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In 1999 I was lucky enough to travel to Japan to a summer school with university. It was an incredible trip, I had an absolute blast with amazing friends and saw some incredible sights. The weather was incredibly humid and I was frequently hot and sweaty, but one of the things I recall thinking during my time in Japan was how incredible Japanese women’s skin was. Flawless, hydrated, glowing, almost glass-like – literally stunning. Turns out, the Japanese know a thing or two about skin care.

Let’s be honest — when your skin isn’t behaving, everything feels a bit off. You can have the nicest outfit on, your hair can be great, but if your skin feels dry, tight, or dull, your confidence just isn’t the same.

According to new research from Hada Labo Tokyo, almost nine in ten UK women say poor skin appearance affects their mental wellbeing, and nearly a third have even cancelled social plans because they didn’t feel confident about their skin. That’s a huge number — and it highlights just how connected our skin health and self-esteem really are.

Why So Many Women Struggle with Their Skin

The new Skin Matters report found that women rate their facial skin, on average, a five out of ten. The biggest concerns?

• Dryness
• Dark circles
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dullness and uneven texture

Many of us admit that our skincare routines could be better. Only two-thirds cleanse daily, less than a third use SPF50, and just 66% have a proper night-time routine. It’s not hard to see why our skin might be crying out for some attention.

Hydration: The Foundation of Happy, Healthy Skin

Experts agree that hydration is the foundation of good skin. Dr Nisa Aslam, part of the Hada Labo Tokyo expert hub, explains that when skin looks and feels hydrated, we naturally feel better in ourselves.

The brand’s entire range is built around hyaluronic acid — an ingredient capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin and locks it in, helping to prevent dryness, dullness and fine lines.

What really impressed me is the lasting hydration. I don’t think I’ve ever used a skincare range where the results feel this long-lasting — my skin still feels comfortable hours later, whether it’s morning or bedtime. The glow, the softness, the overall feel — it’s just different.

What Makes Hada Labo Tokyo Special

This isn’t your typical beauty brand. Originating in Japan, Hada Labo Tokyo is the country’s number-one skincare brand, known for its science-backed formulas and exceptional value for money.

Each collection targets specific needs:

• White Line – for younger or combination skin, with three to four types of hyaluronic acid for everyday hydration.
• Red Line – anti-ageing and firming, with collagen, retinol and four hyaluronic acids for multi-layer hydration.
• Gold Line – the premium range, containing seven types of hyaluronic acid, fermented ingredients and cutting-edge formulations for deep, all-day moisture.
• Sun Care Range – SPF 50 facial and body protection, with super hydrating formulas that feel light, not sticky or heavy.

From cleansers and serums to rich night creams and sheet masks, everything is designed to hydrate, smooth and support the skin barrier.

A Brand That Feels Different

I’ve tried a lot of skincare brands over the years, but this one genuinely stands out. The texture of the products is beautiful — light but nourishing — and my skin feels hydrated from morning to night. There’s a real dewy glow that lasts, without feeling greasy.

The Super Hydrator Lotion sinks in within seconds and leaves the skin plump and smooth, while the Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel feels like a perfect mix between a serum and a cream. Even the SPF 50 Moisturising Sun Lotion feels comfortable and wearable all day, which is a rare find.

Confidence, from the Inside Out

I also love that Hada Labo Tokyo takes the conversation beyond beauty. Their research — supported by experts including Dr Hilary Jones and Dr Janine David — highlights how poor skin health can impact emotional well-being. When skin looks good, we feel good. When it doesn’t, it can genuinely affect how we see ourselves.

That’s what makes this range more than just skincare — it’s self-care. Keeping the skin hydrated and healthy isn’t about vanity, it’s about how we feel every day.

The Hydration Difference

If your skin has been feeling tight, tired, or simply in need of some love, I can’t recommend this range enough. Whether you’re in your 20s or 50s, the science behind it stays the same: hydrated skin is happier, smoother, and more resilient.

The Bottom Line

With so many women rating their skin confidence low, it’s refreshing to find a brand that’s both accessible and effective. Hada Labo Tokyo bridges that gap beautifully — premium ingredients, science-driven hydration, and genuinely long-lasting results.