Skincare trends come and go. And while the coveted “glass skin” has reigned as the complexion ideal for years, attaining and maintaining it isn’t an easy feat. A routine that involves up to 10 steps of skincare can be tiresome. Not to mention, an overload of actives in products can also wreak havoc on the skin, causing irritation and breakouts.
This could be why more and more beauty enthusiasts are leaning towards “mochi skin”. For the uninitiated, “mochi skin” or “rice cake skin” refers to supple, smooth skin that references the softness and plumpness of the Japanese dessert. While Koreans focus on a glazed look, the Japanese seek skin that boasts bounciness.
Coincidentally, the Japanese have a gentle, nourishing approach to skincare that helps to strengthen our skin barrier, which is exactly how one can achieve “mochi skin”.
Why a strong skin barrier is key to achieving “mochi skin”
Credit: xFrame.io
Our skin barrier has two general roles: to keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Acting as a shield for the body, our skin protects our insides from physical toxins, such as pollution and harmful chemicals, as well as UV rays from the sun.
The barrier also holds onto natural moisture and stops our skin from losing moisture. If the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) doesn’t contain enough water, our skin will lose its elasticity and appear dry, flaky, and rough.
Skin that isn’t properly hydrated is also unable to maintain an intact skin barrier, which can leave our skin more vulnerable and exposed to damage from an onslaught of environmental aggressors.
If you’ve noticed any redness, irritation, or breakouts from a multi-step skincare routine, it could point to a damaged skin barrier, which calls for plenty of gentle babying. When your skin barrier’s compromised, cutting out actives or overly harsh ingredients is the first step to helping it recover.
The next step is to preserve and strengthen your skin’s barrier with a simple, three-step skincare routine.
“Mochi skin” starts with Freeplus
Daily stressors can be taxing on our skin and cause it to freak out, but the solution is actually really simple. When our skin goes a little out of control, we like to follow a fuss-free, minimalist regimen using caring formulas from Freeplus.
Freeplus Moist Care range
If you have yet to get acquainted with the brand, allow us to introduce you to it. A Japanese skincare brand launched by Kanebo Cosmetics, Freeplus offers a wide range of gentle yet effective products that are formulated without common irritants, so they work well to bless you with soft, “mochi skin”.
These mild, hypoallergenic formulas are powered by a blend of oriental herbs and plant extract compounds from jujube, citrus peel, peach kernels, coix seeds, glycyrrhizin, and cnidium rhizome, which act as a natural protectant for healthy skin.
What’s more, these formulas boast some of the most pleasant, comforting skincare textures you’ll ever experience, so they’re extra gentle on your skin. Meanwhile, they work on your skin to preserve moisture and strengthen its barrier.
Even better, it doesn’t contain any alcohol, parabens, fragrance, mineral oil, or colouring, so your skin will feel stress-free.
Step 1: Freeplus Mild Soap Face Wash
The type of cleanser you choose is important as it’ll dictate what the rest of your routine may look like. Using a harsh face wash that strips your skin of moisture and leaves it squeaky clean would require you to slather on several hydrating and moisturising formulas to make up for what you lost during cleansing.
This is why it’s best to begin your routine with a gentle cleanser, such as Freeplus Mild Soap Face Wash. A mildly acidic formula with a silky texture, the cleanser produces a generous, cloud-like lather to glide across your skin gently, lifting away impurities and excess sebum while preserving your skin’s moisture.
The pH-balanced formula won’t upset your skin’s slightly acidic barrier, which helps it retain hydration even after cleansing and rinsing. It’s also enriched with amino acids and six Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts to nourish your skin, so your face won’t feel dry and tight after you cleanse.
For the gentlest cleanse, wet your face, squeeze a small amount of cleanser into the palm of your hand, lather it up with some water, and then apply the foam to your skin. This way, you won’t have to rub or tug at your skin.
Step 2: Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 1
Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 1 (right), Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 2 (left)
After cleansing, reach for Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 1 to replenish your skin’s moisture. This step helps to prep your skin too, allowing it to better absorb the next product in your regimen.
The fresh and non-greasy lotion infuses your skin barrier with moisture, giving it a plump, supple appearance akin to mochi.
Simply dispense some lotion on your palms, press them together, and apply it all over your face. Gently pat your entire face with your palms to help the product sink into your skin better. Add more lotion around your eyes and neck.
To boost your moisture levels fast, you can also soak cotton pads in the Moist Care Lotion 1 and apply them on drier areas of your skin, such as your cheeks, chin, and forehead. Your skin will feel soft, hydrated, and comfortable in a few minutes!
Step 3: Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion 1
Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion 1 (left), Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion 2 (right)
Seal in the moisture and goodness with Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion 1. Just like Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 1, the emulsion delivers six carefully-selected oriental herbs and extracts to your skin cells, replenishing them to prevent moisture loss.
The emulsion works to maintain the smoothness of your skin and creates a supple appearance too. With this extra boost, your skin will look and feel moist, plump, and soft.
Dispense an appropriate amount of emulsion on your palms and apply it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then, spread the emulsion across your entire face with both hands and continue to do so until the slippery texture disappears. Finally, apply the emulsion on your neck to care for its delicate skin.
And you’re done! How easy was that? If smooth, supple “mochi skin” is what you seek, then you know which products to start with.
Shop the three-step routine today:
- Freeplus Mild Soap Face Wash retails for S$27 (100g) on Shopee
- Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 1 retails for S$42 (130ml) on Shopee
- Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion 1 retails for S$48 (100ml) on Shopee
Check out the full range of Freeplus products on Shopee!
This article is brought to you by Freeplus.
Featured image credits: xFrame.io and @sweet.shapes on Instagram
