Japanese people are some of the healthiest and longest-lived on the planet; they’re obviously doing something right. And it’s not just living longer; it’s looking younger too!
The Japanese way of taking care of oneself works at many levels; it’s the food, the skincare and the mindset. We’ve selected the single best habits and foods in Japanese culture to look and stay young, and the best part is that they’re easy to replicate. Here are 7 Japanese anti-aging secrets to look young even after your 50s.
Steaming your food
Japanese food is some of the most varied and tasty on the planet, and although there are many ways of cooking it, they steam food often. Rice is steamed, and dumplings are too, it’s not rare to see steamed fish in menus, and veggies are also cooked with steam more often than not.
Steaming food is the best way to keep all the nutrients in food intact and add no cooking oils to your body. Western cuisines depend on cooking oil for almost everything, and that might be the difference between the aging process in both cultures.
Drinking Green tea
Antioxidants are healthy molecules in our food that bind with cell-damaging free radicals that float in our bloodstream making them harmless. These free radicals are linked with premature aging and chronic diseases, so you want to add as many antioxidants to your diet as you can.
Although you’ll find antioxidants in lots of foods, including blueberries and dark chocolate, Japanese matcha tea has ten times more antioxidants than any other food or drink. If your skin is protected against free radical damage, it will stay wrinkle-free and fresh.
Taking care of yourself early
Japanese society has strong values, and one of them is being responsible, which includes being accountable for their bodies. Taking care of oneself since youth is more than a habit, it’s a custom, and you’ll see both men and women trying to stay as healthy and well preserved as possible.
Although vanity is not an essential factor, staying in good shape is. This all includes avoiding bad habits like smoking and drinking and also undertaking good ones like exercising and eating well.
Using natural skincare products
The Japanese are particularly conscious of beauty product labels and are little impressed by chemicals, artificial colorants and additives; they prefer natural remedies with the fewest ingredients.
Rice water elevates the levels of collagen in your skin, and it’s not only very cheap, but it’s also completely natural. Organic oils are the best moisturizers for your skin and fruit, and seaweed-based treatments are preferred over the industrial kind.
Eating seafood and seaweed
Seafood is incredibly fresh in Japan, and it’s widely consumed. The country is one of the largest producers and consumers of fish and shellfish.
Fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and herring, are excellent for healthy skin because of their Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining skin health.
Seaweed promotes the production of collagen, which keeps your skin flexible. It comes as no surprise that many beauty products have seaweed extract in them. As food or as a face mask, seaweed can make you look younger, and the Japanese have known this since forever.
Practicing face massages regularly
A common habit for Japanese women is massaging their faces every day. Small circular two-finger motions while applying moisturizer relaxes your face’s muscles and promotes blood irrigation, both important factors to keep your skin healthy and young.
The Japanese facial massage, often called Tanaka, fights wrinkles and tightens your skin. According to experts, the massage eliminates toxins and reduces excess fluids in your skin.
Having a routine
All the above can help you prevent premature aging and give you an elastic, radiant skin. Together in a complete, balanced routine, will allow you to see results in no time and look younger than ever.
The Japanese women often have well-defined beauty routines that start with a healthy breakfast and end with a face massage and deep skin cleansing, including lots of tea and healthy food throughout the day. What makes these treatments work is repeating them day after day.
That’s not that hard, is it?
It doesn’t matter if you’re in your forties, fifties or sixties, you’re always in time to take care of yourself. The right diet and a few good habits can go a long way, but the secret is consistency. Looking your best is all about doing small things for your health every day.
Try the tips above and see the results for yourself, and don’t forget to share them with the ones you love most. While you’re at it, share with us your own beauty secrets, you might have the key to eternal youth!
