Six years ago, I fell down the rabbit hole of Japanese skincare. I’m still there, and honestly, I’m not climbing out.
Japanese women have cracked something we’ve been searching for in the West: the idea that skincare isn’t about quick fixes or fighting ageing, it’s about respecting your skin barrier and giving yourself a moment of ritual. Every single step feels intentional.
I’ve tested this routine on myself, refined it, ditched what didn’t work, and kept what genuinely does. Here’s my complete breakdown.
Why the Japanese Skincare Routine Works
The Japanese approach is all about layering lightweight, hydrating products rather than relying on a single heavy cream to do everything. It’s more steps than your average UK routine, but each one has a job. And honestly? The ritual itself is worth it. That pause, that care, that time invested in yourself. It matters.
The people of Japan got it right: skincare isn’t about fighting ageing, it’s about respecting your skin barrier and giving yourself a moment of ritual. Every single step feels intentional.
-Claire
Evening Skincare Routine
All products linked and available to buy in the UK at the time of writing. Click on the product name to see the product.
Oil Cleanse DHC Cleansing Oil is still the gold standard. It’s olive oil-based, removes every scrap of makeup, and massaging it in feels like actual self-care, not a chore. If you prefer something different, the Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil is worth the splurge.
Cream Cleanse Senka Perfect Whip (Shiseido’s affordable line) is a classic for good reason. Foamy, gentle, never strips. If you want to upgrade, Shiseido’s Benefiance Cleansing Foam is equally lovely.
Gentle Exfoliation Enzyme powders are huge in Japan. The Kanebo Suisai Beauty Black Powder Wash is excellent for twice-weekly exfoliation without aggravating a sensitive barrier. I still love a good chemical exfoliant, but enzymes feel lighter.
Lotion/Skin Conditioner Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Lotion is genuinely my hero product. Hyaluronic acid, light as air, hydrating on a cellular level. It uses a blend of hyaluronic acids at different molecular weights, so you get both surface hydration and deeper penetration – read about the theory here. I’d use this morning and night. If you’re in the UK, the Hada Labo Tokyo version is equally excellent.
Essence This is where Shiseido Ultimune comes in. I’ve used this for years and it’s non-negotiable in my routine now. It strengthens your skin barrier, feels luxurious, and genuinely works. Apply after your lotion, let it set, then move on. Your skin notices the difference immediately.
Serum Melano CC Age Spot Beauty Essence is still a cult favourite for brightening and evening tone. Or go luxury with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (genuinely a duty-free purchase for me).
Eye Cream SANA Nameraka Wrinkle Eye Cream remains the best budget option. Retinol derivatives and soy milk make it effective without being heavy. I’d use this day and night.
Night Cream or Sleeping Pack Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist Night Cream or DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture. Both feel nourishing without being thick. Some nights I’ll use a sheet mask instead of cream—Lu Lu Lun masks are still a favourite.
Face Roller Still using rose quartz. It genuinely helps with puffiness and feels lovely cold from the fridge on a tired morning.
Daytime Skincare Routine
Cleanse with warm water and pat dry. Simple.
Lotion Cezanne High Moist Skin Conditioner is lightweight and hydrating. Perfect base for everything else.
Essence Sana Nameraka Essence Lotion or the Shiseido Ultimune again (I use it twice daily).
Serum Shiseido Ibuki Softening Concentrate is light but does the work. It hydrates and evens out texture beautifully.
Eye Cream Same SANA Nameraka Wrinkle Eye Cream product. Multi-tasking products are genius.
Day Cream Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Lotion. It’s basically a hydrating veil that sets everything and doesn’t feel heavy under sunscreen.
Sunscreen Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ is still my non-negotiable. Light doesn’t clog; it’s actually protective. Don’t skip this.
The Non-Negotiables (The Stuff They Don’t Tell You)
Japanese women don’t just do skincare. They also do this:
- Sleep at least seven hours a night. It shows on your skin, full stop.
- Drink proper water. Not wine, not coffee. Water.
- Manage stress (I know, easier said than done).
- Move your body most days.
- Eat foods that support skin health: fatty fish, green tea, walnuts, fermented foods.
- Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol.
Even if your skincare routine is brilliant, it can’t outwork a lifestyle that’s working against you.
Final Thoughts
Six years on, I’m still using these products. Some have been swapped, some are permanent fixtures. What hasn’t changed is the feeling that this routine gives me: that I’m investing time in myself, that my skin deserves this care, and that slowing down for ten minutes at night is not a luxury, it’s essential.
The people of Japan got that right.
