Discover the Hidden Benefits of Onsen

Soaking in a hot spring heals aches, pains and illnesses including chronic skin diseases, diabetes, menstrual disorders and many more. It also has beautification effect for people of all ages – both young and old – who have taken advantage of soaking in the onsen as part of their skincare regime.

Which Hot Spring Type Has a Significant Effect for Beautiful Skin?

The type and benefits of a hot spring depends on its minerals and compounds present, which gives it varying levels of alkalinity or acidity that is measured by its pH value. Amongst the different kinds of natural hot springs, these are three types that have significant skin beautification effect:

Sulphur Spring (硫黄泉). A good soak in a sulphur spring is great for improving the skin’s elasticity and youthfulness, and helps ease symptoms of rashes, psoriasis, dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, and warts. E.g. Takayu Onsen, Fukushima

Sodium Bicarbonate Saline Spring (炭酸水素塩泉). It treats acne by removing excessive sebum from the surface of the skin, and is a good exfoliating agent that helps remove dead skin cells to produce soft and smooth skin. E.g. Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

Sulphate Spring (硫酸塩泉). Water found in sulphate springs is known as “water for cuts and bruises”. In skincare, sulphate springs are good for its anti-ageing, antibacterial, and anti-acne properties. E.g. Zao Onsen, Yamagata

Pay Attention to the pH Value of the Hot Spring!

If the onsen water’s pH value is strongly alkaline, it softens the skin and slows down signs of ageing; and if the pH value is strongly acidic, it encourages the skin’s detoxification and acts as an all-natural toner for treating scars and acne. A soak in Dogo Onsen will leave the skin feeling soft and supple as its pH value is 8.5.

Onsen Skincare Method

In order to maximise the benefits of onsen, it is important to observe the following steps:

Step 1. Drink Water to Prevent Dehydration

Drink water to prevent dehydration while soaking in the onsen. After that, we advise you to remove any makeup to open your pores. Panasonic’s Micro-foam and Soft Brush (EH-SC50) is recommended to effectively remove dirt and oil from your skin.

Step 2. Wash Your Body to Prevent Dirtying the Onsen

Wash your hair and body before entering the onsen. If you have long hair, tie up your hair to prevent fallen hair strands from dirtying the onsen. After that, perform kake-yu, which means using some onsen water for acclimatising your body to the temperature of the onsen water.

Step 3. Enter the Onsen and Stretch Out

Enter the onsen slowly to help your body get used to the onsen water temperature, and then stretch out to ease any knots and tension in the muscles.

Step 4. Apply Skincare Products at the End of Bath to Keep Skin Taut and Youthful

At the end of the bath, use your skincare products to complete your skincare regime. A facial massage helps keep the skin taut and youthful. The Panasonic Face Roller and Massager (EH-SP32) is a great device for a daily facelift! Also the Panasonic Ionic Cleansing and Toning Device (EH-ST50) is a wonderful tool to accompany the moisturizing step in your daily skincare routine.