The History of Blotting Paper

Facial oil blotting paper began in Asia, many centuries ago. In the early 1600's, the women and men in Japan discovered the benefits of oil blotting paper for keeping their complexions smooth, flawless and oil free.

This early form of blotting paper took months to make. It was an involved process of soaking the paper in a special mixture with soft water; beating the paper and drying it over and over again. This beating process had a wondrous result. It activated the paper's fibers, making them soft, yet strong and absorbent. The resulting paper, called Kinpaku-uchigami, was a smooth paper with a lovely sheen.

Kinpak-u-uchigami was originally used in the making of delicate gold leaf. After it served its use to make gold leaf, it was then called Aburatori-gami or worn out paper. Luckily for all of us interested in looking and feeling good, the gold artisans did not discard this Aburatori-gami. Instead, they gave it to the Geisha in Kyoto, to help them maintain their flawless skin. It still had its wonderful soft to the skin feel and was able to absorb facial oil without disturbing make-up. It was also used by the Maiko, dancers; and   Kabuki, actors.

Today of course, Nurturing Force^® Dry - Refreshment For Your Face^® & Body™ is not 'used Aburatori-gami'; but it provides you with the same benefits of this special hand made paper.