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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.

Here’s how to build a necessary sun protection routine with tips, techniques, and recommendations specifically tailored toward mature and aging skin. Sunscreen is essential for every (and any) person’s skin, so it tracks that there are SPFs for just about any (and every) person’s skin type. There are lightweight sunscreens formulated for oilier faces; creamy sunscreens made just for dry skin; others that are just for hands. That’s a good thing, because it makes sun protection accessible to everybody who needs it, which is, again, everybody.For mature or aging skin in particular, which has needs that are unique from other skin types, choosing a sunscreen might not be as simple as plucking one off of the shelf. All skin types age, and at a certain point, features of mature skin begin to make themselves visible. It’s one of the great beauties of living—they are badges of life. Nevertheless, just like oily skin benefits from a little salicylic acid, or dry skin enjoys extra ceramides, mature skin has its own needs and treatments.In other words, some sunscreens are better than others for mature skin. Here is a bit of information about that, including the needs of mature skin and the best sunscreen for aging skin. What is mature skin?Every skin type ages, and every face is maturer than it was a minute earlier. Usually, skin is considered mature when the signs of aging become more visible. Dermatologists agree this usually begins in a person’s 40s, though it can also begin in one’s late 30s, as their skin’s rate of cell turnover declines.As time naturally wears on, skin naturally wears down. Collagen and elastin fibers in the matrix of the skin become less densely crowded, causing wrinkles and a loss of firmness. This kind of aging is sometimes called intrinsic aging, and it's accompanied by extrinsic aging, which is caused by external factors like pollutants or sun damage. The easiest way to check if you have mature skin is to consider your chronological age, and it’s never a bad idea to visit your dermatologist to talk about how your skin is actually aging. Then you can figure out what specific needs it may have. What are the needs of mature skin?The basic needs of mature skin are the same as any skin type. But as skin ages, a few become more pressing than others.Sun protection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, overexposure to light is a top cause of skin aging. This is sometimes caused by HEV, or blue light from devices like smartphones, but ultraviolet light from the sun causes an estimated 90% of visual aging. UV radiation can damage the DNA within our cells, and while our bodies can repair some of that damage, it can’t repair it all. The onus is on us to exercise proper sun protection.Moisture and hydration. Dryness is particularly common among older adults, according to an article in Aging Well. That’s because as we age, and particularly as we go through menopause, we gradually lose important built-in moisturizers like hyaluronic acid that bind water to the skin, and other systems, like our sebaceous glands, begin to produce less sebum over time. Even those for whom dryness was never a skin issue may start to see their skin drying out more easily as they age—in the winter, or after a hot bath.Tone and texture. Other calling cards of aging skin include changes in tone—due to hyperpigmentation, or increased redness—and texture—due to dryness or fine lines. Topical ingredients like retinol and niacinamide can help manage these changes, depending on what you’re hoping to treat. Some sunscreens are made with ingredients that provide benefits to the look and feel of your skin. And speaking of those… Does mature skin need sunscreen?It’s a fact as true as the sun rising in the East: Yes, mature skin needs sunscreen. Regardless of your skin type, everybody should wear sunscreen.Ultraviolet damage from sun overexposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology. Skin cancer is not the only risk of sun overexposure, but it might be the most urgent one.Adding to that urgency is the fact that most cases of skin cancer are found in people older than 65, according to 2018 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You could say that mature skin needs sun protection the most of all skin types, though it might be a moot point: No matter your skin type, sun protection is necessary.Most dermatologists will agree that you should get your skin checked by a professional every three years. The American Academy of Dermatology also advises asking your doctor how you can perform a skin check on your own. Vigilance pays off. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates a 94% five year survival rate for melanomas that are caught, and a 99% rate for melanomas that are caught early. What is the best sunscreen for mature skin?Tatcha makes two broad-spectrum SPF formulas, and each one is boosted with skincare ingredients that will benefit any skin type, including mature skin. The Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen is a weightless sunscreen with SPF 35 coverage that blends effortlessly and invisibly for matte skin and refined pores. It’s also fortified with antioxidants, which skin cells need to protect themselves from oxidative stress caused by pollution. Then there’s the super hydrating Silk Sunscreen, which blends niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and SPF 50 into a sheer veil of protection. What are some other ways to protect mature skin from the sun? A good sunscreen should be a part of your aging skin routine, but it shouldn’t be the only part of your aging skin routine. Here