Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion MOIST

This is the most popular product of its kind in Japan right now, and for good reason. I’ve been really into the Asian skincare for a few months now, and this “lotion” exceeds my expectations.  

Although labeled as a lotion, its actual function is that of a toner, to be used before your serums and moisturizer. It’s meant to prep the skin and allow the following products to absorb more easily, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my skin since using this for the past 4 months. My poor dehydrated face soaks this up like a sponge.

The texture is extremely watery and is applied easily to the skin. Apparently, you’re supposed to slap this product on to help absorb and penetrate, which has surprisingly become my favorite part of my skincare routine. I do notice the product absorb easier when I use the slapping technique, although in about the middle of the process, it gets a little sticky. This isn’t really a bad or unpleasant feeling though, and you can tell when it absorbs properly because the stickiness starts to diminish.

It feels like slippery water!

Something else to note is the science behind this lotion. Although lightweight, it has a patent-pending blend of hyaluronic acid called “Super Hyaluronic Acid.” According to the manufacturer, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., regular hyaluronic acid molecules are too big to pass through the top epidermal layer of the skin. This formula has 4 different sizes of hyaluronic acid, which delivers moisture deeper into the skin.

Oh, another thing I like about this lotion is the idea that you are to adjust the amount of product you use based on the needs of your skin. If you feel your skin doesn’t need so much moisture that day, you can use just a few drops. If you’re feeling especially dehydrated, use more.

This product is definitely a necessity and I can’t push it enough. It’s made a huge impact on my skin, and is one of three things I will always keep extra in stock. You can buy it on Amazon here, and it’s eligible for Prime shipping which gives you yet another reason to try this product ASAP.

My First Mistake: Foaming Cleansers and Why They’re Awful

OH GOD! STOP!

I’m sure you know the routine. Wash your face with soap, use a toner/ astringent, and moisturize. It’s a time-tested system, so it’s law. Foam cleansers (soap) remove makeup and dirt. They’re great for oily skin and help control breakouts, right? Well…

Foam Cleansers are bad. (What?!) It’s true. I’m sure you’re thinking, “But  almost every cleanser on the market is a foam! Can they really be so bad?!” Okay. I thought the same thing. My entire life I started my routine, morning and evening, with a nice, soapy bubble bath for my face. It’s only been recently, after reading countless articles, reviews, etc., that I’ve come to realize the true evils (dramatic interpretation) of the horrible death bubbles.

These soaps that describe themselves as a foam, foaming gel, or foaming cream, are detergents. They use surfactants similar to what your laundry soap or dish liquid uses. These surfactants, such as sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl suflate, dissolve the oils on your skin. While this might sound amazing and ideal, it’s actual really bad and may be the reason you’re breaking out.

I know that foaming cleansers are marketed especially towards those with oily or acne-prone skin. In reality, this is the worst type of person to give it to and here’s why:

When you use any of these types of cleansers, as I’ve said, you’re effectively striping the oils from your skin, which acts as a natural barrier to the elements. If you’ve ever had a pool, I’m sure you’re familiar with the pH strips you’re supposed to keep at a perfect level for optimum pool performance. Well, your skin has a proper pH level too. Foaming cleansers will alkalinize your skin. With an alkaline/ basic level, you’re essentially turning your face into a breeding ground for bacteria. The very same bacteria responsible for your acne. Scary. This should be reason enough to stay away from the Scrubbing Bubbles-esque foaming cleansers.

 What to use instead: cleansing balms, cleansing oils, or cleansing milks.

Presenting:
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cleansing Oil

These types of cleansers are oil based and extremely good for your skin. Oil dissolves oil and impurities without stripping the skin’s barrier and drying you out.  You might think it’s counterintuitive to use an oil to wash your face. Well, the ancient Greeks used olive oil to cleanse their entire bodies. If it’s good enough for the civilization that gave rise to western culture, it’s good enough for you. If you’re still not convinced, let me give you a little homework. Go out and buy a cleansing oil. Use it on your entire face and massage gently for about 5 minutes. Eventually you’ll feel little bits and pieces, almost like the grit of an exfolliant, rubbing against your skin. Those are sebum plugs being pulled from your pores by the cleansing oil. Gross, eh?

There are so many brands I like, but right now I’m using the cleansing oil from the Japanese company Hada Labo.  It’s fairly inexpensive. I found mine on Amazon. I also like this cleansing balm from Lush. If you’re super fancy, I really enjoyed this one from Clinique as well.

How to use:

With dry hands and dry face, apply the cleanser and massage gently. Wet your hands and rub your face until the product emulsifies (it’ll become milky.) Rinse of with warm water. If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, you’ll want to cleanse again.

Introduction and Me!

My skin is recovering slowly but surely~

Hello! My name is Cris, welcome to my skincare blog! I’m 24-year-old skincare fanatic from a small fishing village in Northern Ohio, currently relocated to Arizona. My hobbies are cooking and skincare, specifically eating food and trying new skincare products.

I’ve decided to start this many blog based on what I’ve seen from so-called “beauty gurus” out there. Noticing the abundance of misinformation, I’ve made it my mission in life to battle the lack of quality and beauty myths that seem so prevalent in our western culture. I’m not here to attack your favorite beauty guru, or even discredit them, I just want to teach people how to wash their face correctly!!

My blog will probably be entirely on skincare products and various techniques you can utilize to improve your skin. You see, growing up, I never had much difficulty with my skin. Never really had an acne problem, and for the most part, my skin was soft and smooth. As I’ve said, I was raised in northern Ohio, on the Lake Erie coast line. In the summer we had moderate temperatures, in the winter it was bitter cold and dry. I had a few problems with dry, flaky skin in the winter but nothing major.

Then came the move to the Wild West, a little over 1 year ago.  I went from the typical Midwestern climate to a desert. The effects on my skin were seriously terrible (read: devastating.) My skin became so dry and red. I started getting tons of blackheads on my nose and forehead. My elbows became dry and ashy, etc., etc. Anything unpleasant, I was experiencing it. It was a huge blow to my self-esteem. I felt like I was being punished for never having acne in high school.

I started researching why my body went through such a change so far beyond puberty. I learned that basically everything I was doing to my skin was wrong. It was truly surprising to learn that everything I had been taught about skincare (essentially nothing) was wrong and terribly outdated.  As it turns out, everything I was doing was actually CAUSING my problems!

After applying what I had learned from various sources, my skin has improved miraculously. I’m getting my bright, clear complexion back, breakouts have all but stopped, and those pesky blackheads are starting to vanish. I want to help people with a similar situation by educating them and sharing what I’ve learned this past year.  I also want to improve my current routine and expand my repertoire of skincare products. I’m always trying new things and I’ll share my results with you.

If you have any suggestions for me, or you would like to leave a concern or question, leave me a comment! Any interaction is appreciated and anticipated!