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So, I packed my quirkiest outfits and my passport.

Having never been to any Asian country before, I had wide, eager eyes and few expectations.

hands mixing matcha with a wooden whisk

Getty / Design by Cristina Cianci

Read on to learn more.

“Skin is a reflection of our body,” she says.

For this reason, probiotics are a huge part of the average Japanese diet.

Matcha tea

Amanda Montell

“We have natural bacterial flora that help boost our immune systems and help minimize bad bacteria.

Pills and supplements are also on the rise.

“Skin hydration means a healthy skin barrier and healthy skin.”

Gut and skin health

Amanda Montell

Nazarian says lotion is a catch-all term.

(Like eyebrow stamps?

But what impressed me the most about Japanese drugstores was their impressive selection of “gel” sunscreens.

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics

“Gels differ from creams and lotions on their reduced oil content.

America, it’s time to step up your drugstore sunscreen game to Japan’s levelpronto.

Use Makeup to Complement Your Skin (Not Hide It!)

Japanese lotion

Amanda Montell

2020 Dec 27;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085

Woman shopping in drugstore

Amanda Montell

Woman with light makeup

Amanda Montell

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation