The skincare industry is so confusing. Some days people will go crazy over a ten-step Korean skincare routine and the next day they will only talk about CTM (cleanse, tone, moisturize) routine. Some days people will say how important a Toner is and the other day they are skeptical about it.

At Foxtale, we have decided to put an end to the discussion of whether or not you need a toner, once and for all. Here’s everything you need to know about Toners.

What’s A Toner & What qualifies As A Toner?

A toner is a product that is completely water-based but isn’t exactly water. It is meant to be used as the first step right after cleansing the skin and hence, they have a fast-absorbing formula. Depending on the ingredients and formulation, toners serve different purposes such as hydration, exfoliation, freshness, brightness, etc.

A Little Back Story…

Earlier in the days, a toner was just another skincare product that was meant for cleansing the last few traces of your makeup and dirt. Fast forward to the present, we have the best thing for removing makeup effectively, which is Double cleansing. It includes using an oil-based cleanser as the first step and following it up with another gel/foam-based cleanser. With this, the entire purpose of a toner is defeated.

Moreover, a toner was used to maintain the pH level of your skin which was disrupted due to the usage of soap bars. But nowadays, you can easily get cleansers that are already pH balanced and are gentle enough on the skin. This again puts the whole purpose of using a toner into question.

So, Do You Even Need A Toner?

The answer is, not really, if we are living a decade ago. But now the time has changed and the skincare industry has evolved a lot. Considering the benefits of toner and its different types, there are in the market, we say, the need for a toner completely depends on YOU & your skin needs. There are some that help get your skin necessary actives while some hydrate deeply. All of them guarantee that your skin soaks up every other layer of your skincare!

If you are a boujee and you can spare a few extra minutes for your skincare and want a toner for brightening, soothing, exfoliating, or hydrating your skin. Go ahead and buy a toner! However, if you want a minimal skincare routine, that’s great too, don’t buy a toner. You can do just as fine with your basics: Cleanser, Serum, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen.

A Skincare Routine Without A Toner

1. Double cleanse your skin to make sure all the makeup, excess oil, and dirt is cleared

2. Use a Vitamin C serum to brighten up, treat, and protect your skin from free radicals

3. Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and seal in everything

4. Slather sunscreen in the daytime to protect your skin from sun damage

Get your hands on our Glow of Love Set to get all our products that would cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect your skin along with a few amazing goodies to make you #SayHiToHappySkin!

Does the thought of doing a 10- step skincare routine exhaust you even before you do it? Is following a simple yet effective skincare routine on your new year’s resolution list for 2023? Introducing J- beauty, a beauty regime that focuses on skincare that is gentle and follows a minimalistic approach to skincare. J-beauty appears much more convenient for most people and this has made it gain a widespread appeal. 

The main approach to J-beauty is to not overburden your skin with a lot of products. Only use products that are the most essential and are a necessity to your skin. Whether you are in touch with whatever’s happening in the skincare world or you’ve been living under a rock, we’re here to get you acquainted with J- beauty and why you need to incorporate it into your routine ASAP. So let's get this started!

What is J-beauty?

J-beauty (Japanese Beauty) is a line of skincare and cosmetic items that were created in Japan. The phrase "Mochi Skin" refers to the J-beauty standard, or, to put it another way, the skin objective. The key is to maintain healthy skin by properly washing, hydrating, nourishing, and protecting it. Less is more, a basic process that serves to fortify your skin and enable it to effectively perform its function is the guiding principle. It's best if you can treat your skin with as much tenderness and care as possible.

Understanding J-beauty and its Origin

Traditional and modern skincare concepts are amalgamated to form the ideal J-beauty routine. It is more focused on prevention than on cure and treatment. It primarily focuses on holistic skincare which is why it is gaining popularity rapidly.

The skincare regime of Japan is largely related to the Geishas. They were professional entertainers who painted their faces white so they needed to take extra care of their skin. They used ingredients like rice, seaweed, green tea, and camellia oil to make a skincare routine and these form the core of J-beauty. How thoughtful! 

How is it better than K-beauty?

J- beauty	K- beauty
Focuses on minimalism and functionality.	Focuses on nourishing the skin with a multi-step routine.
A blend of traditional and modern products and formulations.	Modern and unconventional skincare.
Lays a huge emphasis on double cleansing.	Lays a huge emphasis on skin hydration and exfoliation.
Aims for “mochi skin”- that's plump and soft.	Aims for “glass skin”- that's poreless and glowy.
Has a premium price range as there are fewer steps involved.	It is comparatively more affordable.

