April is known for its cherry blossoms, but this year the cherry blossoms seem to have bloomed about half a month earlier than usual across the country. This is due in part to the rising temperatures, but it also feels like the season has come forward by about half a month.
A new school year, new employment, new enrollment, a new semester... It's the time of new encounters and the beginning of a new life and environment, but we're now in our second year of living with the coronavirus in mind, and events for new encounters such as welcome parties will continue to be canceled. Not being able to switch mindsets can be stressful. Let's all review our infection prevention measures once again and enjoy the height of spring.
This time, we will be giving you some tips on "spring skin care" that take into account the stress that is unique to April on the skin.
Understanding your skin condition in April, the start of spring
Looking back at the weather data for Tokyo last year, 2020, we can see the following:
<Moisturizing environment>
Looking only at the total amount of precipitation, it can be said that the environment was good for moisturizing the skin externally. However, due to the effects of two heavy rains, the daily minimum humidity records showed that the humidity was below 50% for a total of 22 days, so it was actually necessary to be careful about dryness.
<Sunshine hours/total solar radiation (average)>
Both the hours of sunshine and the amount of total solar radiation were the second highest after August. Since the amount of solar radiation was at the same level as in midsummer, the keywords for April in terms of weather and climate could be "countermeasures against dryness" and "countermeasures against sunlight."
The relationship between spring-specific stress and skin
When we think of stress, we tend to think of psychological factors such as worries at work or frustration from relationships, but when it comes to skin stress, external factors come into play in addition to psychological factors, causing a variety of disorders. Here we will summarize external and psychological factors that are particular to April stress.
<External Stress>
In addition to weather and climate, pollen, yellow sand, PM2.5, air pollution and other airborne substances also cause great stress to the skin. The skin reacts sensitively to these stresses, causing discomfort as if it is screaming out. Pollen peaks in March and April, and yellow sand peaks in April and May, so they hit us in double numbers in April, and can be said to be external stress factors that are particularly unique to April.
<Psychological stress caused by changes in lifestyle and environment>
Psychological stress unique to April includes stress caused by changes in lifestyle and environment. For work, this means transfers and changes in duties, for new members of the workforce, the transition from student life to working life, and for students, changes in community due to new enrollment and a new semester.
Stress puts people in a state of tension, causing blood vessels to constrict. This leads to poor blood flow, which in turn disrupts skin turnover and weakens the skin's own barrier function.
A beauty lifestyle that takes external and psychological stress into consideration
Beauty is impossible without physical and mental health. Stress can damage your health, which directly leads to skin problems. Here, we will introduce a beauty lifestyle that takes into account the external and psychological stresses that are unique to April.
1. Turnover and skin barrier function It is important to keep the keratin metabolism (turnover) normal and to keep the skin barrier function functioning normally. Wash away any scattered substances that cause stress, and do not neglect skin care after cleansing and washing your face. Also, be conscious of having a balanced diet that includes vegetables and protein, which is the basis of collagen, and getting enough sleep, which is the time when skin cells regenerate.
2. Replenishing moisture for your skin and body In addition to moisturizing with cosmetics, be sure to drink plenty of water. Instead of hydrating with tea or soft drinks, it is recommended to drink water frequently, about four 500ml plastic bottles of room temperature or lukewarm water per day. Water is the best nutrient and promoter of cell regeneration, which is important for beauty, including collagen.
3. Sun Protection Understand the dangers of sunlight, which can accelerate physiological aging that comes with age, and do not forget to use sunscreen to prevent age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Be mindful of applying sunscreen throughout the day.
We have brought you information about "spring skin care" that takes into consideration the stress that is unique to April on the skin.
In the next issue, I would like to give you some tips on how to prepare for summer in May when the greenery is fresh.
