to take to care of yourself in more ways than one. By completing each step with intention, you commit to giving time back to yourself, instead of taking it away, so you can appreciate the present moment. This conscious mindset transforms your skincare practice into a greater act for your well-being.One way we like to elevate our skincare routine to a ritual of care is through soothing visualizations. Below are a few thoughts we love that pair well with each step of your ritual.PURIFY: As you cleanse with The Rice Wash, imagine washing the day away.POLISH: As you gently exfoliate with The Rice Polish: Classic, envision a fresh beginning.PLUMP: As you apply The Essence, admire how even small things can make a big difference.NOURISH: As you moisturize with The Silk Cream, imagine you're wrapping yourself in a protective cocoon.In addition to this meditative exercise, you can incorporate ambient elements into your ritual to further enhance the experience. To create a relaxing atmosphere, think of the ways you can appeal to each of your senses: lower the lights, set out candles, burn incense, play calming music, or listen to nature sounds.Your ritual is a way for you to show gratitude to yourself, so the more you commit to a ritual, the more you give back to yourself. We hope you find pleasure in thanking yourself and your skin every day.

Life is a delicate balancing act. We seek harmony within our bodies, in our lives, and in our skin to feel our best. For those with combination skin, the journey of caring for your skin can be a long and winding one, with unique discoveries along the way of which products are ideal to incorporate into your skincare ritual. To that end, we have put together advice and tips on the symptoms and causes of combination skin, and the ideal way to care for it. What is Combination Skin? In its simplest terms, combination skin means simply that—your skin is a combination of different skin types. You will experience oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in others. Most often, you will find dry patches on your cheeks, while your T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) will be the more oily areas of your face. What Causes Combination Skin? Combination skin can be attributed to a variety of different factors. In many cases, it is genetic, meaning you have inherited this skin type from the generations that came before you—and at Tatcha, we believe that all skin is beautiful skin, especially when it comes from treasured members of your family. Those with combination skin can, however, find that it is exacerbated if you are unknowingly using the incorrect skincare products in your skincare routine. Additionally, your skin works overtime to balance itself when faced with various situations it is attempting to correct. As your skin becomes dehydrated, it creates more oil and sebum in an attempt to create balance, which can lead to breakouts and irritation. Products with harsher ingredients or ones that aggravate the skin can cause dry patches in some parts of your face and excess oil in others, especially an oily T-zone—which can lead to flakiness, redness, dryness, and irritation. Incorporating the correct products into your skincare ritual may still result in some oiliness, but there will not be additional dry skin or rough patches underneath the oil that can create clogging of the pores, excess sebum, and blemishes. Learning the correct skincare products for your skin type will also lead to softer, smoother, more hydrated skin with less buildup and fewer breakouts. How Do You Care for Combination Skin? The most important thing to remember in caring for your combination skin is that you will need to determine which products work for different parts of your face, which means you may need to use different moisturizers, cleansers, and masks for each of those dry areas and oily areas. Products that are oil-absorbing or mattifying are ideal for the oily areas of your face, while more emollient and hydrating products are meant for the dry areas. For oilier skin, we recommend using products with lighter weight and oil-free formulas, balancing those with more potent and concentrated amounts of beneficial skincare ingredients for the drier areas. Blotting papers—like our Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers, made of 100 percent natural abaca leaf and gold flakes—also help to address unwanted oil production and absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup while on the go. What is the Ideal Skincare Ritual for Combination Skin? Step 1: Purify. Cleansing the skin and leaving it with a fresh palate is important both day and night. Whether your cleanser is lotion-based or gel-textured, its goal is to remove impurities, debris, and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight, dry, or greasy. We recommend using a gentle but effective water-soluble cleanser. Removing your makeup is an important step that helps minimize pores from becoming clogged overnight, ensuring that you truly do get your beauty sleep. Incorporating a cleansing oil into your skincare routine may seem counterproductive when you have oily skin—however, they actually greatly benefit all skin types. Cleansing oils easily dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and other