 

Steps in J-Beauty

1) Double cleanse

The method was used by Japanese Geishas to remove heavy makeup and has risen to popularity since then. It starts with an oil-based cleanser followed by a mild water-based cleanser. The oil breaks down the makeup and unclogs the pores. The water-based cleanser gets rid of all the dirt and sweat and deeply cleanses the impurities.

However, to minimize this step further, you can use a multipurpose cleanser as an alternative. Foxtale’s Daily Duet Cleanser is one such product that not only cleanses your skin well but also doubles as a makeup remover. Such a time-saver, isn’t it?

2) Exfoliation

The Japanese methods of exfoliation are much gentler compared to Western scrubs. J-beauty uses gel-like formulas that are massaged on the skin to unclog pores and gently remove dead skin cells. This is done at least 1-2 times a week to prevent any damage to the skin.

3) Hydration

The next step is the use of kesho-sui or a watery Japanese Lotion that is similar to toners. The main goal of this step is to soften and hydrate the skin. It is patted on the skin and contains ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, and Ceramides. All these ingredients are very soothing and hence suitable for almost all skin types. 

You can try incorporating Foxtale’s Daily Hydrating Serum with hyaluronic acid which helps fight all signs of dehydration to give plumper, tighter and brighter skin with a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin feel hydrated, smoother, and radiant.

4) Serum

Serums are target-specific products. Usually, they target wrinkles, acne, dark spots, etc, and are more dedicated to spot treatment. The different types of serums have primary ingredients like collagen, ceramides, Vitamin C, etc. which combat hyperpigmentation. Foxtale’s Vitamin C serum will aid in reducing pigmentation and scarring along with giving the perfect glow to your face!

5) Moisturization (and SPF in the daytime)

Whether it is J-Beauty or K-beauty or I-Beauty (Indian skincare!), moisturization is a must. This last step ensures that all the products applied underneath are locked! Although milky moisturizers are highly used in J-Beauty, creamy, gel, and lotion-based moisturizers are also popular. Foxtale’s smoothening moisturizer is a must-have if well-hydrated skin is on your wishlist! 

In the daytime, sunscreen is essential. You can try out Foxtale’s Dewy finish sunscreen in case you have dry skin and need that extra nourishment or Foxtale’s Matte finish sunscreen if your skin is oily and prone to acne. Not only does it give a matte finish but also reduces hyperpigmentation and regulates oil production. 

Advantages of J-Beauty

Imbibing J-beauty in your skincare routine is advantageous on so many levels. The popularity is growing rapidly in India which is why more and more Japanese skincare brands are getting introduced in the country. Here’s why J-beauty is such a growing trend:

• Compared to K-beauty, J-beauty is much simpler and easier to follow for most people as fewer products (that target specific concerns) are involved.
• As it has fewer steps, the time required is less too. Thus, maintaining a thorough skincare routine daily is much easier when J-beauty is followed.
• The expense is much less as the number of products involved is lesser too.
• It follows traditional and holistic skincare techniques using natural products. And the main focus is on overall skin health.
• It focuses on faster cell regeneration and barrier repair skincare as it includes exfoliation and ceramide-based skincare. This results in boosting skin structure along with shedding off dead skin cells so you have baby-soft skin always!

In Conclusion- 

J-Beauty is no longer limited to Japan but has become an international trend owing to its simplicity. The best part is, you can make your J-beauty routine using the usual products you use. As long as you are using high-quality products suitable for your skin, following your customized J-beauty regime is quite easy. 

FAQs

1.Why is J-beauty so popular?

Thanks to its simple and minimalistic approach to skincare, J-beauty has garnered a lot of interest and zeal from people all around the world! 

2.What is J-beauty?

J- beauty stands for Japanese beauty, a line of skincare that has been developed and curated in Japan. 

3.What is better K-beauty or J-beauty?

It depends on a case-to-case basis. If achieving soft and plump skin is your objective, J-beauty is your friend! However, if glass skin is your wish, K-beauty will help you achieve that dreamy glow. 

Are you on the road to clearer and brighter-looking skin? Then you need to know about chemical peels and incorporate them into your skincare routine. The secret to beautiful skin is taking care of it. And with time, chemical peels have been proven effective in revealing a glowing and fresh complexion. Keep on scrolling to know about this amazing discovery!

What are chemical peels?