are some other ways to ensure your skin is protected from sun overexposure.Protective clothing and accessories. Gloves of all lengths, hats of all brims, and now clothing of all shapes and sizes—there are entire wardrobes made with UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, fabrics. (And accessories, too!) In countries like Japan, where sun protection is tantamount to the idea of beauty itself, women continue to use parasols to physically shield themselves from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends UPF fabric as the simplest form of sun protection. (For one thing, unlike sunscreen, it doesn’t require regular reapplication.)Choose your exposure. If you can stay inside between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, you might want to: That’s when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Additionally, pay attention to your area’s UV index. In the United States, the National Weather Service’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts the potential for UV damage to humans with a calculation known as the UV index and publishes those forecasts every day. You can find today’s here.At-home skincare. While we do our best to avoid sun damage, it happens to all of us—we live under the sun, after all. Consider incorporating soothing skincare into your routine by looking at ingredients that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits, like chamomile, aloe vera, or indigo. A treatment like the Indigo Overnight Repair not only helps skin retain precious water, but also calms visible irritation. And just as it’s important to apply sunscreen, it’s important to take it off—along with makeup, and whatever else your skin has accumulated throughout the day. A gentle all-in-one cleanser like the Indigo Cleansing Balm starts your routine off on a clean, soothed slate. Stay in the shade. Here’s a skincare tip that will cost you nothing: Sticking to the shade whenever you can. Be it beneath an umbrella on the beach or the tree-lined side of the street. Your skin will thank you in the long run.

Sunscreen is a necessity, but finding an option that is right for oily complexions is a difficult task. We uncover the best ingredients and products that are best for oily and acne-prone skin. The benefits of daily sunscreen usage are indisputable. It protects not only from premature aging (like from hyperpigmentation to wrinkles) but also—and most importantly—protects against skin cancer. But discovering the best sunscreen for oily skin can be a difficult task. Not only because SPF’s reputation is that it's oil-enhancing, but also because certain formulas contain pore-clogging ingredients. But not all sunscreens are created the same, there are many SPFs formulated with oily skin in mind. Keep reading for the best ingredients, tips, and sunscreens for oily (and acne-prone) skin.What to Look For In a Sunscreen For Oily SkinBroad SpectrumThe absolute most important classification your SPF needs is the phrase broad spectrum. According to the FDA, the term broad-spectrum sunscreen means a product that can protect from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. For a sunscreen to receive the broad-spectrum label means it is FDA-tested and -approved. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends only using broad-spectrum sunscreen, as it protects skin more thoroughly, from both UVA (which ages skin) and UVB (the rays responsible for burning) rays.SPF 30+SPF, which means sun protection factor, identifies how well sunscreen can protect from a sunburn. The AAD recommends a sunscreen have an SPF of 30 or higher.Zinc OxideA common active ingredient in sunscreens, zinc oxide is ideal for oily skin. It’s both antimicrobial and non-comedogenic, which makes it wonderful for acne-prone and oily skin, but also sensitive skin, too, helping to soothe irritation. Zinc oxide is an ingredient used in mineral (and mineral/chemical) formulas, which work by creating a physical barrier on the surface, preventing the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin.TextureLook for a sunscreen that promotes its lightweight texture or mattifying capabilities, both of which are wonderful for giving skin a blurred look and matte finish.Non-ComedogenicEnsure that your SPF proudly states it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. This is necessary for oily and acne-prone skin because it will help reduce the chance of the sunscreen causing blemishes and excessive oiliness.Best Sunscreen For Oily SkinThere are a bounty of SPF options, but only a few that are the best sunscreens for oily skin. At Tatcha, we have perfected two formulas that are broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic, and include zinc oxide—making them perfect for oily skin. Here are their benefits and helpful ingredients. The Silk Sunscreen Looking for a silky, lightweight, invisible sunscreen with 50+ mineral coverage? This formula protects with 10 percent zinc oxide for a mineral, reef-safe filter. Not only does the Silk Sunscreen feel impossibly light (ideal for oily skin), but the formula also soothes skin—ideal for all skin, but especially those with sensitivity. Silken Pore Perfecting SPF 35 Sunscreen If you prefer a creamy sunscreen with both mineral and chemical protection, try this bestselling option. The non-comedogenic and non-irritating formula features skin-loving ingredients that not only protect the skin, but also help improve the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and calm irritation—making it one of the best sunscreens for oily and acne-prone skin. The Silken Pore Perfecting SPF also features our beloved silk extract for a silky feel, allowing the sunscreen to apply flawlessly.

