This is a review on skincare routine and care that are common and popular in asia. This is mostly following the book I bought called "The Japanese Skincare Revolution" by Chizu Saeki.
Since I wasn't told or taught by anyone how to take care of my skin, I have been ignorantly not taking care of my skin by not doing anything or not enough. Especially during my teens when I had frequent acne, and assumed that my skin will be better when I hit adulthood. As a result I have many days where my skin is just plain horrible, and sucks which really brings down my self esteem and confidence. I was naive, so I finally got the hint that I need to do something about it, and found out about asian skincare which is not the most easiest to obtain outside of asia. Since I am of asian decent this is appropriate, but I believe it will work for any skin type and ethnicity. Skincare is very serious business in asia much more than in the USA. But its more time consuming and takes some effort. If you ever envy the skin of asians I am sure a number of them have been following asian skincare techniques since their teens. The books also describes tips and ways to troubleshoot your skin to see if it need any moisture, firmness, exfoliating, etc. with simple tests which I find really helpful.

In the book, it is typical for Japanese women to wash their face twice in the morning and and twice in the evening. This seems to be a good idea for those who wear makeup, but since I don't wear makeup often I will only wash my face once. If I do wear makeup I will wash the makeup off with a gentle cream like cleanser then wash again with an exfoliate, moisturizing, or acne cleanser. Since there's never a cleanser that does everything you need its good to have a couple that will suit whatever your skin needs that day. The book illustrates how to wash your face with massaging techniques that are similar to ones you would get at a spa. Washing your face by massaging will help your skin from sagging and form wrinkles. This book says that plain water is good enough to wash your face. I wasn't sure what to believe since many articles I've read in the US suggest that cleansing your face is important, but they never say water is enough. I have been cleansing my face with plain water every morning and hadn't had any problems. It was enough to wash away my night skincare and oils. At night I will be using a cleanser especially if I wore makeup.

One of the steps I never used before was toning. In Asia, toners tend to be called lotions because this step is mostly moisturizing. There are milky lotions that are thicker, and toner lotions that are more like water. They also are more benefiting as they often don't have much water or alcohol, and do more than bring your skin's ph level in check. They also apply with layered square cottons pads (asian stores carries them) which you can separate to lay on your face for a quick moisturizing mask (or packs as they call them). Doing this will enhance and benefit your skin a lot more than simply apply it. The book suggest you do this everyday for 3 minutes. This has really make my skin look softer and my pores smaller.  Like cleansers, having a variety will better suit your skins needs from acne, moisturizing, and brightening. There is never one that can do everything so having different types will benefit you.

After lotion you apply on serums. Most of the asian makeup tutorial girls on youtube tend to use at least 3 serums which will take awhile. Because I do not have the funds right now to afford that many serums (they are pricey) I will use only 1 or 2 serums. The book also shows a number of massage techniques that helps your skin look its best by improving its blood flow and flushing out waste. But basically it is very similar to cleansing your face which you can always add the other techniques to. And finally the last step is applying a cream or emulsion to seal in moisture and the expensive serums in. Doing this will make your serums work better, last longer, and won't be wiped away. As always, apply sunscreen after you put on the cream during the day.

After two-three months of doing the basics, my skin has looked better much more youthful and healthier than before. Sure I may not do everything everyday, but every other day or once in a while I will do these massages during my skincare routine and will feel energetic and ready for anything.
I have read a couple asian magazines that have articles on body massages, and hair washing massaging techniques. It is difficult to get these information as there never seem to be any english translation of them. Also Asian products are not easily bought in non-asian stores. Some asian stores will carry drugstore brand products which will be good enough, but to me your money is better off on something that will work for you. This might take time as there are numerous asian brands from Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean brands. For sites suggestion, I have heard Sasa, Imomoko, and Yesstyle are good online shops to look around. Otherwise shiseido is the only one you can find easily.

If you want to have great skin and are serious about the health of your skin I advise checking out the book ("The Japanese Skincare Revolution" by Chizu Saeki) the only asian skincare book I've found in English. Also look at any skincare routine of asian girls on youtube like fuzkittie. I recommend it for anyone really. Men too. I have seen articles on male makeup in a japanese magazine.