For Those Unsure About Skincare: "Stop Over-Washing"

I have dry skin, and especially in deep winter, I don't want to strip away too much oil, so I sometimes skip washing my face in the morning. When I do wash, I use a mild cleanser that doesn't lather much in the morning, but my shaving method changes the order of my facial cleansing.

Incidentally, this morning I shaved with a straight razor, so I washed my face and then used a highly visible shaving gel. The key is to thoroughly moisten the beard to soften it. Conversely, when using an electric shaver, it's more effective to shave when the beard is dry and stiff.

After cleansing, instead of rubbing vigorously, I lightly pat my face with a towel to remove excess water. Before my skin dries, I first apply a booster to help it accept toner. Then, I follow with toner, eye cream, serum, and cream. I also apply sunscreen every day when I go out during the day, year-round.

Before going to bed, I thoroughly cleanse away impurities with a facial wash, and my skincare routine is almost the same as in the morning. I place importance on soaking in a hot bath. Partly for work research, I spend about 20 minutes after getting out of the bath doing various things like head massages and body care.

For those who are not yet confident about their skincare, the first step is to stop over-washing. Many people strip too much oil from both their face and body. Their washing methods are also poor, leading to further dryness or, conversely, excessive oiliness. Simply washing your face and body correctly can make a significant difference. After washing, as I've said, moisturizing is crucial. It's often said that 'sebum is nature's cream,' but depending on your age and circumstances, that alone may not be enough.

Everyone Seeks True Organic

You may have heard of natural and organic cosmetics, even as men, but last year I visited the home of "bamford," a British brand described as "authentic organic," in the Cotswolds, UK.

Bamford was founded by Lady Carole Bamford, a British aristocrat, with the concept of "True luxury is kind to the environment and people." Her philosophy is that human life begins with food, so she started an organic farm in the 1970s. "Daylesford Organic," which cultivates "real food" using organic farming methods and produces it in a way that enhances its natural deliciousness, has received high international acclaim.

Bamford then debuted as a cosmetic line for bath, body, and baby, and on April 3rd (Friday), Japan's first flagship store will open in Tokyo Midtown. I'm paying close attention to this.

What is Authentic Organic with Noble Origins?

Seeing and experiencing Bamford in its home country, I realized that making proper organic products requires both money and effort. And in Britain, this is deeply rooted as a culture. Japanese people also appreciate well-made items with a solid philosophy and a compelling story, and high quality. I hope that with the opening of the Tokyo Midtown shop, an aesthetic and discerning eye for genuine organic products, not mere imitations, will be cultivated.

I highly regard Japan's "Three" and Britain's Bamford in the realm of organic. This is because they create their products based on their own strict standards and philosophy. Both brands have beautiful product presentation, and their fragrances and ingredients are meticulously chosen. They are managed thoroughly from production to the consumer, giving a sense of noble origins.

Skincare is a personal indulgence. I don't believe everything organic is good, nor do I simply say natural things are good. However, if it suits your lifestyle, you should choose it. I believe the right approach is to select something that provides peace of mind and feels good. Natural and organic are just one of the options, but I truly hope you will experience the genuine article.

bamford
BOTANIC COLLECTION
Bath salts that release you from busyness with an elegant aroma: "Botanic Bath Salts" (250g) ¥5,400
Body oil that fills the skin with moist and rich hydration using five botanical oils: "Botanic Body Oil" (125mL) ¥8,640
A creamy scrub with botanical butter that gently glides to lead to smooth skin: "Botanic Sugar Polish" (200mL) ¥8,640
bamford
http://purity.co.jp/bamford/

Gaku Fujimura
Men's Beauty Research Institute (DANBIKEN)
http://danbiken.net/