Category Archives: Japanese Skin Care

  • Coffee Vs. Japanese Green Tea: Which is Better For Your Skin?

    09 Juin 2015



    The morning debate between coffee and green tea is something I often face once I’ve arrived at work. Do I go for the zen of green tea or opt for one of the java flavors? While both are super tasty, contain caffeine, and can help you hit your 8 glasses of water a day quota, there are a few differences. Today we’re looking at which is better for your skin- green tea or coffee?

    Coffee

    • One study showed that coffee bean extracts can be responsible for skin cell energy preservation due to its free-radical properties.
    • Another study found that caffeine inhibits the DNA damage response, thus protecting skin against the adverse effects of UVB. The inhibition of DNA damage response may offer a therapeutic option for non-melanoma skin cancer.
    • When coffee promotes blood circulation, it leads to healthy and energized skin, effectively reducing the swelling of tissues and depuffing areas of the skin.

    Japanese Green Tea

    • Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to potentially inhibit the growth of some cancers, including skin cancer. These antioxidants an reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and all sorts of diseases.
    • Since green tea has around 1/3 the amount of caffeine as coffee, it has been linked to stress relief. This reduction in stress could help clear up any stress-related skin issues you may have, such as redness or acne.
    • Studies have shown that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage. Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen.
    • Considering their well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, topical green tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging.

    The winner? Japanese Green Tea!

  • Dr. Paul Cohen Highlights Skincare for Cancer Treatment Patients

    04 Novembre 2014



    Dermatologist Dr. Paul Cohen recently stopped by a Canadian morning television show to share tips on how to care for skin during cancer treatments and the do’s and don’ts of taking care of your skin. Among the products he highlighted was Shinso Essence. Below is an overview of all the helpful tips Dr. Cohen touched on during the 5-minute segment.

    • Two of the most common changes in the skin during and after cancer treatments are rashes and sun sensitivity.
    • While you’re undergoing cancer therapy, it’s crucial to soothe, heal and protect your skin.
    • A large concern of those undergoing cancer treatments is dehydration. Patients often ask what the best moisturizer out there is. Look for products with natural moisturizing ingredients, such as oatmeal.
    • Avoid products with fragrance or perfume, since the overpowering scents could cause nausea or make it worse.
    • For itchy skin or rashes, use cortisone cream to soothe the skin.
    • Always apply a sunscreen- look for hypoallergenic versions to avoid any irritations to the skin.
    • Shinso products- especially Essence- are like a “facelift in a bottle”. Dr. Cohen praises the products created by a “Japanese rocket scientist” for their face-lifting properties. All Shinso products are also made without parabens or harsh chemicals.
    • Stay away from any irritants when using makeup or other beauty products.

    You can view the video here: http://canadaam.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=478471&playlistId=1.2076720&binId=1.815911&playlistPageNum=1&binPageNum=1

  • Hot Springs in Japan

    12 Octobre 2014



    Next time you’re up for a vacation, why not visit Japan? Specifically, the hot springs in Japan. These hot springs represent the single largest sector of the domestic tourism industry, with over 120 million visitors frequenting the more than 3,000 naturally-occurring springs each year. For more than 2,000 years, the Japanese have soothed their bodies, skin and souls at traditional onsens, which are bathhouses centered around various hot springs. The tradition continues to this day!Hot spring baths come in many varieties, indoors and outdoors, gender separated and mixed, developed and undeveloped. Many hot spring baths belong to a ryokan, while others are public bath houses. An overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan is a highly recommended experience to any visitor of Japan.

    There are various types of hot springs, which are differentiated by the minerals dissolved in the water. These various minerals provide a range of health benefits, and all hot springs have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. Depending on the spring, different minerals are dissolved in the water, giving it different colors and smells (in addition to the health and skin benefits).

    Besides conventional hot water tubs, a popular feature of larger baths are so called waterfalls, which comfortably massage your shoulders if you sit below them. Other bath types include sand baths, where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand, mud baths and steam rooms.Making the most of a bath in these Japanese hot springs is simple. First, remove your clothes and keep a towel nearby. Rinse your body with tap water prior to entering the bath. Next, enter the bath and soak for a while. You may need to enter slowly as the water is very hot. After soaking for a while, emerge from the bath and wash your body with soap and water. Then re-enter the bath and soak some more. When you are finally done, emerge from the bath but do not rinse your body with tap water this time. This allows the hot spring’s water’s minerals to have a full effect on your body.