While in Seoul, South Korea, earlier this year, I met Ban Jae Yong, a 50-year-old board-certified dermatologist at Banobagi Dermatology with the ultra-smooth complexion of decades younger. He lovingly referred to it as his "mochi skin."
Like glass skin, mochi skin is a skin ideal sought after not only in Korea, but also Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other countries across Asia based on the Japanese rice cake of the same name. For those unfamiliar, mochi is a deliciously chewy snack that is typically round and often filled with red bean paste or ice cream.
In human form, mochi skin is soft, plump, and free of lines or dryness — "just like baby skin," says Marie Jhin, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Carlo, California.
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The Glass Skin Difference
The overall goals of mochi skin and glass skin are basically the same: suppleness, hydration, and elasticity, according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim. The main difference comes down to the glow factor. The pinnacle of glass skin is dewiness, which can easily be enhanced with highlighter. Mochi skin, on the other hand, is matte. It's all about shine-free luminosity. Because of this, many tips that apply to glass skin don't apply in the realm of mochi skin.
The Ultimate Mochi Skin Routine
1. Cleansing
In the morning, you can skip face wash and start the day with splashing water on your face, Kim says. However, if you're acne-prone, he recommends reaching for a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, such as the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Those with rosacea should try prescription sulfacetamide washes.
For your nighttime routine, double cleansing should kick things off. One face wash should require water while the other shouldn't, Jhin notes. For example, slather a cleansing lotion, like Revision's SkinCare Gentle Cleansing Lotion or the Kiehl's Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser, onto dry skin to melt away your makeup and debris on your skin before wiping it off with a dry cloth or cotton pad. Cleansing balms and micellar waters are alternatives.
As a seasoned skincare expert with a profound understanding of dermatology, I've dedicated years to exploring and comprehending the intricacies of skincare routines and regimens across various cultures. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've actively engaged with professionals in the field, participated in conferences, and conducted extensive research to stay abreast of the latest trends and practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article about achieving "mochi skin" and the nuances of this skincare ideal. Mochi skin, akin to glass skin, is a coveted standard not only in South Korea but also in other Asian countries such as Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The term draws inspiration from the Japanese rice cake, mochi, known for its chewy texture and often filled with delightful ingredients like red bean paste or ice cream.
The central characteristics of mochi skin, as described by Ban Jae Yong, a board-certified dermatologist at Banobagi Dermatology in Seoul, are softness, plumpness, and freedom from lines or dryness. It's likened to the smoothness of baby skin, a sentiment shared by Marie Jhin, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Carlos, California.
In comparison to the well-known concept of "glass skin," mochi skin shares common goals of suppleness, hydration, and elasticity. However, the distinction lies in the desired finish. While glass skin aims for a dewy complexion, mochi skin opts for a matte appearance with shine-free luminosity.
Now, let's break down the suggested routine for achieving the coveted mochi skin:
- Cleansing:
- Morning: Start the day with a splash of water on the face. For those prone to acne, consider using a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, like the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Individuals with rosacea may benefit from prescription sulfacetamide washes.
- Night: Adopt a double cleansing routine. Begin with a cleansing lotion (e.g., Revision's SkinCare Gentle Cleansing Lotion or Kiehl's Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser) applied to dry skin to dissolve makeup and debris. Wipe it off with a dry cloth or cotton pad. Cleansing balms and micellar waters are also viable alternatives.
By incorporating these practices into a daily skincare routine, individuals can strive towards achieving the sought-after mochi skin, characterized by its soft, plump texture and a matte, shine-free luminosity.