oils while leaving skin feeling supple and smooth. They are also ideal for using as the first step in double cleansing. Our Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil gently melts away impurities—even waterproof makeup—leaving behind pure, silky-soft skin. After using our cleansing oil, we recommend following with The Deep Cleanse. This gel cleanser is formulated with natural fruit exfoliant to deeply but gently lift impurities and unclog pores while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It cleanses with amino acids derived from silk, and harnesses the power of the Japanese Luffa fruit to turn over dead skin cells, deeply purify and decongest pores, and condition the skin. Step 2: Plump. Essences help to purify, balance, and prep your skin for the remainder of your routine. At night, they also work to help balance your skin's pH, deliver antioxidants and restore moisture. We recommend using The Essence both day and night. This resurfacing softener of 98.7% pure Japanese superfoods works to reveal soft, youthful-looking skin, replenish moisture, and increase radiance. It is also formulated with Hadasei-3™, our proprietary complex of double-fermented Uji green tea, Akita rice, and Mozuku algae. This trinity of time-tested ingredients work in harmony to deliver radiant, healthy-looking skin. Uji green tea is known to help reduce the signs of aging and to detoxify the skin. Protein-rich Akita rice nourishes the skin, leaving skin feeling plump and supple. Okinawa mozuku algae is packed with hydrating polysaccharides essential for skin water retention and renewal, helping your skin retain moisture and maintain a smooth, hydrated appearance. Rich in a symphony of essential amino acids, this trio supports the skin’s natural moisture-keeping factors while promoting natural skin surface turnover for brighter, beautiful skin at every age. Step 3: Polish. Scrubs and exfoliators are optimal for gently but effectively removing dead skin cells and impurities from the outermost layer of your skin’s surface to unveil smoother skin and create a luminous, healthy glow. Our exfoliator, The Rice Polish, is a water-activated exfoliant of nourishing Japanese rice bran that transforms to a creamy foam, promoting natural skin surface turnover and leaving skin baby soft and supple. While exfoliating your skin on a daily basis could lead to irritation if done too often, The Rice Polish is gentle enough for everyday use. Step 4: Mask. —Using a face mask one to two times per week will allow you to restore moisture, balance, and hydration to your skin. Our Violet-C Radiance Mask is a creamy rinse-off mask that is not only formulated with two types of Vitamin C and Japanese beautyberry, but includes 10% AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) from seven fruit extracts to improve skin texture, brighten skin tone, and unveil a soft, dewy glow. It also contains Hadasei-3™, our proprietary complex of double-fermented Uji green tea, Akita rice, and Mozuku algae. Step 5: Nourish. Replenishing your skin with moisture and quenching it with hydration is imperative, especially in the drier areas. However, you must keep in mind that the oilier parts of your face may require a different type of moisturizer than the dry patches. It is up to you to determine if it’s better to use one moisturizer for your entire face, or two different formulas to achieve the desired results. The Water Cream is ideal for use all over your face, as it is an oil-free moisturizer that releases a burst of skin-improving Japanese nutrients, botanicals, and optimal hydration and results in pure, poreless skin. It also contains Japanese wild rose to tighten the look of pores, and Japanese leopard lily, to help minimize excess oil, both of which help to calm and soothe the skin. This formula would traditionally be referred to as an anti-aging moisturizer, and does indeed help improve the signs of accelerated aging that occur from environmental elements, lifestyle choices, and other factors. However, it is our long-espoused belief that beauty knows no age. We believe that time is a gift, and to better align our language with our values, we have pledged to phase out the term "anti-aging" in our marketing. If you prefer to use different moisturizers for your combination skin, we recommend The Water Cream for oily skin and The Dewy Skin Cream for dry skin. The Dewy Skin Cream is a rich, moisturizing cream that feeds skin with plumping hydration and antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice for dewy skin and a healthy glow and is ideal for dry skin. It contains a special blend of Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid, capturing water to help restore skin’s natural moisture reservoir and immediately leaving skin feeling soft, comforted, and nourished. Step 6: Protect. A broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater is undeniably imperative for protecting your skin from sun damage and harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen every morning also helps to reduce the signs of aging. Our Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen is a weightless sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 35 that blends effortlessly and invisibly for a matte finish and poreless appearance.

