Did you know that a tenugui, the exfoliating Japanese towel, can help you achieve clear, glowing skin? Here’s how!
Clogged pores, dull skin, and uneven complexion. This troublesome trifecta represents just a few of the biggest skin concerns we encounter on our quest to achieve clear skin.
The secret to a natural glow is exfoliation. This is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to reveal the smoother, younger cells underneath. One way to exfoliate is by using chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes. There’s also physical exfoliation methods like facial scrubs and microdermabrasion. However, if you’re not careful, you could end up doing your skin more harm than good.
But, what if there were a way to exfoliate without harsh chemicals, harmful micro-particles, and abrasive devices?
Enter the tenugui, the Exfoliating Japanese Towel.
What Is A “Tenugui”?
Tenugui are thin and rectangular strips of fabric measuring approximately 90 cm x 35 cm. They come in an imaginative variety of colors, prints, and patterns.
The history of tenugui stretches back to the 8th century, and they continue to play a role in the daily lives of Japanese. In 21st century Japan, tenugui are an invaluable asset to those who are conscious of the ethical and environmental impact of their consumption habits.
Tenugui are an all-seasonal and versatile cloth that can be used inside or outside the home. Use in place of a handkerchief, hand towel, or dish towel, or use tenugui to wrap gifts. You may also use it as decorative statement piece in the home, hung on the wall or as a table runner. Likewise, tenugui are a functional fashion item that you can use as a bandana, headband, or scarf. For more ways on how to use your tenugui, please see our post:
Tenugui are a staple of Japanese bathing culture due to their high-absorbent and fast-drying abilities. It is precisely because of these properties that Japanese beauty blogs now praise tenugui, the Japanese towel and exfoliating face cloth, as a must-have skincare item.
Why Add A Tenugui To Your Skincare Routine?
As previously discussed, the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin is a leading cause of blocked pores. This blockage is the perfect environment for blackheads, whiteheads, and acne, resulting in a dull, uneven complexion.
As you wash your face with a tenugui, its fibers act as a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliating treatment. This action helps stimulate skin cellular turnover, the period in which new skin cells replace old skin cells.
Likewise, the natural fibers of a tenugui are effective in removing makeup, dirt, and pollutants that accumulate on your face throughout the course of a day.
Incorporate a tenugui into your skincare regime to discover the healthy, radiant skin underneath that’s waiting to be revealed!
How To Use A Tenugui As An Exfoliating Facial Cloth In 6 Steps
- Before washing your face, loosen up the fibers in your tenugui by dipping it in water and wringing it out 1-2 times.
- Next, pre-wash your face with warm water.
- Apply your preferred facial cleanser to the tenugui
- Wash your face with the tenugui by using light, circular movements. Take extra care around delicate areas like under the eyes. Be sure to pay attention to areas like around the nostrils, where dirt can be trapped.
- Rinse face with warm water and pat dry.
- Follow up with your desired skincare products. Don’t forget to moisturize your freshly exfoliated face!
How To Take Care Of Your Tenugui, the Exfoliating Japanese Towel
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After washing your face, simply hand wash your tenugui and let it hang dry in a well-ventilated area. That’s it! Machine washing can break the fibers, which can damage your skin.
Your tenugui will start fraying after a few washes. In case of excessive fraying, use a pair of scissors to trim the edges. However, be sure to not give it too much of a clean cut.
Traditionally, the ends of tenugui are left unhemmed, and it’s no mere aesthetic choice. Rather, the unhemmed edges allow for faster drying times, reducing the build up of bacteria and resulting in a cleaner, longer-lasting cleansing towel.
About Our Tenugui Exfoliating Face Cloths
Explore the area of Ichinoe in Edogawa City on a sunny day, and you’ll come across freshly-dyed tenugui swaying in the wind. You’re standing front of Murai Senkojo (有限会社 村井染工場), the family owned and operated makers of our Komatsuna Print Tenugui.
Tenugui have been used in Japan for more than 1,000 years. Here at [EDO BEAUTY LAB], we’re excited to share this aspect of Japanese beauty culture with you. Not only are tenugui a self-care item, they are a wonderful means to add a touch of Japan to your daily living.
Our tenugui are handmade here in Edogawa, Japan and made from 100% cotton. Each tenugui measures approximately 90 cm x 35 cm.
Komatsuna Print Tenugui
¥2490
Our Komatsuna Print Tenugui is made from 100% cotton and features our native superfood, the komatsuna plant. Incorporate it into your self-care routine as part of our exfoliating Komatsuna Radiance Duo. Designed exclusively for [EDO BEAUTY LAB] and handmade in our home of Edogawa City, Japan.
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