For many, acne is a serious problem and a widespread ailment for which there is no cure. Let’s discuss how to deal with it in Japan.
If left untreated, pimples can become more severe, difficult to remove, and leave scars. Here are some options for treating acne in Japan.
Waking Up With a Pimple: Drugstore Skin Care
Image: Paula Chiarino
Pimples appear at inopportune times. To get rid of a pimple quickly, you can go to the drugstore. Skip the miraculous serums and patches that falsely promise that your pimple will disappear in a few hours, and instead go to the pharmacy. There, in addition to the abundance of ointments for dry skin and itching, you will find a somewhat limited range of products for acne.
However, the products available are generally formulated with effective ingredients proven to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections, such as ibuprofen piconol, resorcinol, and isopropyl methylphenol.
Sound strangely unfamiliar? These ingredients aren’t commonly found in most over-the-counter skincare products abroad, while Western favorites like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide aren’t typically found in Japanese products. They all do the job, though.
While drugstore skin care products can help you keep an occasional pimple under control, more severe or persistent cases require professional care.
When in doubt, visit a dermatologist
After a few pimples, over-the-counter products can fall short. If the affected area is extensive, the product you’re using may just not be what you need. You may start to wonder if it’s just a rash, a hormonal pimple, or something more serious.
It’s time for a diagnosis from a doctor. A visit to the dermatologist can also be a good time to have your annual skin check for moles and dark spots.
Dermatologists in Japan are open and flexible, and they know that skin care is different in the West. Therefore, you should be specific about all the treatments you have had before and the treatments you want to try, and set your budget. Doctors are usually interested in your history and preferences, and are happy to take your ideas into account.
Doctors typically choose one of the following treatments:
Medical skin care
Image: NOV
Medical skincare is dermatologically tested and usually avoids skin irritants such as perfume or alcohol. It is sold without a prescription and is usually targeted at sensitive skin with specific conditions.
For example, La Roche Posay and Bioderma are well-known brands of medical skin care that are trusted by dermatologists worldwide. In Japan, however, most medical skin care falls under the domain of one brand: NOVEMBER.
A Japanese brand developed by dermatologists in 1985, NOV formulates hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products. Unlike expensive medical skincare products from overseas, NOV is a mid-range option (think ¥2,200 sunscreen) that can be easily found in most cosmetic stores in Japan.
NOV sells three different product lines that specifically target acne. Your doctor will likely recommend a NOV product that is worth incorporating into your skin care routine.
Antibiotics (oral and topical)
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