"The Japanese have always been and continue to be my guardians, having learned that one should not interfere with the base created by nature," says Erika Stankevičiūtė, an expert in Japanese preventive medicine , and shares the lessons learned from the Japanese.
Text by NERINGA ŠIMKUTĖ
E rika, you have been working with the Japanese for 20 years, what have you learned from them?
The Japanese taught me not only about beauty, but also about lifestyle and eating habits. After all, I went to this country with my mother relatively young, when I was only 30. I still remember one funny incident. Traditionally, Japanese portions are small, only two shrimp in one serving of tempura. However, I simply adore tempura, so I ordered three servings at once. When the waiter brought me my dishes, the whole hall turned to see who was this strong man who would eat even three servings. Then we had a good laugh.
I think that now it would be easy for me in any business, and this is the merit of the Japanese. American business school teaches management systems, and the Japanese value the ability to observe, get to know each other and strive for harmonious communication, in no way offending a partner with their behavior. A carelessly spoken word or a look in the eyes can determine the outcome of a business project. They have a unique memory, notice the smallest details, can even name what shoes I wore and what I ordered at a restaurant.
What I appreciate most is their ability to sense the news of the beauty world, as the Japanese themselves say, to “read the air”. This can only be achieved by being in complete silence and peace of mind. I used to not understand why long 4-6 hour dinners are needed, during which you sit, look at a beautiful garden, chat, discuss seemingly insignificant things, and then when you get home you realize that you have decided on an incredibly important matter.
What Japanese beauty lessons have you learned?
The Japanese have so captivated me with the magic of the beauty world that I haven’t even had time to try laser facials or popular interventions. I’ve always been surrounded by cult Japanese beauty products, so I’ve developed a knack for taking care of myself consistently, combining beauty rituals with functional food and natural treatments. I’m now 51 years old and I think I could be an example of how consistently nurturing yourself can help you maintain the most beautiful version of yourself.
Has the Western approach never interfered?
Of course, over the years there have been both admiration and objections. Sometimes I objected and asked for drastic beauty products, but in response I received advice on why it is not worth using particularly strong ingredients or products that radically change the skin. The Japanese have always been and still are my guardians, having learned that one should not interfere with the base created by nature. We can and should improve it, but not radically change it. Those long discussions not only protected me from drastic changes, but also taught me humility. In general, I learned from them that one should not rush life. Eat a variety of foods, enjoying them, in small portions, supplement your diet with fermented foods, legumes, and avoid dry food. Women are recommended to choose stretching and cardio training. Japan is a country of yoga, qigong, and running.
How would you define the term "beautiful woman"?
I believe that a woman should not be distracted and faithfully pursue her dream. Also, preserve her uniqueness, do not give in to bold beauty experiments. For me, a beautiful person is harmony: of the body, a calm soul and love for her neighbor. I am convinced that every woman can achieve such results by following the example of the Japanese. Natural beauty and long-lasting youthfulness can be achieved without drastic procedures, and I am living proof of this.
What products help you enhance your appearance?
I am a combination of Lithuanian and Japanese lifestyles, so I supplement my daily routine with cult beauty products. My favorites are “NMN Eye Sheet Mask” eye pads, “YUKOBI Pure Essence” essence with placenta extract, “Spa Treatment Essence Lotion” melted glacier water and silk lotion, and the “Longevity Premium” program of functional food supplements, which supplements all my body systems. I choose not separate food supplements, but a harmonious program that we created together with the founder of the Japanese “Anti Age” Association, Prof. Yonei Yoshikazu. Since the activity of our body is determined by five main systems – bone, connective tissue, hormones, nerves and psychological – the “Longevity Premium” program consists of products that affect all these systems – “Hokkaido Collagen Premium” collagen, “Matrix Premium Shots” enzymes, “Donan” coral calcium with multiminerals and the innovative antioxidant “AO Suppl”. The effects of these products are confirmed by clinical Japanese studies, so I use them and enjoy the results.
ERICA'S FAVORITE PRODUCT:
