Spring light and fluctuating skin conditions
Spring, with its soft light and gentle breezes, is my favorite season.
Just opening the window and breathing in the fresh air makes me feel lighter and refreshed.
However, at the same time, my skin tends to fluctuate a little.
Sometimes, when I touch my cheek, it feels drier than usual, or the facial cleanser I was using normally until yesterday suddenly stings.
"My skin must be tired,"
Recognizing these signals from my body, I decided to re-evaluate my daily skincare routine.
Choosing soap like choosing food
While searching, I discovered the Japanese herbal soaps from "Sekkenya Reef."
I was drawn to their earnest craftsmanship, born from the desire to "choose soap just as one chooses food."
At the core of this philosophy lies a poignant experience of Mr. Suzuki himself.
Commercially available products he had been using without issue suddenly began to disagree with his body at a certain point, causing his palms to swell red and itching to persist even after bathing.
It was during this time that he decided to try making his own soap, seeking something his body could feel safe with, and that became the catalyst.
In fact, I've had a similar experience.
Perhaps our bodies react to additives depending on our physical condition without us even realizing it? I strongly identified with the discomfort Mr. Suzuki once felt.
Because it's something that directly touches my skin every day, I want to choose it with the same discernment as food, listening to my body's needs at the moment.
I feel that this has brought me back to such a fundamental and essential principle.
Extracting the power of plants over time
Reef's soaps are made using the "cold process method," which does not involve heating.
By deliberately not applying heat and allowing them to mature slowly for over a month, the moisturizing ingredients found in natural oils and Japanese herbs are preserved without being destroyed, encapsulated as they are.
They use no unnecessary additives like preservatives or synthetic fragrances, sincerely prioritizing quality and safety.
I feel that because of this honest approach, backed by their own experiences, I can confidently entrust my fluctuating sensitive skin, and even a baby's soft skin, to their products.
"Washing with plants is always good."
This catchphrase resonated deeply with me.
As someone who loves aromatherapy and herbal teas and believes in the power of plants, there was no way I wouldn't incorporate this into my life.
Deep Purple for mature skin
The first one I picked up was "Noumurasaki" (Deep Purple).
It is a noble and deeply colored soap, imbued with the power of "Shikon" (Lithospermum root), the root of the purple gromwell plant.
Shikon, which is said to promote healthy skin cell turnover, is a reassuring ally for anti-aging care for mature skin.
"An exotic scent," I wondered what it would be like.
As I worked up a lather with anticipation, a somewhat nostalgic yet dignified aroma rose up.
Behind the crisp freshness of bergamot, the tranquility of frankincense and the deep earthy notes of patchouli gently layered. It's a profound scent that aromatherapy lovers would adore, making you want to take a deep breath.
The comfort of being enveloped in this scent while washing my face is simply exquisite.
It provides a sense of reassurance, as if it's loosening the tension in my body from the day's fatigue from deep within.
After rinsing, my skin feels absolutely no tightness, just a moistness that makes my fingers cling.
It's a reliable quality that makes me look forward to embracing my aging skin.
"Ai" (Indigo), cool to the eye, awaiting early summer
Another one that instantly captivated me was "Ai" (Indigo).
It's a deep, serene blue, created by Ryukyu indigo.
It used to be a seasonal item, but I learned it became a regular product this year, so I immediately welcomed it into my home. Just placing it by the washbasin instantly brings a refreshing coolness to the water area.
As it lathers, a pleasant, fresh scent reminiscent of lemon spreads.
It's a refreshing crispness that awakens the senses, thanks to the blend of natural essential oils like lemon myrtle, lemon eucalyptus, and bergamot.
Unlike the deeply moisturizing "Noumurasaki Argan," this one leaves my skin feeling tight and refreshed. Yet, it doesn't feel dry, instead, it feels like it neatly balances the moisture and oil in my skin.
As the days gradually become warmer and more humid, this will undoubtedly be a reliable companion.
Washing time is a dialogue with myself
Loquat leaf, Job's tears, ginger manuka...
Standing before the lineup of eight types of Japanese herbal series, deciding "Which one should I choose next?" is a truly luxurious moment.
When the soap I'm currently using becomes small, I'll welcome a new one, adapting to the changing seasons and my skin's condition at that time. That's how I want to try each one carefully, one by one.
Reef's soaps gently guide me to "a dialogue with myself," something often put on the back burner in my busy daily life, and I believe they will become my new staple.