While starting a new skincare regimen can be intimidating, the beauty of a Japanese skincare routine is not only its effectiveness but also its simplicity. Read on to learn the basics (and benefits) of a Japanese ritual. Many daily routines in Japan are enveloped in mindfulness, elevating an everyday action into something performed with precision, care, and the ultimate desire to treasure the moment and oneself. And classical Japanese skincare routines are evidence of that mindful belief, steeped in meditative moments attending to your skin and yourself, every single day. Beyond the fresh perspective, what makes a Japanese skincare routine so beneficial is its simplicity (and effectiveness). Keep reading to discover the benefits of a Japanese routine for your skin and how to recreate one for yourself using the best Japanese skincare products available today. What is a Japanese Skincare Routine? The beauty of a classical Japanese skincare routine, one suitable for women of every age, lies in its clarity, accomplished in just four simple steps: purify, polish, plump, and nourish. Less is more in this routine, with an emphasis on consistency, efficacy, ingredients, and thoughtful application, essentially making your skincare routine a mindfulness practice. The Japanese skincare routine isn’t about overnight transformations or aggressive treatments, but rather putting the ‘care’ back into skincare, which can be accomplished with just these four steps, twice a day. The Japanese Skincare Routine: Purify, Polish, Plump, and Nourish Purify While cleansers may be an afterthought in Western culture, cleansing is seen as key to healthy skin in Japan. This vital step is not just rushing through the purification process, but actually taking the time to choose the right facial cleanser and carefully and thoroughly cleanse for healthier 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. Polish While exfoliation may seem like a modern technique, the geisha skincare routine has been using komenuka, also known as Japanese rice bran, to polish the skin for centuries. This is a crucial step in the Japanese skincare routine because it removes dead skin cells and impurities, while also helping the rest of your products achieve their maximum potential. Rice powders have stood the test of time because they can be used every day without stripping, irritating, or pulling at the skin. Plump A classic Japanese skincare ritual has long featured these essences, or “beauty waters”, prized for their ability to soften and brighten the complexion. While they might seem like an unnecessary step in the Japanese skincare routine, the potent liquid can resurface, soften, plump, and boost the effects of skincare in a single application. A water-light essence floods skin with hydration and amplifies the performance of any treatment by channeling it into the skin. Nourish Nourishment through your chosen moisturizer or hydrating face cream is always beneficial to your complexion, whether your skin tends to be more dry or oily. After plumping skin with an essence, apply a moisturizer to form a protective barrier over your skin. Follow our founder Vicky Tsai’s lead: “When I nourish my skin in the morning and at night, I close my eyes and massage my face. It’s a treasured moment of self-care that I never rush through.” The Japanese Skincare Routine: How to Purify, Polish, Plump, and Nourish At Tatcha, we aim to bridge the gap between timeless beliefs and modern ingredients. And that combination is abundantly present in our straightforward Japanese skincare routine. Here’s how to take inspiration from these classic Japanese rituals and implement them into your routine at home. How to Purify In Japan, it’s customary to cleanse the face twice a day. However, if just using a cleansing oil, you can skip this step in the morning (since a cleansing oil’s primary function is to remove makeup and sunscreen), if you’d like. While purifying skin, 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. Try: Inspired by geishas, who cleanse away their makeup with camellia oil, Tatcha created The Camellia Cleansing Oil, which simply features camellia oil and our proprietary Hadasei-3. Camellia oil is particularly beneficial for skin, as it’s rich in oleic acid and vitamins A, B, D, and E—making it incredibly nourishing and healing when massaged into the skin. If sensitivity is top of mind, consider cleansing with our newest innovation instead: The Indigo Cleansing Balm. This skin-strengthening formula instantly calms redness and irritation, while also supporting and transforming the barrier—but it still effectively cleanses, removing even waterproof makeup. Unlike harsh cleansers though, the Indigo Cleansing Balm also soothes and replenishes moisture—strengthening the skin barrier so it can prevent future damage for smooth, plump, and radiant-looking skin. In clinical studies, 100 percent of participants demonstrated an improvement in barrier function after just one week of use.