There are sensations you recognize immediately: tight skin, rough skin on your arms, legs that seem to dry out in an instant after a shower. In winter (or when the air is dry), you don't need to completely overhaul everything: often, just changing textures and gestures is enough.

In Japan, one of the most iconic wellness experiences is the onsen: the hot spring we've discussed in the past. It's not just relaxation, but a culture of "taking care" consistently, without excess.

In this guide, we'll see why silica-rich onsen waters give the skin that silky touch we all desire, and how to recreate a simple and believable mini-ritual at home.

Onsen: What Japanese Hot Spring Water Really Is

When we say "onsen," we immediately think of a hot bath and tranquility. But in Japan, onsen also represents a daily connection with nature: water, minerals, the seasons, and the slow pace of life.

In the case of the water from the Toyama area, used in the Goshu brand, the origin says a lot: snow and high mountains, infiltration into the soil and a long natural filtration process before being collected deep underground. It's a very Japanese image: simple, yet full of meaning.

Silica and metasilicic acid: softness and sensoriality

Silica is an invaluable ingredient for skin care, naturally present in our bodies and essential for collagen synthesis. Silica is believed to help maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair and protect them from external agents.

The key characteristic of silica is its sensoriality: that soft, almost velvety finish that many people associate with skin after a thermal bath.

In some onsen waters, such as those used in Goshu products, silica is present in dissolved form (often also referred to as metasilicate/metasilicic acid ). This component is often associated with the effect of brighter, smoother skin, similar to that experienced after a hot spring bath.

The onsen ritual at home in 3 steps

The most common mistake when skin is dry is thinking that “more” is needed: more product, more steps, more active ingredients.

Often the opposite is needed: few steps, but coherent, and above all repeatable.

The basic idea that Fujihada and Goshu propose is this: water + gesture + seal. A touch of water (in the form of a mist), a texture that leaves the skin comfortable (gel), and a sensorial element that helps you transform routine into habit (aromas).

1) Mist during the day: micro-touch-up to combat dryness

An onsen water-based mist is the classic "bridge" product: it doesn't change your life in a day, but it does change the way you experience your skin throughout the week. This is especially true when you go from hot to cold, or spend long hours in heated environments.

The Natural Onsen Water Mist | Natural Spa contains Japanese onsen spring water and is formulated without alcohol, parabens, and mineral oils, with special attention to sensitive skin.

How to use: Spray 2–3 times on tight areas (forearms, legs, décolleté), avoid touching the skin too much, and let it air dry naturally. If you feel the effect wear off after half an hour, that's normal: the mist is a refresher and can never replace cream.

2) Post-shower body gel: a light “seal”

Immediately after a shower, skin is more receptive, but also more prone to dryness. This is where the gel texture comes in: quick, fresh, and easy to use even when you're short on time.

Goshu's Natural Onsen Water Gel | Natural Spa Moisture is a moisturizing gel with a double silica blend (silica naturally dissolved in onsen water + naturally derived silica extracted from rice husks).

How to use: Apply to still slightly damp skin, using long strokes (don't rub too hard). If you have very dry areas (elbows, shins), apply a second coat only there.

3) Perfume the bathroom: Hinoki, Green Tea, Yuzu (to make it a ritual)

Skincare works best when it becomes a habit. And the habit holds when there's a reason to do it, even an emotional one: a relaxing scent, a gesture that marks the end of the day.

The idea here isn't to "cure" something, but to create a moment just for you: a few drops in the tub (or even in a basin for a foot bath) with notes like hinoki , green tea , or yuzu . The natural scents of Deep Sea Water Bath Aroma Essence help you connect the gesture to the feeling: okay, now I'm off .

How to Know if It's Working (Without Expecting Miracles)

The most reliable signal is not perfect, flawless skin, but more predictable skin : fewer dry patches, less roughness at the end of the day, less need to chase a feeling of comfort.

Give yourself a simple rule: 7 days of the same three steps (mist when needed + post-shower gel + a sensory moment 2–3 evenings). If after a week you already feel your skin feeling less tight and your routine is less burdensome, you're on the right track.

Common mistakes when skin is dry

The first mistake is treating dryness like an emergency: layering randomly and changing products every couple of days. Skin, on the other hand, loves consistency.

The second mistake is underestimating the "when": applying a good product at the wrong time (too late, on already dry skin) makes it less effective. Try moving your moisturizing to immediately after showering: that's often where your perception changes.

Fujihada products mentioned in this article

If you want to replicate the ritual described exactly, let's recap the three key products:

• Natural Onsen Water Mist | Natural Spa – onsen water-based mist (designed for a quick refresher)

• Natural Onsen Water Gel | Natural Spa Moisture – Moisturizing gel with double silica (comfort + silky finish)

• Deep Sea Water Bath Aroma Essence (Hinoki / Green Tea / Yuzu) – to make your bath (or foot bath) an evening decompression gesture