Before layering any skincare products, it's me time by giving oneself a facial workout.
Step Zero is a form of self-care.
Japanese brand Suqqu begins its beauty ritual with Step Zero, which takes only three minutes in performing its signature Gankin Massage, twice a day.
Ideally, the skin should be relaxed and the face in a "straight" posture for a youthful-looking appearance. This principle relates to the brand name Suqqu, which is derived from sukkutoshita -- Japanese for "with good posture".
One of Step Zero's goals is to help keep the skin firm and resilient by training the facial muscles.
Two products are involved, namely Designing Massage Cream and Clarifying Toner, which have been upgraded, along with a modified massage methodology.
Made with yeast extract and botanical ingredients, the cream is stiffer due to the Rich Fit formula, which adheres to the skin, preventing slipping when massaging the facial muscles. It gradually shifts into a smoother texture, then finally into a lightweight, clear, oil-like texture.
Likewise, its floral citrus scent changes from top notes of Japanese yuzu citrus, buntan citrus, lime, to middle notes of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, and Sanzekan Orchid, and base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, amber and musk.
The Gankin Massage works on the face structure, bones and muscles while promoting overall circulation and lymph flow.
Instead of strong pressure generally applied, weaker and stronger pressures are used for different areas and specific muscles.
The facial workout has been streamlined from nine to seven steps so that it can be easily incorporated into the morning and evening routines.
Designing Massage Cream comes with a sponge cloth.
The first step focuses on the forehead by using joints of the hands to massage its muscles and ending with lymphatic drainage from the hairline to the collar bone.
Two fingers and shaping the fingers like a hook are used to massage the delicate eye zone in the second step.
The third and fourth steps tend the mouth and nose areas through other manual techniques.
In the fifth step, fists and hook-shaped fingers are used to lift cheeks, followed by the sixth step, which involves sliding the hand across the jawline's contours to help promote a sharper definition.
The Gankin massage rounds off with a cool down and repeated lymphatic drainage.
In the morning, it primes the complexion for skincare and make-up products while at night the Step Zero is a form of self-care.
After the three-minute massage, the excess cream is wiped off with the sponge cloth or wash away with lukewarm water.
The Clarifying Toner contains sodium hyaluronate as well as extracts from yeast, Zostera marina, Prunus yedoensis and Camellia sinensis.
The hydrating formula further removes the massage cream as well as sebum, dead skin cells and other impurities while refreshing the skin with a floral citrus scent.
Designing Massage Cream comes with a sponge cloth. Photos: SUQQU
Refreshing Clarifying Toner with a floral citrus scent.