* How to Polish Exfoliating or polishing should be the first step of your ritual in the morning (if you choose not to cleanse) and the second step, after purifying skin, in the evening. To polish, wet your palms and splash a handful of warm water onto your face. Pour approximately half a teaspoon of powder into one hand and gently rub your palms together to create a creamy, luxuriant foam. Massage gently with your fingertips onto your face in circular motions for 10 to 20 seconds, avoiding your eyes. Rinse well and pat your skin dry with a soft face cloth. Tsai suggests thinking of the meditative mantra, “begin again” as you gently massage the creamy rice bran foam into the skin. If you purify with oil and polish with an enzyme powder, you’re already utilizing a two-step protocol favored by geishas centuries ago and now throughout modern Japan. The Kyoto Cleanse—also known as the Double Cleanse—is the method that not only removes surface debris, sunscreen, and makeup, but also unclogs pores and preps skin for hydration. Try: Inspired by geishas and the Kyoto Cleanse, Tatcha created The Rice Polish, a simple, yet game-changing exfoliant. Finely ground rice bran and papaya enzymes promote natural skin turnover, while the amino acid-base formula provides effective cleansing without stripping skin of essential moisture or breaking the skin’s barrier function. To bring the powder to life, simply add a few drops of water and watch as it transforms into a creamy, cloud-like foam. For an additional level of customization, consider the other Rice Polish formulas, from Calming to Gentle to Deep, which allow you to select the option best for you. How to Plump To achieve the benefits an essence promises, utilize the liquid twice a day—but the order or usage is important. Pat the essence into the skin after polishing and before serums, moisturizers, or oils. The most important job of the essence and its primary function is to make the skin ready for whatever treatment that follows. To utilize, pour a palmful of essence into your hand, press palms together, and then gently press it into the skin. Try: The Essence, an uncomplicated, yet transformative, formula that 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.*** How to Nourish Nourishment is always beneficial to your complexion, no matter your skin type. After plumping skin with an essence, apply moisturizer to form a protective barrier for your skin. Moisturize like Tsai does, taking a moment to close your eyes and massage the nourishing hydration into the skin, mindfully treasuring the moment of self-care. 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, which balances the skin, decongest pores, and minimizes excess oil production. For dry skin, try The Dewy Skin Cream, which plumps, hydrates, and strengthens the skin. For a more rich cream, grab the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream for an intensely hydrating and nourishing treatment. Sensitive skin? Slather on the innovative Indigo Overnight Repair Serum, 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. This rich, fragrance-free moisturizer delivers therapeutic soothing relief from redness and itchiness with long-lasting hydration. 100 percent of panelists in a clinical study**** saw an improvement in softness and suppleness immediately, an improvement in the appearance of the skin barrier after one week, and an improvement in visible redness and evenness of skin tone after two weeks.***** The Japanese Skincare Routine: Enhancements You can tailor the basic ritual with enhancements based on your skin’s needs, which can change from time to time. Here are a few additional enhancements to consider, based on your skin’s needs. Dullness/Dark Spots: Brighten skin and add radiance with a vitamin C serum, like the Violet-C Brightening Serum. Excessive Oil: Blotting papers are a simple way to instantly lift away excess oil gently without stealing moisture from the skin. Fine Lines: Smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles with a retinol-like serum. Consider The Silk Serum, which visibly firms and smooths skin. Dehydration: Plump and seal in moisture with The Dewy Serum, a radiance- and hydration-enhancing booster. Irritation: Visibly calm redness and irritation as you sleep with the Indigo Overnight Repair, a powerful serum-in-a-cream treatment. Protect Skin: No matter your skin type or needs, use sunscreen every single day. Try the Silken Sunscreen SPF 35 for a matte finish or The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 for a sheer, moisturizing finish. Japanese Skincare Routine Steps for Day And Night We’ve discovered the beauty of a Japanese skincare routine and how to implement the basics into your daily routine, but when do you use which products during your morning and night ritual? Allow us to break down the Japanese skincare steps into a quick, helpful guide. Japanese Skincare Routine: Steps for the Morning Your morning routine is a beautiful time to set your intentions for the day. It’s also the perfect moment to prep, hydrate, and protect skin for the day ahead. Follow these Japanese skincare routine steps for glowing, youthful-looking skin in minutes. The Japanese skincare routine for the morning: Purify or Polish Plump Nourish Protect Step One: Purify (or Polish) For those with sensitive or dry skin, a splash of water may be just what the skin needs. However, almost everyone can benefit from a refreshing morning cleanse to wash off the sweat, skincare, and sleep from the night before. For sensitive (or