If you’ve heard this buzzword ‘chemical peels’ around lately and are wondering what this does to your skin, we’ve got you covered. A chemical peel is a solution that contains different types of chemical agents that draws out dead and unwanted skin cells from your skin. It is great to exfoliate away weathered layers of dead and damaged skin cells to reveal fresh, glowy skin. The term chemical peel might seem spooky, but when done correctly either by a dermatologist or at home, can really transform your skin.

What do chemical peels do for your skin?

Several people vouch for chemical peels as their secret to glowing, radiant skin. But what does chemical peels exactly do to your skin? Let’s find out.

• Improves complexion & overall skin texture

Chemical peels on the uppermost as well as the innermost layer of your skin. This takes away all the damaged skin cells and flakiness and improves the overall skin texture.

• Brightens your skin & lighten pigmented areas

Chemical peels have a strong concentration of exfoliating acids that work on skin discolouration and dark spots. This allows the pigmented areas to get back to their natural colour.

• Smooths & softens rough skin

The top layer that consists of dead and damaged skin cells is removed with the help of chemical peels. This reveals fresh, baby-soft skin which makes any product applied to it work better.

• Clarifies the skin & prevents acne

Chemical peels that consist of exfoliating acids such as BHA are great for acne-prone skin. They penetrate deeper into the skin, unclogs pores, and clarify the skin.

Different types of chemical peels

1.Light peels

Light or superficial peels target the topmost/outermost layer of your skin known as the Stratum corneum. They incorporate within them very mild acids that are perfect for beginners or even sensitive skin types. These are great as a refresher that requires little to no downtime.

2.Medium peels

Medium peels, as the name suggests, target the middle part of the skin. These are much more effective for removing damaged skin cells than light peels. Since these peels use lower pH to reach deep into the skin, they are not recommended for first-timers. You may expect peeling for 3-6 days so it’s advisable to not expose yourself to the sun.

3.Deep peels

Deep peels are very intense and they penetrate the deepest layer of your skin. These peels are targeted to treat serious skin issues and conditions. These are only to be done by professionals and experts. They have the longest downtime of more than 7 days.

How to pick the right chemical peel for your skin

With different varieties of chemical peels available to you, it can get difficult to pick the right one for your skin. A chemical peel should be chosen based on your skin type, concern, and tolerance level. This is how to get started:

Lactic peel

If you have a sensitive/dry skin type with little acid tolerance level, go for a lactic acid peel. This is a light peel that is perfect for skin concerns such as light acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Mandelic peel

If you have zero acid tolerance level and want to target fine lines and wrinkles, the mandelic acid peel is for you. It is one of the most gentle peels.

Glycolic peel

Glycolic peel is a medium peel targeted to work on acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and PIH for those who have some acid tolerance level. It is a popular treatment for sun damage as well.

Salicylic peel

If you suffer from acne and clogged pores, the salicylic acid peel is perfect for you. It is a medium peel that goes deep into the skin and fights acne-causing bacteria.

TCA peel

One of the most intense and deep peels that work on dark spots, freckles, uneven skin tone, and discoloration is TCA or Trichloroacetic peel. You will experience discomfort if you’ve had TCA peel so aftercare is extremely important.

Some after-care tips

No matter what type of chemical peel you’ve had, here are a few things you must follow to not ruin your skin:

• Repair your skin barrier like no one’s business

Since you have just exfoliated your skin and the top layer of skin cells is removed, it is important to recover it. The healing process is increased if you use fewer products, focusing more on skin protection. Hence, a barrier repair moisturizer with ingredients such as Ceramides is the right choice. Our Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer is just the thing you need. It is a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream that locks in moisture and reduces dryness or irritation.

• Use sunscreen now, more than ever

After chemical peeling, your skin is more prone to sun damage. This is why a broad-spectrum sunscreen like our Cover Up Sunscreen with an SPF of more than 50 has to be applied even if you stay indoors. If you go out, reapply it every 2 hours. However, we recommend avoiding sun exposure as much as possible.

• Don’t over-exfoliate

Patience is key when it comes to aftercare for your skin after chemical peeling. Do not go overboard and use harsh scrubs or other acids. All you need is a simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting.

What if there's one product that takes care of all of your skin concerns without any strings attached? Sounds like a dream, right? But this dream has come to life, all thanks to Niacinamide or otherwise known as Vitamin B3. A very well-known, hyped, and researched ingredient that deserves all the place in your heart (and skincare routine).

