Anti-aging from Japan: My journey to natural beauty

Author: Jenny Schadow, Co-Founder MAYUNO

It was shortly after my 40th birthday. I stood in front of the mirror and saw something I had never noticed before: Small lines around my eyes, a tired complexion and skin that just didn't look as fresh as it used to. It wasn't the age that bothered me - I love being the woman I am today. It was the feeling that my skin was no longer as vital as I was used to.

On that day, I embarked on a journey to find the most natural and effective skincare for my skin and to feel good again. It was this journey that led me to natural Japanese skincare.

Discovering the Japanese skincare routine

I've always had a soft spot for Japanese culture: Their mindfulness, their love of nature and the way everything has meaning. My experience with Japanese products is that they just work. Whether it's the often beautiful packaging that you can always open effortlessly or the gel from the pharmacy against insect bites that actually works immediately. Impressed by the care and thought that goes into every product, I tried out natural Japanese skincare. 

Like so many things in Japan, skincare is more than just a means to an end - it's a ritual. It's not just about applying something, but about consciously taking time for yourself and finding your own balance again. I treat myself to this routine in the morning and evening, starting with cleansing and ending with an anti-aging serum that moisturises my skin. A gentle massage with an anti-aging cream has become an integral part of my day. It doesn't feel like work - more like a conscious time-for-me moment.

More than just skin care

In Japanese culture and according to Confucian principles, careful skincare not only means being mindful of yourself, but is also an expression of appreciation for your own parents. So it's not just about creams and serums, but also about being mindful of others and giving yourself time and love. And so I began to practise the Japanese routine: Cleansing, Hydrating, Nourishing and Protecting. Every product, from the hydrating serum to the anti-aging cream, has its purpose and its place.  

What particularly fascinated me was how simple yet sophisticated Japanese skincare is. The minimalist routine, which often consists of just three to four steps, can be expanded as required using a modular system: For example, an anti-aging serum provides the skin with additional moisture and important nutrients. A special eye serum, on the other hand, supports the delicate skin around the eyes and combats dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.

How this routine changed my life

I can honestly say that I now look in the mirror with more joy. My skin feels fresher, plumper and healthier. The lines around my eyes haven't completely disappeared - and that's okay. They tell my story. What has changed is the radiance of my skin and the way I feel about myself.

The daily routine, sometimes supplemented with an anti-aging serum, an anti-aging cream or a hydrating serum, is now a fixed ritual that not only helps me take care of my skin, but also does something good for my mind.

FAQs - Everything you need to know

Which anti-aging cream is the best?

The best anti-aging cream is the one that suits your skin type. A light texture is ideal for combination skin, while more mature or dry skin will benefit from a richer cream. It is important that you use the cream regularly to optimally support your skin.

When should you start using anti-aging products?

Anti-aging doesn't just start when wrinkles become visible. From the age of 25, regular care with an anti-aging skin serum or an anti-aging cream can help to keep the skin radiant and elastic for longer.

Which anti-aging serum is the best?

A good anti-aging serum should be rich, moisturising and make the skin supple. Serums that are quickly absorbed and easy to integrate into your routine are particularly recommended.

What makes Japanese skincare so special?

Japanese skincare utilises the rich treasure trove of active ingredients from nature and stands for mindfulness and effectiveness. With minimalist, high-quality formulas and simultaneous multifunctionality, the skin is supported in regaining its natural balance. Instead of short-term effects, Japanese skincare is all about long-term skin health and a holistic approach. 

Getting started with Japanese skincare

Japanese Skincare

Perhaps you are standing in front of the mirror and wondering what you can do for your skin. My recommendation: Start with a simple routine

Start with a gentle facial cleanser. If you want to remove make-up, it's best to use an oil cleanser or even consider double cleansing - with an oil-based cleanser followed by a foam cleanser. As a second step, I definitely recommend using a toner. Also known as a facial toner, tonic or lotion in Japanese products, a toner rebalances the skin's pH value and moisturises the skin. Then apply a rich serum. In the final step, choose a moisturising cream or face milk tailored to your skin type as a finishing treatment. 

If your skin needs extra moisture, you can supplement your routine with a hydrating serum or a moisturising night mask. If you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, you can also use an anti-aging serum and an eye serum.

At MAYUNO, you'll find everything you need for your personal skincare routine. Treat yourself to this moment for yourself and celebrate the natural beauty of your skin.

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