sensitized) skin, try the The Indigo Cleansing Balm, a miraculous cleanser that actually strengthens skin while cleansing. Individuals with oily or acne prone skin will adore The Matcha Cleanse, a multipurpose gel cleanser that decongests pores and controls oil for smooth, primed skin. You can’t go wrong with The Rice Wash, a creamy cleanser that softly washes away impurities—ideal for all skin types, especially dry and combination skin. On the other hand, some prefer to start the day with a brightening face polish, which can instantly impart a radiant glow and smoother skin. As mentioned before, the beauty of Tatcha’s Rice Polishes is the customization to your specific skin type (or how skin feels that day) via the classic Rice Polish, Calming, Gentle, or Deep options. Step Two: Plump Perhaps your skin is rather predictable or the opposite is true and yesterday’s dryness is today’s combination or oily skin—either way, assess how skin is feeling after using your Essence. Massage in your moisturizer of choice (whether that be the gel-cream moisturizer Silk Cream, the balancing Water Cream, the plumping Dewy Skin Cream, the intensely hydrating Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream, or therapeutically soothing Indigo Calming Cream. Step Four: Protect No matter the weather outside—even rainy, snowy, or cloudy—daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. UVA and UVB rays are reaching your skin even if it’s not bright and sunny, so be prepared to protect skin with a broad spectrum, 30+ protection sunscreen. The Silken Sunscreen SPF 35 provides a matte finish and combination and oily skin will especially love it, while The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 is a lightweight sheer finish with a hydrating feel, ideal for dry, sensitive, and combination skin. Japanese Skincare Routine: Steps for the Evening One of life’s simplest pleasures is decompressing after a long day. Start the evening’s journey of rest by properly nourishing your skin with this evening Japanese skincare regimen. The Japanese skincare routine for the evening: Purify Polish Plump Nourish Step One: Purify Arguably the most important thing you can do for your skin has nothing to do with what you apply on it, but rather what you take off—meaning how well you cleanse your skin at the end of the day. There is no greater method of purifying your skin than the double cleanse (aka the Kyoto Cleanse), as discussed above. The first step is using a cleansing oil, like The Camellia Cleansing Oil, and then following up with a cleanser or foaming Rice Polish for a purification process that removes every speck of debris, sunscreen, and makeup. Step Two: PolishDid you use an exfoliant as part of your double cleanse? You’ve combined the purify and polish process into a streamlined process and are ready for the next step in the traditional Japanese skincare routine: plumping the face. However, if you used a face wash after the cleansing oil, you might enjoy using a face polish for a brighter, smoother face almost immediately. We should note that if you prefer utilizing your face polish in the a.m., not all skin types need twice-a-day exfoliation. Safely test out different regimes to discover your ideal Japanese skincare routine—and ensure you aren’t over exfoliating along the way, too. Step Three: Plump Flood the skin with the nourishing Essence to hydrate and prepare the skin for the next steps in your evening Japanese skincare regimen. Evening is a beautiful time for the skin to repair itself while you sleep, so take advantage of this natural process by using a serum to target your skin desires, whether that be brightening, addressing fine lines, or a healthy dose of moisture. Step Four: Nourish A moisturizer is vital in helping support healthy skin. This is true no matter the time of day, but especially important come evening when it aids in the skin’s repair process while you sleep. Slather on your ideal moisturizer (which can change daily, depending on how skin feels or the weather outside) and allow the skin to soak up the nourishment. You can also take things to the next level by massaging in an overnight treatment, like the revolutionary Indigo Overnight Repair Serum, which visibly calms irritation, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and balances the microbiome overnight. Or if you simply seek added hydration (especially helpful come chilly winter nights), try massaging a few drops of face oil, like the famed Gold Camellia Beauty Oil, atop your evening moisturizer to lock in hydration all night long. No matter what Japanese skincare routine is ideal for you, we encourage you to bring the added elements of the treasured routine into your daily life as well, including mindfulness and intentional care. At Tatcha we aim to bring the ‘care’ back into ‘skincare’ and try to accomplish that emotionally and physically every time we touch and care for our skin. *Based on bio-instrumentation (TEWL) clinical study on 40 panelists. **Based on an instrumentation study conducted on 30 panelists in 2022. ***Based on an expert-grading study on 30 panelists in October 2021. ****Based on an expert grading clinical study on 30 panelists. *****Based on bio-instrumentation (novameter) clinical study on 30 panelists.