You’ll notice that in our Classic Ritual, “Purify” is the first step. Starting with a clean face means that you’ve removed everything obscuring your natural skin, allowing all of the formulas that follow to best serve their purpose. In Japan, there is a concept called kiyome, which means purification in a general sense, cleanse in a literal sense. Purification rituals are woven throughout Japanese culture, from everyday activities, like washing your face or cleaning your room, to special occasions, like visits to shrines and tea houses. In Japan, to purify yourself or your space is a show of respect as well as an act of care. Even the simple ritual of cleansing your face can help cleanse the mind and soul. As you imagine washing away everything that no longer serves you. As you rinse away the impurities, you’re left with more than just pure skin— a clean slate for a fresh start. Before you begin, it’s important to determine what kind of cleanser will best serve your skin’s needs. Do you want something that removes makeup? Are you looking to exfoliate as you cleanse? Below, we’ll dig into how our cleansers work for whatever your skin is craving. If you want to remove makeup… Our Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil gently melts away impurities, even waterproof makeup, leaving behind pure, silky-soft skin. Applied to dry skin and massaged in circular motions, Japanese Camellia Oil clings to the oils in makeup, as well as the sebum and excess oil produced by skin. When rinsed off with warm water, the excess oils fall away, and you’re left with soft, nourished moisturized skin. If your skin tends to feel dry… If your skin tends to be on the drier side, or you live somewhere with a dry climate, you might prefer our gentle cleanser, The Rice Wash, which leaves skin +39%* more hydrated over a 6-hour period! This cream-to-foam formula has a pH-neutral amino acid base so that it can remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. A blend of Okinawa red algae, Mie brown algae, and hyaluronic acid work together to restore moisture—supporting the skin barrier and helping to improve its moisture-retention capabilities for a healthier, more resilient complexion. Besides leaving your skin more hydrated, Japanese rice powder softens skin and boosts luminosity, for a soft, glowing complexion. If your skin tends to feel oily... If your skin is blemish-prone, or you live in a humid climate, The Deep Cleanse might be the one for you. This oil-free gel formula cleanses and exfoliates, gently yet thoroughly lifting impurities to leave skin soft and balanced. Japanese luffa fruit, a natural physical exfoliant, helps turn over dead skin cells, deeply purifying and decongesting pores, while Japanese wild rose visibly reduces pores and smooths skin. Japanese leopard lily helps minimize excess oil to prevent build-up in the future. If you want smoother, poreless-looking skin... While The Deep Cleanse offers gentle physical exfoliation, our line of The Rice Polish offers enzymatic exfoliation, which is non-abrasive. It starts as a fine powder, but when activated with water, it transforms into a creamy, cloud-like foam.The Rice Polish features finely ground rice bran and papaya enzymes to promote natural skin turnover, while a pH-neutral amino acid base provides effective cleansing without stripping skin of essential moisture or breaking the skin’s barrier function. These kind-to-skin ingredients leave skin smooth, supple, and radiant, and daily use can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts. Each of our four formulas of The Rice Polish cater to different skin needs, so you’re sure to find one that will work for you. Silk protein conditions and nourishes skin in our The Rice Polish: Classic formula, which is beneficial for all skin types, specifically dry skin. Tailored for sensitive skin, The Rice Polish: Calming is formulated with Japanese Indigo to help soothe skin. If your skin tends to feel dry, The Rice Polish: Gentle features Licorice Root to help prevent flakiness and tightness in the skin. The Rice Polish: Deep helps tighten the look of pores and clarify skin with Japanese Wild Rose, making it ideal for combination to oily skin. All of our cleansers are gentle enough for daily use, and can be incorporated into both morning and evening rituals. Some days you may need different cleansing than others, and our formulas can be combined to meet your needs. For instance, if you’ve been wearing long-wear makeup all day, you may want to start by removing makeup with our Pure Camellia Cleansing Oil, then following with The Rice Polish for a deeper cleanse. If you’re washing your face in the shower, The Rice Wash or The Deep Cleanse are easy formulas to measure out and use when your face and hands are already wet. There’s no right or wrong way to wash your face, so don’t hesitate to try all of our cleansers. *Based on an expert grader survey of 25 subjects over a 4 week period

