So I made a beauty boo-boo for the longest time. I mistook lotions in Japanese skincare regimes as moisturisers and slathered them on as the final step in my skincare regime. Opps! I’ve been doing it all wrong!
While Japanese lotions, sometimes referred to as toners, are usually made with highly moisturising ingredients, they play a different role from moisturisers. As the second step after cleansing (double cleansing is preferred by Japanese women with oil cleansers and foam cleansers), here are what lotions are meant to do:
- Prep the skin for the next few steps in a Japanese skincare routine
- Return skin to its’ regular pH levels
- Restore moisture to skin after it is stripped from skin due to the cleansing process.
It’s then followed by a essence or serum which is used to target particular skin concerns before skin is pampered and hydrated with emulsions or night sleeping masks, the equivalent of Western skincare’s “moisture” step.
Kohaku-Hada skincare is made of the first double amber blend of amber extract and amber powder
Now with a better idea of how to best use my Japanese skincare, I was surprised by up-and-coming Japanese brand, Kohaku Hada and their skincare range. They’ve got some innovative toners that transform the extensive skincare process into a convenient affair!
Kohaku Hada Lotion Toner <Very Moist Type> and Refreshing 2-in-1 Lotion
Different textures that still deliver rich moisture to skin
Kohaku Hada is paraben, alcohol, fragrance and colourant-free and is infused with the world’s first double amber blend. It contains both amber extract and amber powder known for its anti-ageing and healing properties which helps prevent premature ageing of skin.
The Kohaku Hada Lotion Toner <Very Moist Type> targeted dry to very dry skin types while the Refreshing 2-in-1 Lotion targeted normal to oily skin. That said, I found that I could incorporate both deeply hydrating products in my beauty regimen.
DAY TIME
Kohaku Hada Refreshing 2-in-1 Lotion
Lighter formula suitable for day time use
Singapore’s humid climate can sometimes make layering skincare products pretty uncomfortable. Multiple complementary layers of skincare are essential in Japanese skincare regimes and so for day time, I’d recommend using the Kohaku Hada Refreshing 2-in-1 Lotion after cleansing.
Surprise, surprise! It functions both as a toner and moisturiser living up to it’s name of being a 2-in-1 lotion. It contains ingredients like rice bran oil, rosemary oil, placenta extract, green tea leaf extract and botanical nano-ceramides to keep skin looking youthful and supple.
Boasting a runny watery consistency and absorbed by skin easily, it can be patted quickly onto skin and save time on applying another moisturiser.
NIGHT TIME
Kohaku Hada Lotion Toner
Heavier and richer, this is an intensely hydrating lotion toner
Kohaku Hada Lotion Toner <Very Moist Type> has a richer and more viscous gel-like texture compared to the Refreshing 2-in-1 Lotion. For fans of the brand who have already used the Kohaku Hada Facial Toner (Moist) and found it heavy, this has an even thicker consistency and does take awhile to get absorbed.
This formula is intensely hydrating and along with the double amber blend, the lotion also contains collagen, placenta, botanical ceramide, five types of botanical essences like honey, hybrid rose extract, Pueraria root extract, Chlorella Vulgaris extract and aloe leaf extract.
While I am no fan of how thick it is, I do admit that it is very effective in keeping my typically dehydrated skin smooth and moisturised. This is clearly my secret weapon which works wonders on my thirsty skin and I start getting a bit flakey. I prefer to use this for my night time regime when I won’t get so bothered by the stickiness.
Both the Kohaku Hada Refreshing 2-in-1 Lotion and Lotion Toner retails at $16.90 each for a 220ml bottle.
OVERNIGHT
Kohaku Hada Mask Cream
As a treat for my parched skin, I apply a thin layer of Kohaku Hada Mask Cream as a night cream or a thick layer overnight once or twice a week (depending on how much help my skin needs) as a sleeping mask.
The Kohaku Hada Mask Cream is enriched with honey and is naturally anti-bacterial and rich in anti-oxidants to fight skin ageing. In addition, it also is chock full of youth-preserving ingredients like collagen, placenta, botanical ceramic, and get this, a whopping seven types of botanical essences which include olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, macadamia nuts oil, rosa hybrid flower extract, Pueraria root extract,Chlorella Vulgaris extract and aloe leaf extract.
The Kohaku Hada Mask Cream retails at $22.90 for a 50ml tub.
The selection of Kohaku Hada products shared in this post is available in Singapore at SASA outlets and Beauty Carousel.
Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions shared are honest and my own based on my personal experience.
The post How to Use Kohaku Hada Products to Alleviate Dry Skin Conditions appeared first on CARRIE SIM.