In areas west of the capital region, cherry blossoms will be in full bloom in March, and new buds and greenery will be noticeable in April. There is no doubt that the seasons in Japan are moving forward by about half a month. Even though the sense of the seasons changes, there are always changes in the environment, such as human relationships and living conditions, that are unique to April every year. In Japan, where the "new fiscal year" starts in April, there are major changes in the environment and daily rhythms both at work and at home, such as joining a company, personnel transfers, enrolling in school, starting a new semester, and moving. In this article, we will tell you about approaches to skin care and beauty lifestyles that take environmental changes into consideration.
Understanding the environmental changes unique to April
1. Changes in the weather environment
What is notable about the weather data for Tokyo in 2021 is that the temperature difference and humidity, which lead to skin stress, are similar to those in mid-winter. In other words, the temperature difference is large and the dry condition continues. What we want you to pay attention to is the total solar radiation. April recorded the highest solar radiation of the year.
Normally, the summer solstice (June 21 in 2022) is the day when the days are longest in the Northern Hemisphere, and the amount of sunlight is also at its greatest, but this period overlaps with the rainy season in Japan, so the amount of sunlight actually decreases. In April, the days continue to get longer toward the summer solstice, and there tend to be more sunny days than in June and July, so the amount of sunlight is greater.
In terms of temperature and humidity, you need to take the same skin care measures as in winter, but it's important to understand that April is the month when you need to take the highest level of protection against sunlight.
2. Changes in daily routine and environment
This is a unique situation in Japan, but April is the month when many people experience major changes in their daily rhythms and environment. Such changes in the living environment are also a major stressor for beauty and health. The "May Sickness" that is often spoken of to new employees and newly admitted students is also thought to be partly caused by the stress of these changes in the rhythm of life and environment. Although they managed to get through April with a sense of tension, after the Golden Week holidays they are hit with fatigue and poor health. The stress of changes in the living environment causes psychological and physical disorders. Since the skin is closely related to psychological and physical health, "May Sickness" can lead to rough skin, pimples, extreme dryness, sensitive skin, and other disorders.
A beauty lifestyle that can withstand environmental changes and stress
<Response to weather and climate change>
The key words for the climate and weather conditions in April are temperature difference, dryness, and sunlight. In addition, external stress from airborne particles such as pollen and yellow sand will also be added. As in winter, be conscious of continuing moisturizing care to keep your skin's keratin metabolism healthy and strive to maintain its barrier function. Furthermore, the amount of sunlight will be the same as in full summer, so be sure to use sunscreen properly and generously to protect yourself from the sun.
<Responding to changes in living environment>
We will tell you about the steps you should be aware of to avoid disorders caused by stress due to changes in your daily rhythm and environment.
✔ Get enough sleep and rest ✔ Get moderate exercise (walking, jogging, stretching, etc.)
✔ Set aside time to pursue hobbies, etc. ✔ Talk to friends and family instead of keeping it all to yourself ✔ Accept your own feelings of dissatisfaction and anxiety in a positive way ✔ Try to maintain a regular rhythm of life
Sunlight stress
Recent research has shown that in addition to ultraviolet rays (UVB and UVA), blue light and near-infrared rays also have an effect on the skin. Here we will tell you about four types of sunlight stress that you should be aware of when it comes to skin care.
- Two types of ultraviolet rays (UVB, UVA) <br data-mce-fragment="1">Ultraviolet B rays (UVB)... Only about 5% of the rays reach the earth's surface, but they have high energy and can cause sunburn (damage to the epidermis and create a burn-like sensation), as well as blemishes and freckles.
Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) make up about 90% of the UV rays that reach the earth's surface, and since they penetrate clouds and windows and shine down on us regardless of the season, it is UVA rays that require measures to be taken all year round. They have been reported to reach the dermis and cause wrinkles.
・Blue light <br data-mce-fragment="1">Blue light is a bluish-white light with strong energy that has the shortest wavelength of any visible light and is close to ultraviolet light (UVA). Displays on computers and smartphones, as well as LED lighting, contain blue light, and exposure to blue light in everyday life is increasing. Due to its effects on the eyes and body, it is recommended to use glasses that block blue light.
On the other hand, the amount of blue light that shines down on us as a type of sunlight is even greater than that from displays and lighting, so it is necessary to take similar measures against UVA for the skin.
- Near-infrared light<br data-mce-fragment="1">Although it has a long wavelength and low energy, it penetrates deep into the dermis and has been proposed by the non-profit organization Photoaging Awareness Project Committee to have an effect on the skin in the same way as UVA, so it is advisable to include near-infrared protection as one of the purposes of sunscreen.
We shared our approach to skin care and beauty lifestyle with an awareness of environmental changes.
In the next issue, we will talk about "Fresh greenery in May and preparations for summer."
