Why do Japanese look old?

Most Japanese people, and Asian people in general, have thicker skin where it has the richest amount of collagen. The skin is fatter and wrinkles take a lot longer to appear. They cover up more even when it’s burning hot outside to avoid skin damage.

Why do I look older than my age 17?

Under nutrition, an emaciated face and losing weight, are factors which make one look older than the chronological age. Dryness makes skin lose elasticity and look wrinkled, adding years to one’s age. Sometimes very obese people also look older. Early wrinkles or sagging skin can also be due to exposure to hot water.

How often do Japanese people ask about your age?

Age is a regular topic of conversation in Japan. Expect Japanese to ask you your age- it will happen, eventually. And I don’t know anywhere in the US where people can have a 15 minute conversation about how two adults are only a few months apart, then every 2 or 3 weeks after that, have pretty much the same conversation.

Do cosmetics really make you look younger?

Some do, some don’t. But there’s clearly effort made to look younger. Cosmetics are sold with these words (in Japanese) on the label: “This product will make you look 5 years younger.” People regularly dye their hair as soon as they start getting gray hairs, and can’t pluck them out fast enough.

Is it possible to look younger in Japan with a hair implant?

Hair implant commercials, both for men and women, litter the TV airwaves. It’s impossible to grow up and live in Japan without hearing a constant barrage of tips and advice on looking younger. My own age is a state secret because I want my students to learn how to ask how old I am in culturally appropriate ways.

Why do Japanese women wear sunscreens?

Japanese people are not a fan of tanned skin and follow basic to elaborate sun protection regime. So, you will find Japanese women wearing sunscreens and hats to avoid sunspots, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. For the unversed, aggressive UVA and UVB sun rays can severely damage skin and speed up the process of aging.