スキンケアを変える前に。「肌の記録」を始めませんか？

Hi, this is Lani 🌿

"Is my current skincare routine right for my skin?"
"My skin is dry, what should I add?" "
I'm using a lot of different products, but I don't know which ones I actually need."

Even if you take care of your skin every day, do you ever find yourself wondering about things like this?

Before you start looking for a new serum or switching creams, one approach is to first keep a record of your current skin condition.

You don't need to do anything complicated. Today, I'll talk about "skin journaling," something you can easily start.

What is "Skin Records"?

A skin record is like a small diary where you write down the condition of your skin each day and the skincare products you used.

You don't need to prepare a special notebook; your smartphone's memo app or your usual planner will do. You don't need to write long sentences every day either.

for example,

"My cheeks felt a little tight after washing my face."
"The tightness subsided after applying moisturizing cream."
"By evening, I noticed dryness around my mouth."

Try starting with short notes like these.

Small changes that you might remember at the time but forget after a few days. Writing them down makes it easier to look back on them later.

What I want to write about is what I used and "how I felt about it."

First, let's record the following three things.

1. How my skin looks today

I'll write about things I noticed, such as dryness, tightness, and stickiness.

It's also important to keep records of things like, "My skin was in good condition," or "I felt comfortable all day." Not only the days you're concerned about your skin, but also the skincare routines you followed on good days can provide clues when you look back.

2. Skincare products used

I make a note of everything I used that day, such as cleanser, face wash, toner, serum, and cream.

Including the product name makes it easier to distinguish between similar items you use. If you change the amount or frequency of use, be sure to note that as well.

3. How your skin feels after treatment

Please write about how you felt not only immediately after using it, but also a little while later.

"It felt moisturizing right after application, but by the afternoon, I noticed it was getting dry."
"After my morning skincare routine, I felt more comfortable than usual."

In this way, simply writing down what you felt is sufficient.

We also share a little bit of the changes in the seasons and our lives together.

When reviewing the condition of your skin, it's important not to focus too much on cosmetics alone.

If something is different from the usual, such as a cooler day, the first day you've started using the heater, or a day when you didn't get enough sleep, try adding a short comment.

"I was wondering if my cream wasn't working for me anymore," but looking at my records, I realized I'd been noticing it since the air started getting drier. You might have a similar realization.

However, events that occurred on the same day are not necessarily the cause. Use your skin records not to pinpoint a cause, but as clues to understand your skin's tendencies.

Even when you want to reduce your skincare routine.

"Before I knew it, I was using more and more items."
"I want to simplify things a bit, but where should I start?"

Having records makes it easier to organize things in situations like that.

Changing several items at once makes it difficult to understand what was causing the changes. When reviewing your skincare routine, do it one item at a time. Make a note of what you changed and how your skin changed afterward.

However, just because you don't see any changes for a few days doesn't mean that the item is unnecessary. Some products may not show immediate results, and others, like sunscreen, protect your skin even if there are no visible changes.

Instead of hastily deciding to stop everything because there hasn't been any change, let's think about it while cherishing the basics of skincare.

Also, if you experience irritation, redness, or other adverse reactions, there is no need to force yourself to continue using the product for record-keeping purposes. If symptoms persist, please consult a dermatologist.

This simple record is fine.

October 15

Today's skin: My cheeks are a little dry. My skin felt tight after washing my face.

Products used: My usual face wash, toner, and moisturizing cream. I also used sunscreen in the morning.

After treatment: The tightness subsided after moisturizing.

A quick note: It's getting cooler. I didn't get enough sleep last night.

You don't have to try to write beautifully every day. It's okay to write just one line on busy days, or even to skip days altogether.

Try saving it little by little in a way that's easy to continue.

This will also be helpful for consultations at the salon.

When asked about your skin at the salon, you might find yourself thinking, "I feel like my skin was dry last week, but what products was I using?" and not being able to remember exactly.

Having a record makes it easier to communicate the usual condition of your skin.

When do you find your skin particularly dry?
What products have made you feel comfortable?
What are you currently unsure about regarding your skincare routine?

At Lani, we consider not only the condition of your skin on that day, but also your usual skincare routine and any concerns you have, to help you plan your skincare routine together.

If you keep records, please show them to us when you visit. Of course, you can also consult with us even if you don't have any records.

Before adding anything, start by understanding your skin's current condition.

The skin record is not meant to be a daily scoring system for your skin.

"It's a little dry today."
"Today was a pleasant day."

It's meant to help you gradually learn about your own skin by leaving behind small observations like these.

If you're thinking about changing your skincare routine, why not take a moment to pause and reflect on your current skin and skincare habits?

That record might give you a starting point for thinking about the care that's right for you 🌿

Lani,
Moriyama-ku, Nagoya | Private facial salon by appointment only
. Consultations available in Japanese and English.
For consultations and reservations regarding your skin and daily skincare routine, please feel free to contact us via our official LINE account.