December marks the end of the year. 2021 has been a year in which we have lived with COVID-19 throughout the year. As we approach New Year's Eve on the 31st, busy days continue with the winter solstice on the 22nd, Christmas on the 25th, and the end of the year work.
We hope that the coronavirus infection situation in Japan, which has temporarily calmed down, will remain at a low level over the New Year holidays without a sixth wave, and that we will be able to finish 2021 on a strong note.
This time I would like to look back on my skin condition over the past year.
As winter approaches in December, the key skin care keywords are "dryness" and "decreased metabolism."
Now is the time to understand the unique skin environment of December and take measures against dryness and decreased metabolism.
External dry environment
In December, humidity will continue to decrease towards the peak of the dry season in January and February, and even indoors, heating will accelerate the dryness, so the external dry environment both outdoors and indoors will continue to reach its peak.
Internal dry environment <br data-mce-fragment="1">The amount of moisture evaporation from the skin itself continues to increase, causing not only moisture to be lost from the skin, but the amount of sebum, which acts as a barrier to prevent moisture evaporation from the skin, also continues to decrease during the winter, causing dryness from within the skin as well.
Slow Metabolism <br data-mce-fragment="1">Just like plants and animals, humans also store energy during winter. Cells choose to rest rather than regenerate through metabolism, which leads to a slowdown in metabolism. Cold weather also tends to reduce blood flow, which slows down the delivery of nutrients to every corner of the body.
Why does your skin get dry?
As we enter the dry season in December, I would like to tell you about dry skin, which is something you should understand. There is not just one cause of dry skin. A complex combination of external and internal factors causes the skin to become dry, which can lead to various skin problems.
1) External factors These include dry air, dry indoor air, ultraviolet rays, and excessive washing. Not only is the air the driest in December, but indoor heating also exacerbates the dryness. Although the hours of daylight are short during this season and the amount of sunlight is low, ultraviolet rays are still shining down, which can dry out the skin. Furthermore, excessive cleansing and washing the face also washes away sebum, which reduces the skin's ability to produce a barrier function that prevents moisture from evaporating.
2) Internal factors <br data-mce-fragment="1">Typical examples are those associated with aging and inflammation. As we age, the moisture content of the stratum corneum decreases, and the production of amino acids that make up natural moisturizing factors (NMF) also decreases. In other words, these internal factors cause dryness from the inside out. Age-related dryness of the skin on the limbs tends to progress, a condition known as senile xerosis. It is safe to assume that a similar condition occurs on the face. When the skin is inflamed, the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the amount of amino acids in the inflamed areas decreases, causing dry skin just as with aging.
To combat dry skin, in addition to using moisturizing cosmetics, we also recommend the following lifestyle changes:
◆ Avoid excessive cleansing and washing your face, and wash gently ◆ Bath salts are recommended for areas that are hard to reach, such as the back ◆ Avoid unnecessary irritation to the skin ◆ Indoors, use a humidifier when turning on the heater ◆ Take thorough measures against the cold both indoors and outdoors, and prevent a decline in metabolism due to poor circulation
A look back at the state of my skin in 2021
How is your skin condition right now? Are you experiencing various symptoms of fatigue after a year of use? Regardless of age, this is the time of year when skin problems caused by dryness, the skin's greatest enemy, skin fluctuations due to aging, and skin troubles due to a decrease in metabolism (=disordered turnover) all appear in a complex combination of causes. If you are concerned about dullness, it may be fatigue from the UV rays of the summer. Be conscious of skin care that provides plenty of moisture and promotes healthy turnover. If you are concerned about dryness and rough skin, be sure to focus on gentle cleansing and washing your face!
Here's a look back at my skin condition over the past year.
Next time, I would like to tell you about the “2022 Skin Care Calendar.”
