Dark circles under your eyes?

I just found funny Japanese skincare to remove dark circles. This is a kind of pad, but not just regular cosmetic pad but also it has some kind of special stuff which emits infrared rays and stimulates blood circulation!

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Japanese cooking, Black Bean Jelly (Relief for Eye Fatigue)

Black beans are one of the healthiest beans in the world!

They are rich in protein, vitamins, and saponin which reduces fat and works as antioxidant. Also, black beans contain isoflavone which works as a plant estrogen. In other words, black beans are almost as nutritious as soy beans.

Also, black beans have anthocyanin which is full of antioxidants and reduces eye fatigue. Because of its high nutritional value, black beans are used often in Chinese herbal medicines.

Ingredients you need to make black bean jelly are black beans, soy milk, gelatin (or agar).

(+ soy beans flour and sweeter like agave or brown sugar, if possible.)

Mix soy milk and gelatin, heat and stir

Add black beans

Mix it

Heat to a boil. Do not forget to add agave syrup or brown sugar for sweetness!

Pour into cups and refrigerate for 1 hour. That's it! Enjoy!

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Japanese women in their 40's are celebrated for their beauty

A Japanese magazine is sponsoring Miss Japan over 40 years old contest! They look fabulous.

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Synthetic surfactant is at risk.

Most of the cosmetics sold include  synthetic surfactant. This is used to emulsify oil and water. Since it is lower cost, strong power to emulsify, and stabilizes, many companies use this.

But, many disadvantages...

- Absorbs necessary natural oils.

- Destroy natural skin barrier, so that active ingredients penetrate deeper, but at the same time unnecessary other chemical stuff is also penetrated deeper.

- Broken skin barrier cannot keep moisture inside, so you get drier skin.

- The longer you use it, the weaker your skin becomes.

- There is possibility to dissolve intercellular lipid, and damage protein in skin, like collagen.

If it is used as cleansing item,

- It is hard to get rid of this, so it stays on the skin.

- Inhabitant on the skin, which controls skin's health condition, is rinsed away.

in general, it is said that cleansing oil has the most % of synthetic surfactant.
Example of synthetic surfactants
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- PEG
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Japanese cooking, Hijiki (Source of Calcium and Iron for Women)

Do you know what Hijiki is? Hijiki is a type of seaweed, loaded with calcium, fiber, and IRON which women need. I purchased this Hijiki at a local Asian market.

First, you prepare vegetables, like carrots or  mushrooms. Any veggies, except leafy greens are ok.

Cut the veggies

While cooking vegetables, soak Hijiki in water for 15 minutes. 

Soaking Hijiki will cause it to expand 10x in size.

Stir Carrots

Stir Green Beans

Mix in the Hijiki with the sauted vegetables. 

Stir together.

Add equal amounts of soy sauce, sake and mirin. These ingredients are available in most super markets in the US. These 3 ingredients are key in Japanese cooking.

Finished!

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UV block clothing choice.

Some Japanese are extreme. They wear numerous items (or special clothes) to protect from UV.

While some of the items may be extreme, consider times that you could incorporate these UV blocking options into your life to protect your skin from harmful and damaging rays.

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Grand father's smile on your knees.

I found an interesting article. It says, if you do not care for your knees, they might accumulate dead skin cells, get dry and look like grand father's smile.  You will not smile back if you find them on your knees.

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