Top 15 Must-Have Products for the Spring/Summer 2024 Season
As the snow melts and cherry blossoms bloom, painting the towns in vibrant hues of pink and green, Japan’s spring and summer seasons offer a picturesque backdrop like no other. During this time, Japanese drugstores become treasure troves of essential items designed to enhance your travel and daily life experiences. They are filled with everything from UV care to solutions for sweat and odor control – staples that make life richer during these warmer months.
In this article, we will introduce the “Top 15 Must-Buy Products” that are especially noteworthy for the spring and summer season in Japan. As every tourist visiting Japan knows, the products lining the shelves of Japanese drugstores are carefully selected for their quality and effectiveness, promising to transform your everyday life into a healthier and more comfortable experience. So, let’s explore together these renowned essentials that color the Japanese spring and summer season.
UV Care for the Spring and Summer: Skincare Products
With the arrival of spring and summer comes the concern for UV exposure, making skin care an essential part of your beauty routine. To help you navigate this season, we’ve selected three skincare products that are perfect for keeping your skin protected and radiant.
Melano CC Deep Clear Facewash
Following the legacy of the renowned “Melano CC Essence,” this new enzyme face wash was launched in August 2022 and has since captivated many with its remarkable effects. It effectively breaks down blackheads and clears pore impurities, leading to smooth, transparent-looking skin. The dense foam, enriched with Vitamin C and skin-moisturizing ingredients, ensures that your skin remains hydrated after cleansing. Suitable for daily use and priced around 700 yen, it’s an affordable luxury for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone special. This facewash is ideal for those seeking a clear, bright complexion while keeping their skincare routine simple and effective.
Obagi C25 Serum Neo
For those seeking effective skincare solutions, “Obagi C25 Serum Neo” is a highly concentrated beauty serum, equivalent to the Vitamin C found in 150 lemons. This impressive amount of Vitamin C is particularly effective in improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness. It addresses a variety of skin concerns, including enlarged pores, dullness, and rough texture. Ideal for adult skin and aging care, this serum has earned high praise as a staple product among Japanese beauty enthusiasts.
SKIN AQUA NEXTA Shield Serum UV Essence
Developed specifically for adult skin that is prone to UV damage, this smooth, essence-type sunscreen is a skincare-packed UV protector. It enhances the skin’s barrier against UV rays while maintaining hydration throughout the day, protecting the skin from both sun damage and dryness. The carefully selected serum ingredients adhere to the skin, providing a moist and hydrating effect. Its super waterproof yet easily washable with soap feature is also appealing. Suitable for use on the face, body, and as a makeup base, it comes with a pleasant classic flower scent. The environmentally friendly formula and protection against harmful airborne substances are additional notable features.
SKIN AQUA NEXTA Shield Serum UV Essence
Stay Active Outdoors: Nutritional Support with Supplements
During the increasingly busy spring and summer seasons, it can be challenging to maintain a balanced diet while traveling or leading an active lifestyle. This is where supplements come in handy, offering efficient nutritional support. Here are three popular supplements that support both health and beauty.
THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsule
This supplement contains liposomal Vitamin C, which is highly popular in Japan. Liposomal Vitamin C is known for its higher absorption rate compared to traditional forms, providing both immediate and lasting effects. The hard capsule form is easy to swallow with minimal bitterness. Taking two capsules daily supports immune function and enhances skin clarity, making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle.
THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsule
V5 Eyecare Supplement
Developed to protect eye health in the digital age, this supplement is a true “eye vitamin.” It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which help reduce retinal damage caused by blue light and UV rays. These components are essential for maintaining eye health, especially for those experiencing eye fatigue from prolonged screen use. Taking one capsule daily supports clear vision and is recommended for individuals who spend long hours in front of screens or are concerned about age-related vision decline.
New Biofermin S Tablets (540 tablets)
This supplement utilizes human-derived lactobacilli for excellent intestinal regulation. A well-balanced mix of Bifidobacterium, Faecalis, and Acidophilus lactobacilli work together to regulate the entire digestive tract, from the small to the large intestine. The live lactobacilli reach the gut and proliferate, aiding in intestinal regulation. It’s beneficial for regulating bowel movements, soft stool, constipation, and reducing abdominal bloating.
New Biofermin S Tablets (540 tablets)
Stomach and Intestinal Care for the Hot Season
As the spring and summer heat encourages the consumption of cold foods and beverages, it’s vital to pay extra attention to gastrointestinal health, a key component of daily comfort and well-being. Here are three recommended gastrointestinal care products especially suitable for the summer season.