Oil cleansers are one of the most effective ways to cleanse skin. But not all oil cleansers are created equal. Here is everything you need to know about the best oil cleansers for your skin. The idea of massaging a palmful of cleansing oil into skin might not sound logical as a cleansing method—especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. But oil cleansers are one of the most effective, gentle, and thorough formulas to melt away sunscreen, makeup, and sebum. Keep reading for everything you need to know about cleansing oils, how to use them correctly, and the best oil cleanser for your skin type.What Is An Oil Cleanser?An oil cleanser is an oil-based face wash that works by dissolving other oils, including sebum, makeup, and excessive oil, while softening skin at the same time. A cleansing oil is different from a face oil though, as a cleansing oil has a surfactant and/or an emulsifier in the formula too, allowing the cleanser to bind to oil and dirt and then be easily rinsed away with water—while a face oil is designed to soften and shield the skin, not dissolve and wash away.How do these cleansing oils work so well? As you might recall in chemistry class, oil dissolves oil. This means an oil cleanser is the most ideal method for removing dirt, SPF, etc. without stripping or disturbing the skin barrier. In fact, cleansing oils have been scientifically proven to more thoroughly remove waterproof sunscreen while also causing less skin irritation and dryness compared to traditional cleansers.Who Should Use An Oil Cleanser?An oil cleanser is quite literally ideal for all skin types. Is an oil cleanser best for acne-prone skin? Absolutely. Oily skin? It’s particularly wonderful for oily skin. What about dry skin or sensitivity? It’s practically made for those skin types. The reason an oil cleanser is perfect for all skin types is because of its effectiveness. A cleansing oil breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and sebum without disturbing the skin’s surface, and then it just rinses away without leaving an oily residue. It’s one of the most useful methods for cleansing skin, while also being non-irritating and not disruptive to the skin barrier.Ingredients to ConsiderWhile cleansing oils are wonderful, not all cleansing products are created equal. Some oils are naturally more occlusive, meaning they’re likely to leave a film behind. Oils like olive or coconut can be more difficult to remove from the skin, so research and test before purchasing.Oils that are naturally more beneficial to skin include jojoba, rosehip, argan, and camellia. Consider finding cleansing oils that include one of these ingredients.How to Use An Oil CleanserAn oil cleanser is your first step in any evening skincare ritual, here’s the method we at Tatcha enjoy using. Begin with dry (clean!) hands and a dry face. Apply one to two pumps into the palm of your hand and then massage the oil into skin in circular motions. You can then wet hands and continue to massage, allowing the oil to emulsify into a milk to further melt away makeup and impurities. Then simply rinse the cleanser off. You can use a cleansing oil alone or pair it with its bff, a water-soluble cleanser (aka cream, foaming, or exfoliating cleanser). You’ve likely heard of a double cleanse, a ritual that begins with a cleansing oil and is followed directly by a cleanser or exfoliant to more deeply cleanse skin (ideal after a long day of wearing SPF and makeup).The History of Oil Cleansers Japan’s geisha have long prized oil cleansers, usually in the format of camellia oil (also known as Tsubaki in Japan). Utilizing the cleansing oil’s benefits in hair and skincare rituals, the performers massaged the oil onto the face to melt away thick stage makeup and keep the skin soft, too. Today cleansing oils are still an everyday treasure in Japanese skincare, seen as a way to gently and mindfully cleanse the skin.The Best Oil Cleanser At Tatcha, we’re always working tirelessly to innovate. But one of our most prized products is still one of our earliest creations: The Camellia Cleansing Oil. What makes it so extraordinary is the inclusion of Japanese camellia oil or Tsubaki. This featherlight botanical oil has been prized in Asia for centuries for its deeply moisturizing and antioxidant properties, helping to nourish from the inside out.If that wasn’t enough, the cleansing oil also includes Tatcha’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex to help nourish skin. The antioxidant-rich trio of superfoods (rice, green tea, and algae) work to hydrate, resurface, and plump while the cleanser melts away impurities, sunscreen, and waterproof makeup.The Camellia Cleansing Oil thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, leaving skin feeling balanced and nourished. It’s ideal for all skin types, including dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin.