We’re longtime advocates for minimal skincare formulas made without filler ingredients that can irritate skin and crowd out actives. With that in mind, we focus our rituals on traditionally Japanese, scientifically proven ingredients. The Serum Stick, for example, boasts 80 percent squalane that was purified in Japan without chemicals. So, what is squalane, and how can it help you achieve smoother, suppler skin? We’re detailing its benefits in the bullet points below, so the information’s easy to absorb (much like...well, squalane).Squalane... Improves the skin barrier function, locking in moisture and minimizing dryness Calms itchy or chapped skin and softens the complexion Absorbs into skin readily without clogging pores or leaving a greasy finish Delivers a hydrated, plump look in tandem with hyaluronic acid Keeps makeup from looking dry or cakey and intensifies radiance Offers benefits both instantly and over time Because of its myriad benefits, squalane comes in many products and formats, but we’re partial to our own. Our formulas contain large amounts of squalane, so the filler ingredients we mentioned above won’t limit its effects. Plus, our squalane comes from olives, so it’s gentle and nourishing for skin. Best of all, our stick format makes it easy to apply and reapply squalane throughout the day around the eyes, laugh lines, or dry spots—so anyone can have a moment of mindful beauty, anywhere.Wishing you moisturized skin,The Tatcha Family

When I first met geisha, I wondered how their skin stayed silky-smooth despite their heavy makeup. I’ve always felt that as the day wore on, my makeup disappeared into my skin. This led to a vicious cycle: the congestion would lead to breakouts, which caused me to wear more makeup that, in turn, made my skin more congested. As I began to study with skincare scientists, I learned that the face alone has approximately 20,000 pores—plenty of places for makeup to be absorbed and cause trouble. I asked our geisha friends how they kept their skin from absorbing the heavy white oshiroi (base layer) and thick black eyeliner. Their answer was surprising—a lightweight wax called bintsuke that they would warm between their fingers and apply to the skin after completing their skincare ritual, but before makeup. The wax had the dual function of helping skin retain its moisture, while smoothing and protecting it from makeup and pollutants. I actually tried bintsuke one time and realized why geisha rarely smile in photos: the wax primer turns into a stiff mask. We hoped to recreate the benefits, but with an ingredient that was less restricting. Unsurprisingly, we were able to find an answer in another long-beloved ingredient in Japanese skincare: silk. Our skincare scientists explained to me that silk is a near-perfect raw fiber. Completely breathable, it has the ability to keep you cool in hot weather, and warm when it’s cold. This breathability is just as true of silk in liquid form: it acts as a true filter, simultaneously keeping out what your skin doesn’t need and preserving hydration levels. It supports your skin’s “natural barrier function” –a technical term for what skin does best– protecting the rest of you. When your skin isn’t being burdened by harmful or unnecessary chemicals, it has the chance to nourish and care for itself. Your skin is dynamic, evolving with your environment and what you put on it, which is why The Silk Canvas is such an important step in your skincare ritual. By marrying together three silk extracts together, we created a featherlight, protective barrier in The Silk Canvas. What’s especially beautiful about The Silk Canvas is that anything you apply over it won’t get “eaten” by your skin. If you’re like me and notice that your makeup gets cakey easily - or seems to disappear by afternoon - those carrier oils and pigments are collecting in your pores and inadvertently causing breakouts. Keeping those and other potentially harmful ingredients out of skin are an essential step to protecting yourself. The world of skincare and cosmetics is easily confusing and nuanced, especially because everyone’s skin reacts and behaves differently. Our promise at Tatcha is to always share the best formulas, made by some of the brightest minds in the industry, and to always think beyond skin-deep—our collection is crafted to bring you brightness and balance, inside and out. The Silk Canvas, $52

