Every continent has its best-kept secrets when it comes to beautification. And Asia is no different. The beauty industry is worth over £79 billion in Asia compared to Europe’s £66 billion cosmetic market.
For Asian people, personal care is not just about looking beautiful. Daydreaming in Paradise explains that cleanliness also plays a huge part. That’s why hygiene products such as deep cleansing soaps are found everywhere, not to mention that they also offer a range of benefits to your skin.
It’s evident how the West has taken notice of these uniquely Asian beauty products and methods such as extensive Korean skincare routines. If you still haven’t caught on to these methods, read on below to learn about some of Asian’s most unique beauty treatments.
1. Sake bath
Onsens or Japanese bathhouses are not a new concept, but have you ever soaked in a sake-filled bathtub? Sake is their local rice wine and is known to produce kojic acid. Does this ingredient sound familiar? Well, that’s because many bath products contain kojic acid as it is said to have moisturising and softening properties for the skin. If you can’t drink it, take a dip in it.
2. Snail slime
Beauty products made from snail slime are probably the quirkiest on this list. It’s extremely popular in Korean skincare with beauty company Missha explaining that the benefits range from fading acne scars to skin firming. The array of products that have snail slime in them include Missha sleep masks, eye patches, anti-aging creams, and anti-wrinkle serums.
3. Mung bean mask
Mung bean is known as a mild cleanser that purifies and hydrates the skin. As food, it is very high in protein and essential minerals, making it a great anti-inflammatory ingredient for skincare. Kettle Magazine previously noted that too much oil is one of the main causes of acne, which leads to inflammation. Mung bean is an affordable ingredient that can help tone down spots. As ready-made face masks, they’re not too pricey either. A mung bean mask can disinfect and further prevent acne flare-ups.
4. Turmeric face mask
Another ingredient with antibacterial properties is turmeric. It is widely used in India as a spice and as the main ingredient for body and facial scrubs. Turmeric is also a major antioxidant that can slow down cell aging. It contains a yellow pigment that can give your skin a beautiful glow.
5. Foot peeling mask
Masks aren’t just used for the face, as there are some kinds that are made for feet, too. Pretty Me’s review on the Japan Foot Peeling Mask by Butterfly Baby details that it is a gentle exfoliator which removes dead skin cells. If you’re someone who constantly walks in heels and has developed callouses, foot peeling masks may be just what you need.
6. Jade Roller
Jade is a prized mineral that can also be a fancy tool for the face. Jade rollers are used to literally roll on the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and the neck and sometimes even under the eyes. It’s used as a gentle massager for the face, which can get rid of puffiness.
7. Face slapping
Face slapping is exactly what it sounds like—you gently slap your moisturiser on your face instead of rubbing it on. Marie Claire consulted and expert on Korean beauty techniques, Christine Chang, who said that it helps ‘absorb skincare more efficiently’. Gentle taps on your cheeks improve blood flow to the area, which in turn removes waste products. If you want to look radiant, you can try giving your face some TLC-filled pats.