Any skin type can easily use this ingredient without any issues, and you can find it in many forms, including serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Here's everything you need to know about Niacinamide; keep scrolling to learn about it.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is like a friend that everyone should have, mainly because it goes along with every other ingredient and works amazingly. Being a water-soluble vitamin form of Niacin, Niacinamide offers numerous benefits to your skin. It is one of the most stable ingredients in your skincare, which is why it is perfectly suitable for all skin types. It can easily absorb in the upper layer of your skin where barrier-friendly ingredients such as ceramides and other proteins reside. So, unlike other actives like BHA that penetrate deeper, this ingredient doesn't cause any irritation, and you can always get well-hydrated and glowy skin. 

What does Niacinamide do for your skin?

There are numerous benefits of using niacinamide for your skin. So let's take a deep dive into it and get to know them better:

• Strengthens skin barrier: 

To help strengthen your skin barrier, incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine. Research has shown that niacinamide, when used in appropriate quantities along with other healthy ingredients like ceramides can augment the barrier properties of the skin.

• Reduces skin hyperpigmentation: 

With consistent usage, potent Niacinamide can be effective on hyperpigmentation and spots. In addition, Niacinamide very mildly exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, thus increasing cell turnover.

• Lessens fine lines & wrinkles: 

Niacinamide can delay ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is power-packed with several vitamins that improve skin texture, deliver hydration, and keep the skin looking young.

• Treats redness/inflammation:

While niacinamide suits all skin types, it is best to use when you have a compromised skin barrier. This is because it soothes the skin and thus reduces redness or inflammation. 

• Improves skin elasticity & boosts collagen: 

Niacinamide helps to increase the natural lipids of your skin that are responsible for helping to retain younger-looking skin. This, in turn, boosts collagen and helps improve skin elasticity. 

• Controls sebum production: 

When your skin doesn't get enough hydration, it signals your pores to produce sebum for the lost moisture. Since niacinamide helps to retain moisture, it balances the hydration levels in your skin. This further helps with the prevention of acne. 

• Fights free radical damage:

Niacinamide acts as a protective shield for your skin and fights free radical damage and pollutants. In addition, it acts as an excellent antioxidant for your skin that fights against various environmental aggressors.

• Protective against UV-induced damage: 

Not many people know this, but niacinamide makes up for an incredible ingredient in sunscreens due to its properties that fight against UV light. 

If you're looking for a sunscreen that incorporates niacinamide as a key ingredient, look no further and get your hands on the Foxtale Cover-Up Sunscreen. This ingredient itself has not only made the formula easy to apply and blend in the skin but also made it dewy and quick absorbing. This sunscreen is your chance to claim and access niacinamide's benefits.

How to incorporate it into your routine?

1.As a standalone serum:

Most commonly, niacinamide is used in the form of serums. This is because water-based serums make it easy to use, apply, and blend in with other products. If you're using this ingredient in serum form, pick the right formula with additional ingredients to target specific concerns. Look for serums with at least 2-5% Niacinamide to get full benefits. Also, follow up with sunscreen to guard your skin against sun exposure, as it can make your skin photosensitive when used in high concentrations.

2.In your Sunscreen:

Using niacinamide in your sunscreen is the way to go when you want to avoid incorporating different steps for different concerns. Minimal routine makes your life, as well as your wallet, happier. When used with sunscreen, niacinamide becomes much more capable and can fight free radical damage, UV light, pollution, and blue light. Moreover, it makes the sunscreen formula much easier and more satisfying to apply. If you don't believe this, try the Cover-Up sunscreen and experience it yourself!

Things to keep in mind before using Niacinamide

Niacinamide is safe for all skin types and concerns, but only when used in the right concentrations and precautions since every skin is different. It is best to start using it with lower concentrations, as higher concentrations might cause irritations for beginners. You can use it daily once your skin becomes tolerant to the ingredient. Niacinamide is a stable ingredient, but it takes time to work on different issues, so patience is key. 

The Conclusion 

As a skin-loving ingredient, niacinamide strengthens the barrier and slows down the rate at which you age. The best part— it's perfect even for sensitive skin types. It has soothing effects on the skin and calms redness. This ingredient is a saviour for people with oily skin as it helps regulate and control oil production. Avail the benefits of this magical ingredient by including it in your routine today! 

FAQ

1.What is niacinamide good for? 

Niacinamide offers a range of benefits to your skin. It regulates oil production and minimizes skin redness. It helps treat severe cases of acne and reduces its appearance over time. In addition, it protects you from sun damage and gives you a youthful and radiant complexion.

2.Which skin type is Niacinamide best for?

Niacinamide is the perfect fit for all skin types. It is particularly well-suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. However, it can also benefit those with dry or sensitive skin, improving hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.  

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