Hello.
In the previous column, I discussed the relaxing effects of hydrogen baths and the physical and mental changes many people notice after bathing. This time, I would like to address a question I am often asked: “How does hydrogen actually reach the body?” I will try to explain this mechanism in a clear and approachable way.

Hydrogen is the smallest molecule found in nature. This extremely small molecular size is one of hydrogen’s greatest characteristics. Whether it is taken in through inhalation, drinking hydrogen-rich water, or absorption through the skin during a hydrogen bath, hydrogen is thought to spread through the body in a very short time and travel via the bloodstream to cells throughout the body. In particular, inhalation is considered highly efficient: hydrogen absorbed through the lungs reaches the bloodstream within minutes and is carried rapidly to every corner of the body.

What has drawn particular attention is hydrogen’s selective action. It is said to gently neutralize only harmful reactive oxygen species—such as hydroxyl radicals, which are associated with aging and inflammation—without interfering with oxygen or beneficial reactive oxygen species that the body needs. As a result, the cellular environment may become more balanced, supporting circulation and leading to sensations such as reduced fatigue and improved skin firmness.

Another important characteristic of hydrogen is that it is metabolized and eliminated from the body relatively quickly. For this reason, taking in small amounts regularly is considered ideal. Rather than relying on a single method, combining approaches—such as inhalation, drinking hydrogen water, or absorbing hydrogen through the skin in a hydrogen bath—allows for continued intake that fits naturally into one’s lifestyle.

At my salon, clients who incorporate hydrogen into their daily routines often share comments such as, “I don’t tire as easily,” “My skin looks clearer,” or “I wake up feeling lighter in the morning.” These experiences may be signs that hydrogen’s mechanisms are working gently in the background, helping the body regain balance.

When you understand how hydrogen works, the value of each sip or each breath begins to feel much more tangible. I hope you will take the opportunity to experience for yourself the subtle sensation of hydrogen reaching your body.