Setsubun in 2022 will be on February 3, the day before the beginning of spring. According to the calendar, it is the turning point of the season to spring, but in reality, a small hint of spring is peeking out in the midst of the harshness of winter. February 11 is National Foundation Day, which is said to be the day of the accession to the throne of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu (660 BC), as recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. In the past, it was called Kigen-setsu, but after many twists and turns since the Meiji era, the current National Foundation Day was officially established in 1966, so it can be said to be a relatively new holiday. Since it is a story from the world of Japanese mythology, its historical accuracy is uncertain, but it may be a good idea to think back on the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which describe the origins of Japan in mythology. In this article, we will give you some skin care tips for the spring ahead.
February: A period of transition from winter to spring
Looking back at Tokyo's weather data from last year, February 2021, we can see that this was a time of climate change as the weather transitioned from winter to spring.
① Temperature difference
Throughout the month, the daily temperature difference can reach 10℃, making this a time when temperature differences can be a big stress factor. Temperature differences can easily cause poor circulation and metabolism, which can be detrimental not only to your health but also to your beauty, causing problems and troubles with your skin.
② When dry weather warnings are issued <br data-mce-fragment="1">Dry weather warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency are complex, with regional standards based on minimum humidity and wood dryness (effective humidity) for disaster prevention purposes, to warn of the risk of fire, but as a beauty guideline, a minimum humidity of 35% or less should be considered a "dry skin warning." Pay attention to the minimum humidity in your area, and if it drops below 35%, it's important to increase the frequency of moisturizing care and be mindful of applying multiple layers of lotion.
3) Sunlight exposure at spring levels <br data-mce-fragment="1">Last February, apart from the heavy rains in the middle of the month, there were many sunny days and the sunshine hours were similar to those of spring. In other words, it can be said that the amount of solar stress, including ultraviolet and near-infrared rays, increases from February. It's time to start taking proper care of your skin from the sun.
④Pollen begins to fly
In 2022, cedar pollen dispersal is expected to start in early February and peak in March. After that, cypress pollen dispersal will begin about one month later. The amount of pollen dispersal is expected to be slightly less than last year in western Japan, and more than last year north of the Tokai region. This is the arrival of an unpleasant season for people with hay fever, but since pollen itself is an external stress for the skin, both those with hay fever and those without need to take beauty measures against hay fever. When you get home, brush off the pollen from your hair and clothes, cleanse and wash your face immediately, and be careful not to bring pollen into your home.
A beauty lifestyle that focuses on immunity
As spring approaches in February, your skin's environment will change in various ways. We will tell you about a beauty lifestyle that focuses on strengthening your immune system so that you can withstand such changes.
Immunity is the function that protects the body from foreign substances and external enemies that invade the body, such as pathogens and viruses, and also responds to pollutants, dust, waste products, etc. There are two types of immunity: "natural immunity" and "acquired immunity." "Natural immunity" is a defense and attack function against pathogens and viruses that we are born with. Its function declines with age, and natural immunity can also be weakened by various external and internal stresses.
＜Beauty lifestyle that maintains and boosts immunity＞
◆Good quality sleep is a time for rest and stress relief, and is also a time for growth hormone secretion and is essential for cell metabolism. Lack of sleep directly leads to a weakened immune system, so it is important to develop good quality sleep habits.
◆ Exercise habits A lack of exercise can lead to a slowdown in metabolism, which can lead to obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, as well as a weakened immune system, so it is important to develop exercise habits. However, excessive exercise can also cause stress, so it is important to incorporate exercise into your daily life so that you can continue it.
◆ Balanced diet: Eat a diet that focuses on the three key words "intestinal environment," "warming the body," and "antioxidants." Specific foods that fulfill these keywords include dietary fiber, fermented foods, foods that warm the body, and antioxidant foods.
◆ Avoiding and relieving stress External stress such as ultraviolet rays from sunlight, pollen, and dust, as well as internal mental stress, can also cause a weakened immune system. There are ways to reduce external stress, but it is important to find ways to avoid and reduce internal mental stress.
The important thing is to make it a habit. By understanding these four important points and gradually making them into a habit, you can acquire a constitution that can withstand pathogens, viruses, various foreign body stresses from the outside, and internal stresses. Cosmetics supplement the functions of the keratin and sebum film, which can be said to be the skin's own immunity, with moisturizing and beauty ingredients, while supplements support a beauty lifestyle that leads to a strong immune system by making up for deficiencies in your diet.
Here are some skin care tips for spring.
Next time, I would like to tell you about "Spring arrives, awakening your skin!"
