Yano Shiho / Captured from YouTube
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Japanese model Yano Shiho, 49, has revealed the surprisingly simple — and inexpensive — routine she follows to maintain smooth, healthy-looking skin. In a recent video on her YouTube channel, YanoShiho, she explained that she often stocks up on affordable Korean beauty products whenever she visits the country.
In a video titled “Not sponsored — The Auntie Treasure Store I Always Visit in Korea,” Yano said, “I always go to Olive Young when I come to Korea. Japanese people really love Olive Young. All my friends visit too,” she said, adding that she tends to buy the same few items every time.
Stopping in front of a discounted gua sha (a smooth-edged tool used to gently scrape lubricated skin), she said, “I use this as soon as I wake up and before filming. It is really good.” She then walked through the sheet mask section and shared a thrifty approach to skincare. “Honestly, I think the masks here are all pretty similar,” she said. “So when I buy them, I choose the cheapest ones — about 1,000 won ($0.75) each. I want to use two a day, morning and night,” she added, stressing the value of consistency over expensive products.
Medical experts say the gua sha may temporarily improve puffiness by encouraging blood circulation and lymphatic flow, especially in the morning when the face may appear swollen after sleep. Light massage can help define facial contours and brighten skin tone.
However, dermatologists caution against pressing too hard or repeating the motion excessively. Overuse can damage capillaries, increase redness, weaken the skin barrier, or worsen inflammatory acne. For safer use, specialists say gua sha should be limited to one to two minutes with very light pressure, and only after applying oil or cream to reduce friction.
Sheet masks, which Yano said she likes to use morning and night, are designed to deliver hydration and soothing ingredients to the skin. When used before makeup, they can create a smoother base, and at night, they can help replenish moisture after environmental exposure during the day.
But because sheet masks create an occlusive environment on the skin, using them too frequently may clog pores or trigger irritation in some people. Products containing fragrances, alcohol, or highly concentrated brightening and wrinkle-care ingredients may also increase the risk of contact dermatitis when overused. For sensitive skin, dermatologists generally recommend limiting sheet mask use to two or three times a week.
Yano also said she does not believe there is a major performance gap between expensive and budget sheet masks. Many low-priced masks already contain widely used moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol. While premium products may differ in texture, fragrance, or brand reputation, experts say dramatic skin changes are unlikely to come from price alone. Instead, they emphasize checking ingredient lists and choosing gentle, low-irritation formulas that suit one’s skin type.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