WAKANSEN Boufu Fat Burn Tablets
This product is a fusion of traditional herbal wisdom and modern pharmaceutical technology. It contains a concentrated blend of 18 types of herbal essences, designed to break down and burn abdominal fat and eliminate excess sugar. It’s also effective for symptoms like constipation, swelling, and feeling of heat. The film-coated tablets reduce bitterness during ingestion, making them more comfortable to take as part of your daily routine.
WAKANSEN Boufu Fat Burn Tablets
Pansiron Active 55 ST
Focused on those who experience weakened stomach movement due to age or reduced digestive fluid secretion, this gastrointestinal medicine combines digestive enzymes and herbal ingredients. It invigorates the gastrointestinal tract and balances stomach acid. Its small granule size makes it easy to swallow, supporting enjoyable daily meals. This product is also suitable for those concerned about salt intake.
Milmag Liquid Laxative
In Japan, mild laxatives are preferred, and “Milmag Liquid Laxative” is a prime example. Suitable for children as young as three years old and adults, including first-time laxative users, this non-irritating product is gentle yet effective. It supports daily comfort and well-being with its mild action.
Eye Care: Protecting from Screens and UV Rays
In an era of widespread digital device use and concerning UV ray intensity, eye care becomes increasingly important. Here, we introduce three exceptional Japanese eye drops designed to soothe and protect tired eyes.
V Rohto Active Premium Eyedrops
Among Japanese eye drops, this product is highly esteemed for its effectiveness. It addresses eye fatigue caused by aging and prolonged screen usage and is beloved by everyone from business professionals to the senior population. Its unique ingredients alleviate eye strain and support vision maintenance while utilizing Japan’s advanced pharmaceutical technology to protect eye health.
V Rohto Active Premium Eyedrops
Lycee Contact Eyedrops
This eye drop is especially popular among women, thanks to its adorable packaging. Its standout feature is the ability to be used while wearing contact lenses, making it incredibly valuable for contact lens wearers. In the midst of a busy life, it’s a true ‘essential’ for easy and quick eye care.
Rohto Nourishing Water α (Rohto Youjun-Sui α)
This eye drop focuses on the activity of the eyes during sleep. Nutrients in the formula aid in the repair of corneal cells and promote metabolism. Taurine and sodium chondroitin sulfate promote the recovery of tired eyes and protect the cornea, helping to prevent eye diseases. Containing sodium hyaluronate, it is ideal after using computers and smartphones, removing contact lenses, or in dry environments.
Rohto Nourishing Water α (Rohto Youjun-Sui α)
Beat the Heat: Essential Sweat and Odor Care Products
With the rising temperatures, sweat and odor can become a concern for many. To stay comfortable, effective sweat and odor care products are essential. Here are three convenient products for managing sweat and odor in your daily life.
Deonatulle Soft Stone W
This is a direct-apply type antiperspirant deodorant for the underarms. Its effective ingredients adhere to the skin when applied in the morning, controlling sweat and odor until evening. The stick type is easy to apply, non-sticky, and leaves a refreshing feeling. It contains natural alum stone (potassium alum), which addresses the root causes of sweat and odor.
Biore Sarara Powder Sheet with a Clean Soap Fragrance (Portable Size)
These sheets effectively remove stickiness and odor with their sebum-clearing formula. Infused with transparent, fine powder, they keep skin feeling dry and fresh, without leaving any white residue, even after sweating. The thick, textured sheets thoroughly absorb sweat and oil. Their clean, soap-like fragrance is refreshing, and the portable size makes them convenient for on-the-go use.
Biore Sarara Powder Sheet with a Clean Soap Fragrance (Portable Size)
Mentholatum Reflare
Developed specifically for those concerned about underarm odor, this product features double antibacterial ingredients that effectively kill the bacteria responsible for underarm odor. Its high-adhesion, long-lasting formula ensures comfort for 24 hours. Unscented and in a cream type, it is ideal for those who prefer thorough, fragrance-free care.
Key Points to Remember When Buying Medications in Japan
We’ve introduced a selection of 15 must-buy products for the spring and summer seasons. How many were familiar to you? When purchasing medications in Japan, it’s crucial to keep the following points in mind. By doing so, you can avoid any post-purchase issues and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Quantity Restrictions for Taking Medicines Out of Japan
There are limits on the number of medicines you can bring back from Japan. Ensure to purchase within the permissible range for travel.
Check Import Regulations of Your Country
Verify whether the purchased medicines are not restricted or contain prohibited ingredients in your country. This is crucial to avoid troubles upon return.
No Commercial Purchases
Medicines should be purchased for personal use, not for commercial purposes. Avoid bulk buying or purchasing with commercial intent.
Buy from Trusted Stores
To ensure safety and reliability, buy medicines from licensed pharmacies or reputable large electronic retail stores.
By following these guidelines, your experience of purchasing medicines in Japan can be safe and enjoyable. Don’t forget these points during your Japan trip for a wonderful shopping experience!