Vitamin C is one of the most effective skincare ingredients—but there are so many options to choose from. Keep reading, as we simplify the search for the best vitamin C products to add to your skincare routine. Few skincare ingredients have been as scientifically studied as vitamin C. After decades of clinical testing, it’s been proven that vitamin C does a lot for your skin. It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, positively impact the texture and tone of skin, and even increase skin’s collagen production. The antioxidant is also known for its ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots, notes one clinical trial, as well as minimize the look of acne marks, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Not only that, but vitamin C has shown promising results in reducing acne, thanks to the antioxidant’s natural anti-inflammatory properties.But not all vitamin C products are created equal. The ingredient degrades quickly, making it incredibly challenging to stabilize. It also easily oxidizes in sunlight or when exposed to air, which is why it’s difficult to formulate and package. Plus, other ingredients can destabilize it when used in the same formula if they’re not carefully paired. This is why it can take a tremendous amount of time and care to perfect a vitamin C formula.Best Vitamin C ProductsAfter understanding how vital, yet unstable, vitamin C is, it’s easy to see why purchasing an effective and carefully formulated product is important. At Tatcha, we craft and perfect our formulas at The Tatcha Institute in Tokyo, utilizing a mix of modern wisdom and timeless ingredients. They’re designed to work with the skin, not against it, which is particularly important with vitamin C. We believe we have engineered the best vitamin C skincare products: the bestselling Violet-C Brightening Serum and the innovative Violet-C Radiance Mask.Violet-C Brightening Serum The Violet-C Brightening Serum is designed for effectiveness, yet sensitivity—intended to be used daily to reveal a brighter and more translucent, healthy-looking glow. The game-changing formula contains not just one, but two forms of vitamin C for radiant, more even-toned skin. With consistent usage, the kind-to-skin formula can help shield the skin from further damage from free radicals and improve the appearance of discoloration and fine lines.And if that wasn’t helpful enough, the serum is boosted with the addition of mild fruit alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to resurface dullness and uneven skin, plus Japanese beautyberry, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, to stabilize the vitamin C. The formula also includes Japanese angelica root, prized in herbal medicine for centuries, to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, discoloration, and post-acne scars.Another fantastic reason to invest in the Violet-C Brightening Serum is the thoughtful air-tight and protective packaging, which helps to maintain the formula’s potency until the last drop. Use this serum, one of the best vitamin C products for the face, in your nighttime ritual (before your moisturizer) to help when the skin is naturally in repair mode to reap the most benefits while you sleep. (Talk about beauty sleep!)Violet-C Radiance Mask Working hand-in-hand with the Violet-C Brightening Serum, the Violet-C Radiance Mask gives skin an extra boost of brightness. The creamy, hydrating treatment targets signs of premature aging and helps to improve skin texture, brighten skin tone, and unveil a soft, dewy glow. In addition to the same brightening and resurfacing benefits as our Violet-C Brightening Serum, the mask contains Hadasei-3, our proprietary complex of double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae to help leave skin feeling plump and supple.Apply two to three times a week, leaving the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off to reveal remarkably softer, smoother, and brighter skin. While some vitamin C products aim to brighten with harsh ingredients, Tatcha’s offerings work effectively and nourish the skin. We believe in caring for your skin first and foremost, as well as helping you to reveal brighter and more radiant-looking skin. Deciding to introduce a new treatment into your skincare ritual is a major step, so dive into the most interesting facts about vitamin C here and how to successfully adopt the product into your ritual.

It might be the most important category of anybody’s skincare routine. But the terminology used to describe sun protection is not always so straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about natural sunscreens. By this point in your skincare education, you probably already know well the importance of using sunscreen daily, and reapplying consistently. (If not, here’s a little bit of rapid edification: Direct exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause accelerated skin aging at best, and other complications at worst. Take the advice of doctors, beauty editors, and us: Use it!)Sunscreen is, doctors agree, medically paramount for humans. It’s kind of like a preventative medicine for your skin. But in order to work best, sunscreen has to be made a habit. That’s what makes choosing your sunscreen the most important first step—it has to be something that is easy, even enjoyable to use. Otherwise it may feel, well, like taking medicine. The best sunscreen for you is the one you use every day.If a sunscreen is for sale in the United States, that means it's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for daily sun protection. In other words, it's been well-vetted for safety and efficacy. Other than that important shared characteristic, sunscreen formulas can vary considerably. Some are white and loaded with zinc, while others mimic the flesh tones of makeup products. There are thin, jelly sunscreens and thick, creamy sunscreens. Many also include ancillary benefits, like protection from pollutants, according to what