Skin Care Day

What Is Skin Care Day?

The 25th of every month is "Itawari-hada no Hi," Skin Care Day in Japan. It was established by Lion Corporation, which makes oral care, beauty care and other household products. The aim is to make time for looking after your skin a habit, and so guard against breakouts and irritation.

A Pun About Smiling

The date carries a wish about mood as well as skin.

• Origin of the date: 2 and 5 read as "ni-ko-yaka," meaning beaming or cheerful
• The wish behind it: that caring for your skin leads to a brighter smile
• The other intent: a monthly reminder to make time for skin care
• Established by: Lion Corporation
• Purpose: to build a habit of caring for the skin and protect against breakouts and roughness

The 25th Is Also About Smiles Elsewhere

Pudding Day falls on the 25th too, reading the same digits as "nikkori," a smile. "Nikoyaka" and "nikkori" -- two anniversaries drawing two words for the same expression out of the same pair of numbers.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Review your daily routine for cleansing and moisturizing
• Check the humidity in rooms that heating tends to dry out
• Set aside a few minutes for skin care after your evening bath
• Check how much moisturizer and cosmetics you have left before the holidays

Winter Is When Skin Needs the Time

December swings between heated rooms and cold air, and skin tends to notice. This monthly observance is a prompt to spend a few minutes on yourself even in a busy stretch.