Through extensive research, forest science experts like Tatcha partner Dr. Qing Li of the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, have found that seeing greenery, hearing birdsong, tasting wild vegetables, touching tree trunks, and smelling the forest’s natural aroma can set off a myriad of health benefits. After studying shinrin-yoku and feeling its effects first-hand, our founder Vicky Tsai and team set out to discover whether these benefits could translate to skincare.
While each sense plays an important role, research shows that 50% of the benefits of forest bathing come from “smelling,” or breathing the forest air, which is rich in phytoncides: airborne compounds emitted by trees’ essential oils to ward off mold, bacteria, and insects. When these compounds are released into the forest air and inhaled into the body through the lungs, they’re proven to boost immune function, decrease stress, lower blood pressure and provide a relaxing effect. “This scent stimulates the brain through the olfactory nerve, and has a relaxing and calming effect on the brain, and also has a positive effect on memory,” Dr. Li told us.
But, exactly how do phytoncides accomplish all this? Studies have shown that forest bathing for three days and two nights increases what are known as natural killer cells: immune cells that defend against bacteria, viruses, and tumors, as well as anti-cancer proteins. “If you take a forest bath once a month, your body will always remain at a high level of immune function. This is very important preventative medicine,” says Dr. Li.
But you needn’t visit the forest to obtain these benefits. Through his research, Dr. Li has found evidence that inhaling essential oils or applying them to the skin can reduce stress levels and increase natural killer cell activity and anti-cancer proteins in the cells. “I used a humidifier to diffuse [hinoki] essential oil evenly into the air in a hotel room, and had the subjects stay in the room for three nights,” says Dr. Li. “The results showed that inhalation of phytoncides increased immune function, decreased stress hormones, and improved sleep.”
Informed by Dr. Li’s research, we created the Forest Awakening body care collection. Rooted in the proven power of trees, all three formulas contain our essential oil blend of hinoki, hiba, and cedar, to deliver the benefits of forest bathing to your home. Our Hinoki Body Wash, Milk, and Oil are each steeped in the citrusy wood scent of hinoki to awaken your senses and calm your mind while cleansing, smoothing, and moisturizing your skin from head to toe for holistic care.
