Much has been written on wonders of nightingale droppings (Uguisu-no-Fun) as a traditional Japanese facial treatment. The historical evidence is unquestionable: Geishas and Kabuki actors have been using Uguisu-no-Fun for a very long time to brighten and whiten their skin and to remove make up, and for maintaining their much admired pale, porcelain complexion.
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According to a recent interview our staff conducted with the staff of Hyakuske, a two-hundred year old cosmetic shop in Tokyo, geishas and kabuki actors were using Uguisu-no-Fun during the Edo period (1603-1868.)
During the past few years, western audiences have 激光凹凸洞 discovered Uguisu-no-Fun thanks in large part to enthusiasm of celebrities, and to the media exposure of high-end New York facial spas.
Myths and Facts
• Myth: Uguisu-no-Fun bleaches and exfoliates the skin because it contains guanine.
FACT: Uguisu-no-Fun does whiten skin pigments. However, guanine neither bleaches, nor exfoliates. Guanine, knows as "pearl essence" and also found in fish scales, adds porcelain-like iridescence to the skin. The whitening (bleaching) action of Uguisu-no-Fun is reportedly due to its unique protease enzymes--not guanine.
• Myth: Uguisu-no-Fun is an exfoliating facial scrub.
FACT: Facial scrubs are mild abrasives designed to pull away dead skin when gently rubbed on the face. Uguisu-no-Fun is not a facial scrub. It is used as a daily face wash, as well as a periodic facial mask. Some salons mix rice bran (Nuka powder, also a face wash and not a scrub) to arrive at their own formulation.
• Myth: Uguisu-no-Fun contains "guanine enzyme".
FACT: Uguisu-no-Fun does contain guanine. However, guanine is not an enzyme. An enzyme is a protein which increases (or decreases) the rate of chemical reactions. The reference to enzymes applies to the protease and lipase present in Uguisu-no-Fun.
• Myth: Uguisu-no-Fun has an unpleasant smell which needs to be neutralized with rice bran.
FACT: Commercial Uguisu-no-Fun has a slight musky smell, which most people find unobjectionable. It is treated with UV light to produce a bacteria free compound. Some salons add rice bran to Uguisu-no-Fun, for the claimed purpose of increasing exfoliating properties.
A Major Source of Skin Aging: DNA's Guanine Depletion
Beyond the historical evidence and the testimonials on the media, scientific evidence is beginning to emerge which can start to shed more objective light on Uguisu-no-Fun which contains guanine, specialized protease and lipase enzymes.
Guanine is one of the four molecules which form the rungs of the DNA helix (it is the "G" molecule in the "ATGC" sequence.)
Damage to DNA's guanine is a major cause of chronic conditions of skin aging and photo-aging. About 2% of all the oxygen we consume up ends up as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) most frequently by the oxidation of DNA's guanine base. Exposure to sun's UV rays also causes skin damage by guanine oxidation.
More About Guanine
Guanine, also known as "pearl essence", is a natural substance. It is what gives fish scales their natural iridescent luster. Guanine is widely used by the cosmetics industry in shampoos, nail polish and other beauty products for adding shine and luster.
One of the key compounds for damaged skin DNA repair is a guanine derived enzyme called OGG1 (8-Oxo-Guanine Glycosylase). In clinical studies OGG1 has been demonstrated to treat skin damage caused by UV exposure.
OGG1 is extensively used by the leading cosmetic manufacturer in their high-end product formulations marketed for wrinkle and UV damaged skin repair and care.
Uguisu-no-Fun: Triple Action Facial Treatment
Uguisu-no-Fun is rich in natural guanine, protease and water-soluble lipase enzymes (which break up fat). Uguisu-no-Fun facial treatments are used for
1. Restoring skin damaged by sun exposure and aging
2. Whitening the skin pigments
3. Cleansing skin pores
Anecdotal evidence suggests that it is the guanine in Uguisu-no-Fun which reduces and reverse the effects of skin's damaged DNA cells. Furthermore, Uguisu-no-Fun acts as a gentle bleach to whiten the skin. This seems to be due to the unique protease enzymes present in Uguisu-no-Fun, which in fact has also been traditionally used in Japan as a natural bleach to remove dye from fine silk fabric such as in kimonos. The lipase enzymes in Uguisu-no-Fun wash away dirt trapped in skin pores' fat.
How to Use
As face wash: Lather facial soap in palms, mix in a small amount of powder (about 0.5 grams, half the weight of one paper clip) and wash face in normal manner.
As facial mask: Mix one teaspoon of powder with small amount of warm water to make a paste. Apply to skin, avoiding the eyes. Leave for 5-10 minutes, and rinse.
One mark of a quality, stylish hair salon is the comfort of its clients. When a client comes in for the first time, the atmosphere and cleanliness are the first things noticed. The happiness and comfort of those waiting to have their hair cut, colored or styled is a good indicator of what the new customer will be experiencing very soon. Once the guest reaches the inner working areas of the salon, client comfort is equally important as stylists do what is necessary to make them look their best.
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