I am often asked why, as an American-born Taiwanese woman, I would choose to create a company born from Japanese skincare and heritage. The truth is that skincare is deeply rooted in all Asian cultures, but each country has a unique approach. Asian Beauty as a whole is enjoying immense popularity today, but the distinct rituals and ingredients of each culture stretch back centuries. In particular, we often see Japanese beauty and Korean beauty either confused or grouped together. Both emphasize cleansing the skin, and both have a love for sheet masks, but there are more differences than similarities. To help clarify and distinguish these two rich beauty and skincare routines, I spoke with my friend Charlotte Cho, the founder of the beloved Korean skincare website Soko Glam. What inspired you to create companies rooted in J-Beauty and K-Beauty, respectively? Vicky: When I first visited Kyoto, I was looking for a new approach to beauty. Using modern Western skincare products had given me acute dermatitis, and I was still struggling to get the blistering, bleeding, and rashes under control. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with a geisha, who shared their rituals with me, which were as simple as they were elegant and effective. Their formulas are what finally gave me my skin back. I fell in love with their simple but powerful skincare ingredients, less-is-more philosophy, and the generations of wisdom that helped to shape them. I created Tatcha to share these treasures with a new audience. Charlotte: As a Korean-American born and raised in California, my skincare routine was nonexistent until I moved to Seoul at age 22. Within a few months of living in skincare-obsessed Korea, it turned my beauty world upside down! I quickly adopted their skin-first philosophy, which was refreshingly seen as not a chore but a part of the lifestyle that they took delight in. All walks of life (men, women, teens and even young children) were very knowledgeable about skincare: from the benefits of hydration, exfoliating regularly and the importance of sunscreen. I was also constantly surrounded by beauty shops, with the most interesting ingredients and packaging everywhere I turned! Once I fell into a multi-step skincare routine, I saw my skin transform from a dull, flaky mess to a bright, dewy glow. This motivated me to share the world of Korean beauty to the West, so I created Soko Glam, a curated selection of the best Korean beauty products. And because education is key to understanding the world of Korean beauty, I launched The Klog, a place to learn about these techniques and read about the latest innovations from Korea. What do you consider the most unique aspect of Korean beauty? Japanese beauty? Vicky: I’m amazed at how quickly Korean beauty innovates, adapting to trends and introducing new ingredients and treatments seemingly overnight. To me, the most unique aspect of Japanese beauty is the minimalist philosophy. Their rituals focus on a few simple steps and a few simple but efficacious ingredients. Charlotte: I love the focus on time-tested ingredients in Japanese beauty. From rice brans to pearls, these ingredients have been used for centuries for brightening, hydrating, and exfoliating the skin. As for Korean beauty, I think the most unique aspect is their creativity and ability to challenge the norms of beauty in pursuit of a better product. For example, cushion compacts have revolutionized the way people applied foundation by creating a new method to transfer just the right amount of the product onto the skin for a flawless, dewy look.. How does skincare relate to or reflect the culture more broadly? Vicky: In Japan, they treat their skincare the same way as their food, their flower arranging and their tidying up: less is more. Sushi is comprised of rice, seaweed and fish, high-quality ingredients minimally manipulated to offer health benefits and delicious flavor. Marie Kondo’s beloved KonMari method focuses on a clean space with minimal decorations. The Japanese skincare philosophy is the same: few steps in a ritual, few simple but powerful ingredients. Charlotte: Korean women are extremely knowledgeable about skincare because it is ingrained at such a young age. They’re also really into beauty since they value outward appearances and making a great first impression. I truly believe this has made them the pickiest cosmetic consumers, and the most adventurous. To meet the demands of Korean consumers, Korean beauty companies are constantly driven to update packaging and formulation. The result is this: super innovative and effective products, from labs to store shelves in just a few months! What aspects of Korean skincare and Japanese skincare are resonating most with the Western audience? Vicky: One of the most surprising things I learned about the geisha was the importance of cleansing the skin. In the west, we focus on treatments, face masks, and anti-aging moisturizers, but often forget to take our makeup off before bed. Even with a busy schedule and performances late into the night, a geisha always removes her makeup with an oil-based cleanser and washes her face with a gentle daily exfoliant at