When I turned 30, two things changed about my body. First, a gray hair suddenly appeared at my temple. Second, and more unacceptable, my skin suddenly got rougher than it used to be. The gray hairs never cease to delight me. I’m egging them on. My dream is to have Claire Saffitz hair, even though my hair stylist has dashed my hopes of ever having a cool streak in the front.
The skin, however, is unacceptable. Baby is a state of mind, but, for me, sadly, also a state of skin. I had resigned myself to my fate entirely, but then on my recent trip to Japan something about the water there caused my arms to become smooth again. High on the suggestion that time could be reversed, I started a new body skincare regimen, which has been surprisingly effective in the few months I’ve been practicing it in taking my skin back to at least pre-pandemic levels of softness. I will now open my spell book and share the potions of youth with you all. Wield the information wisely.
(How weird is it to do skincare advice when you all have never seen me? Idk I’m doing it anyway. Life has been too heavy lately to not focus on a little frivolity)
((It also bears mentioning that this is not spon, however much I wish it was))
STEP 1: THE SHOWER
I’m sure having a water filter would make all of this even better. I’m working on it!! In the meantime, I’ve turned to chemical exfoliating soap. Scrubbing with a brush and sea salt did nothing for me and maybe made the issue worse. So now I’m using:
Necessaire The Body Wash - Hinoki
Ever since I first laid eyes on this brand’s packaging, I knew they’d be coming for me. There are cheaper options, but the scent of this alone is so sexy it’s unreal. If you’re looking for something more simple, my derm recommended this.
Pelican Lovely Bottom Soap
This is the first of several Japanese beauty products on this list. I find they’re just more effective than most US products and are so cheap!! I have bought them from Yesstyle and Dokodemo, as well as my local Japanese stores which I’m very lucky to have. If you’re in LA, check out Shibuyala and Tokyo Central (they both seem to have online stores, and prices are pretty good at the Shibuya one). This soap is specific to the butt and again smells lovely.
Goshi Exfoliating Towel
This thing is great for getting soap on your back! Go gently.
STEP TWO: POST SHOWER
Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
This may seem insane, but this bottle of toner is so reasonably priced and so huge, that I pat myself down with a towel (leaving some moisture), then slather myself from the neck down with this stuff. It has made a notable difference
Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing - Japanese Sake Skin Care Emulsion
This lotion is made with a by-product of the sake making process, so when you put it on it smells distinctly of sake. Don’t worry, the smell wears off, leaving a very light moisture great for day to day. It’s hot in LA, so I prefer this kind of lotion in the summer. Make sure to walk around naked until it absorbs.
STEP THREE: SPF
Nivea UV Super Water Gel SPF 50
You’re not going to like this, but SPF on your exposed skin whenever you leave the house is mandatory to care for your fresh and delicate flesh. I’ve been using the above (again Japanese, again pretty cheap depending on where you find it) formulation because it feels pretty light and watery compared to the heavy, oily sunscreens we typically get here in the U.S.
STEP FOUR: BE BABY
Now demand that everyone around you feel your skin. It may make them uncomfortable. Persist. ✊
My hair icon is Bonnie Raitt so I totally understand!