Where is Okinawa?
Okinawa is a chain of islands in the southernmost tip of Japan. Once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa was geographically incorporated into Japan in 1879, but Ryukyuans still continue to preserve their native languages, cultures, and traditions.
What makes Okinawa special? Wellness Benefits of Okinawa
Famed for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and untouched natural beauty, Okinawa is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after getaway destinations in Japan. Relatively free of environmental hazards like pollution and deforestation, the clean atmosphere is conducive to staying healthy and happy. Okinawans enjoy a predominantly plant-based diet, filled with seasonal and locally grown staples like purple sweet potato and bitter melon, and medicinal herbs and spices like turmeric. Recognized as one of the world’s Blue Zones, Okinawans on average live much longer than most people on the planet.
But it’s not just the scenic beauty and delicious cuisine that makes Okinawa appealing to Japanese and foreign tourists alike. Okinawans are known for their positive outlook and warm, friendly personalities. Strong community ties are valued, and the culture is known for being relaxed and relatively stress-free. It’s no wonder that Japanese people from all over the nation flock to Okinawa whenever they’re in need of a serious reset!
Kucha: A well-kept Japanese beauty secret
Native Okinawans treasure their natural resources, and we can see them usefully integrated into their daily rituals, diets, and even religious ceremonies. One such resource is kucha, a special clay that is only found in certain parts of the Okinawan islands. The local people have long understood kucha’s beauty benefits and have been using it to cleanse the body and hair for centuries. Charged with negative ions and extremely small particles that are much tinier than the size of our pores, this rare clay effortlessly draws out impurities including oil, dirt, and sebum from the skin, giving the skin a much-needed deep pore cleanse. Kucha’s texture also acts as a natural exfoliant that helps to gently buff away dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin.
While Kucha is known for its purifying, brightening, and exfoliating properties, it helps achieve a clearer and smoother complexion without stripping the skin of moisture. This makes it suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. The clay has a cooling sensation on the skin, and helps to calm and soothe irritation, redness, and inflammation. Kucha is also infused with nutrients and minerals, some of which are said to be millions of years old. The clay’s silica content is said to help enhance skin elasticity, making it appear more youthful, firm, and supple. Other naturally-occurring minerals include zinc, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Where can you find kucha?
Japanese beauty brand Edobio harness the power of kucha in its rinse-off Radiance Booster Mask. Intended to help the skin combat damage from external stressors like UV rays, pollution, dirt, dryness, blue light, and temperature changes, the mask combines kucha with lactobacillus fermented sake lees extract, which helps to soften the skin texture, restore moisture, and brighten the skin. Although seemingly opposites, pore-refining kucha and reparative sake lees extract work together for a balanced two-in-one result. Usually avoid clay masks like the plague and haven’t ventured away from something different than your go-to Japanese sheet masks because your skin is dry or sensitive? Don’t worry, there’s no danger of getting too “squeaky” here. These Japanese skin saviors effectively detox the skin while leaving it soft, calm, and hydrated, making this mask a winner for all skin types.
SHOP: Radiance Booster Mask
Looking to rebuild your skincare routine from the ground up? If natural ingredients like Kucha are up your alley, you may want to treat yourself to the EDOBIO Essential Beauty Box. In addition to the Radiance Booster Mask, this starter kit includes minis of the brand’s most essential items, including the Fresh Balancing Toner, Intensive Hydration Serum, Glowing Night Gel Mask, Floradiance Moisturizing Souffle Soap, and even a foaming net to help you make the most of your products. This limited-edition box will be available while supplies last.