the end of the day. The Japanese skincare routine focuses on cleansing and polishing the skin, two steps that are becoming much more important to the American client. Charlotte: Believe it or not, many have been very inspired by the 10-step Korean skincare routine, even for people who are completely new to skincare and never used more than a moisturizer in their life! The multi-step routine includes double cleansing with an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser, toner, exfoliator, essence, serum, sheet mask, eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF. But keep in mind, you don’t have to use 10 steps every morning and night—it’s really a sequence of steps that you could potentially use, depending on your skin concerns and needs. I believe Western audiences see the multi-step routine as a way to unwind and focus on the health of their skin to achieve glass skin and a naturally dewy, glowing appearance. Where do you go to be inspired? Vicky: I am inspired each and every time I travel to Kyoto. Whether it’s the colors of the leaves, the designs on the temples, or the wisdom of the geisha, I come away from each visit feeling rejuvenated and brimming. If I can’t travel that far, I take a long, hot shower. Inspiration always strikes in the shower. Charlotte: I am in Seoul at least a third of the year. Despite the frequency of my trips, there is always an exciting trend or innovation to explore in Korea. When I’m not in Korea, New York City is my home base. I try to take every opportunity to go out, meet new people and explore the city to get inspiration. If you’re in your own bubble, you’ll never know what matters to others. Tell us about one of your discoveries, one that embodies the Japanese or Korean skincare philosophy and that you are excited to share with everyone. Vicky: We are so excited to share our treasure, The Water Cream. It brings to life the “less is more” Japanese skincare philosophy with pure, minimal ingredients formulated with everything you need and nothing you don’t. The unique, oil-free formula is a burst of zen for all skin types, transforming upon application to release refreshing hydration and the Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice, and algae. The result is smooth, supple, poreless skin that is perfectly prepped for makeup—making your skin one less thing you need to worry about. Charlotte: Although many people think of Korean skincare products when they think of Korean beauty, there are more innovations in other beauty categories that are starting to bloom. For example, new products such as hair essences are now in the spotlight. There are many different treatments that you massage into your scalp to help you grow healthy, shiny hair. In addition to haircare products, there are innovations within the color cosmetics and makeup categories as well.

After a rainy evening in Kyoto, it’s not unusual to spot heart-shaped leaves peeking through narrow spaces between buildings and cracks in the sidewalk. These ubiquitous plants are dokudami (Houttuynia cordata), a medicinal herb famed throughout Asia for its healing benefits. Dokudami is also called juyaku, which means “ten roles” in Japanese—a nickname that highlights how many ailments it helps alleviate. In traditional Japanese medicine, dried dokudami leaves are served as a tea to cleanse the body from the inside. With the arrival of cooler temperatures in the fall, many in Japan, including geisha, still brew cups of dokudami tea as a health drink during the cold and flu season. “Japan’s eldest elephant, Hanako, drinks dokudami tea several times a day .. In fact, Japan’s eldest elephant, Hanako, who is 68, is served dokudami tea several times a day to keep her healthy. Clinical studies have proven the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits of dokudami. Specifically, dokudami extract has a strong antimicrobial effect against the bacteria most commonly associated with acne. When I learned that, I knew it would be the perfect addition to our Polished Deep Rice Enzyme Powder to help balance acne-prone skin. While dokudami possesses incredible health benefits, it’s also an understated beauty and a symbol of resilience. Dokudami is a stellar example of a botanical ingredient I want to appreciate for its function and its form. Flourishing in spring and lasting through late autumn, dokudami thrives wherever its seeds land, making it a significant part of the landscape in humid climates. Although the leaves appear thin, a single stem of dokudami can withstand the wind and other elements, bending gracefully without breaking or withering. Everytime I see the modest dokudami, it reminds me to keep my mind and eyes open when I’m treasure hunting. Sometimes, an astonishing history and healing power can lie in the most unassuming places—even right in front of you.