ingredients they use.If you’re someone who is ingredient-conscious, you may be inclined toward formulas that stick to organic (rather than synthetic) ingredients, which brings us to the category of “natural sunscreens.” What does natural mean when it comes to sun protection? How do natural SPFs compare to synthetic SPFs? And what is the best natural sunscreen? Some cooling answers for your burning questions:What is “natural sunscreen”?The term “natural” is wholly unregulated in the cosmetics industry, and indeed most sunscreens are made from organic materials like aloe vera or naturally-occuring substances like hyaluronic acid. When you hear the term “natural sunscreen,” it probably relates to a physical sunscreen.Physical sunscreens make use of finely milled minerals—hence the name. This layer is sometimes visible on the skin, which is why you see frequent beachgoers like lifeguards or surfers with what looks like a white makeup applied to their cheeks and noses. Instead of reaching the skin, UV rays are reflected away. (This is also why you may be familiar with the term sunblock, which is often used as a synonym for sunscreen. But in 2011, the FDA banned sunscreen companies from using the term, as no sunscreen truly blocks UV light.)Then there are chemical sunscreens, whose active ingredients have names like octinoxate or avobenzone. These filters absorb and neutralize UV rays. As the journalist-turned-skincare entrepreneur Paula Begoun has pointed out, the term “chemical sunscreen” is a misnomer because all cosmetic formulas are chemicals. (All sunscreens are made of chemicals. So is water.) All you need to know is that chemical sunscreens describe formulas with synthetic sun protection filters.Though physical and chemical sunscreens feel and work differently, the end result is the same: Both are widely used and relied upon sun protectors. One does not perform better than the other. Rather, each has qualities that will appeal to different people. The synthetic filters popular in Japanese sunscreen formulas, for one example, are praised for their weightless feel on skin. But those who for whatever reason prefer natural ingredients to synthetic ones should be aware: The only natural active ingredients approved for sun protection are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; both are found in nearly every physical sunscreen formula. Is a “natural” sunscreen the same as an “organic” sunscreen? No. In fact, it’s kind of the opposite. Organic materials, which are derived from living matter, are widely used in cosmetic formulations. It shouldn’t take you a long time to think of a favorite moisturizer or cleanser that boasts plant-powered benefits from this flower or that extract. In chemistry, organic compounds are defined as containing carbon. Even though synthetic filters are made in a lab, what we know of as chemical sunscreens are also called organic sunscreens. Their organic quality is what makes them possible to cook up in the first place.On the other hand, zinc and titanium dioxides don’t contain carbon. So physical sunscreens are also known as inorganic sunscreens. These inorganic sunscreens are technically natural sunscreens, but don’t let the terminology fool you. Every sunscreen formula is as man-made as every other sunscreen formula, but their ingredient sources can, and frequently do, vary to a significant extent. Is natural sunscreen safe to use? Yes, of course. Sunscreen is perhaps the most highly-regulated skincare product anywhere it's sold. If a retailer stocks an SPF on its shelves, you can be assured that it has gone through rigorous efficacy and safety tests to get there.Natural sunscreens in particular have a long history of use—there is evidence of women in India applying zinc to their skin as early as 500 BC. Synthetic filters used in chemical sunscreens are, by contrast, much younger, having been invented in the past century or so. There is less data to show their safety, as well as concern from some consumers that these filters absorb into the skin and bloodstream in a way that physical sunblocks do not. The New York Times surveyed experts and dermatologists on the topic, who assured readers that sunscreens were safe by and large, pointing out that any risks of sunscreen chemicals found in the body are dwarfed by the medical necessity of wearing one. There is also simply not a lot of evidence that chemical filters remain in the body, let alone if they cause harm there.But to those whose concerns persist, the Times recommended natural sunscreens with zinc and titanium dioxide, which have yet not been known to penetrate farther than skin deep. What is the best natural sunscreen? It’s been established, but it’s also worth repeating: The most effective sunscreen is the one you are likeliest to wear over and over and over again. A recent report in Wired enumerated just how bad people are at applying sunscreen. On average, we wear it half as much as we should, and we tend to rub it in too well, which can decrease the SPF by as much as a fifth. If it doesn’t feel or look good on you, give it to somebody who might need it, or save it for a beach day, and get thee to a sunscreen you’ll want to apply. There’s a reason chemical sunscreens exist even though we’ve used physical sunscreens for so long, and that is because zinc and titanium dioxide don’t always feel great on the skin. Some feel greasy or too slick—others show up with a white cast. (Just think of the lifeguards.) All of this was considered when Tatcha formulated The Silk Sunscreen, which achieves the weightless elegance of Japanese suncare with mineral protection. In addition to 10% zinc oxide, the Silk Sunscreen is made with skin-soothing niacinamide and skin-smoothing silk extract, and blends seamlessly into skin with a universal perfecting tint. On the face, shoulders, wherever the sun touches, it’s a sunscreen you’ll want to wear. And you should, every day. That’s another piece of advice worth repeating—and reapplying.