As records continue to be broken nationwide for the number of extremely hot days, September 2023 has begun with no end in sight to the scorching summer. When will we feel the beginning of autumn? We expect the transition to early autumn to occur around the latter half of September, and this time we would like to introduce some "skin care to soothe tired summer skin" that you should be aware of in early autumn.
Understanding summer skin fatigue
Even though we are in September, the heatwave continues, and we are in a situation where summer fatigue caused by the heat is likely to progress and accumulate more than usual. First, let's understand the "summer skin fatigue state," which can be described as summer fatigue of the skin.
High temperature, high humidity, sweating
Sweating and sebum can make pores more noticeable, cause acne, and even disrupt skin turnover, leading to a variety of skin problems.
Dryness caused by air conditioning, temperature difference stress
Air conditioning is used at home, on trains, and at work... Even though it is humid outside, indoors and inside cars are extremely dry. Skin that has been through the summer becomes increasingly dry even without any symptoms, and temperature difference stress disrupts the skin's turnover, causing various skin problems.
Solar
Skin aging, such as spots, dullness, and wrinkles caused by ultraviolet rays, and sagging caused by near-infrared rays, progresses without us even realizing it. Although we tend to become less wary of sunlight after summer is over, we should still be aware of measures against photoaging throughout the year.
Skin care to relieve summer fatigue
Cleansing and washing your face to maintain the strength of your skin
Sweating mixes with sebum and makeup dirt, which can lead to acne, rough skin, and prominent pores, making your skin unhealthy. Washing away these dirt thoroughly and gently will help maintain the strength of your skin. To ensure that the skin care steps after cleansing and washing are effective, try to double cleanse and wash your face when you wake up and when you get home. Proper cleansing and washing your face will help ensure that all skin care products are effective.
Dealing with dullness and blemishes
After cleansing and washing your face, prepare your skin with a moisturizing lotion, and treat it well with a whitening or brightening serum. Be aware of skin care that addresses the causes of dullness. Skin dirt caused by sweating, stress caused by temperature changes, and sunlight are all complex factors that cause dullness and blemishes. It is important to recognize that care for dullness and blemishes, which are characteristic of summer skin fatigue, is essential during this time of year.
Aging Care
As we move from the heatwave to early autumn, the humidity in the air starts to decrease, while the amount of moisture lost from the skin starts to increase. If you feel dryness during this time, it may be the beginning of signs of aging such as stiffness, wrinkles, and sagging skin, and skin aging may accelerate further during the dry seasons of autumn and winter.
The best way to deal with this is to increase hydration. Use face masks to thoroughly soothe your skin, then start using gels and creams in earnest.
Vitamins and Minerals from a Beauty Perspective
In this article, we will go into more detail about vitamins and minerals, which we touched on in the previous month's article "The scorching summer heat is here! Take measures against heatstroke and summer fatigue on your skin!" , from a beauty perspective, while also taking a closer look at diet.
1. Beauty vitamins that Japanese women are not getting enough of
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on the average vitamin intake of Japanese women, the intake of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C is considered to be insufficient. If you are lacking in beauty vitamins, the effect of your hard work on skin care will be halved. Health is the basis of beautiful skin! Be aware of taking beauty vitamins from your diet or supplementing with supplements that tend to be insufficient. Essential minerals are nutrients that are indispensable for maintaining and forming our bodies, even though they are required in small amounts, such as for the formation of bones and teeth, protein production, and promotion of metabolism. From the perspective of beauty, it is necessary to consume zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, potassium and manganese in a balanced manner.
2. Major minerals closely related to beauty
Compared to vitamins, the awareness of minerals in beauty is not as high. Here we will explain the main minerals that are essential for beauty and health along with vitamins. Please be mindful of your intake of these minerals.
1. Zinc (Zn)
It plays an important role in intracellular metabolic functions, and it is known that a zinc deficiency that slows down cell metabolism can lead to rough skin and other skin problems. It is also involved in DNA replication and protein synthesis when generating new cells. Japanese people, in particular, tend to have insufficient intake of this mineral.
<Foods rich in Zn> Oysters, beef
②Calcium (Ca)
The main function of calcium is nerve transmission and muscle contraction, and if it is lacking, it can make you more easily fatigued and your skin can lose firmness and elasticity. Calcium is also the main component of bones and teeth, and is the most abundant mineral in the body, but if it is lacking, it will be replenished from storage sites such as bones and teeth, which can lead to a loss of calcium in bones and teeth and lead to illness.
<Ca-rich foods> Seafood, seaweed, milk
③Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is a mineral closely related to energy production in the body. Energy production is mainly driven by ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is produced during the metabolism of glucose within cells, and magnesium is said to be essential for the activation of various enzymes in the process of producing this ATP. Cell metabolism is the basis for maintaining youthful skin, so magnesium can be said to be an essential mineral for the skin.
<Foods rich in magnesium> Buckwheat, wakame seaweed
④Copper (Cu)
It is a mineral that is a component of enzymes involved in removing and suppressing lipid peroxides in the body. A deficiency of it is said to lead to arteriosclerosis and aging.
<Foods rich in Cu> Cocoa, walnuts
⑤Iron (Fe)
It is a mineral that exists in red blood cells and is a component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. A deficiency of it can cause anemia, affect the supply of oxygen to the body through blood, and inhibit cell metabolism.
<Foods rich in iron> Liver, natto
⑥Potassium (K)
It regulates the osmotic pressure of intracellular fluid and retains water. It also excretes sodium, so it helps regulate excessive salt intake.
<Foods rich in iron> Bananas, taro
⑦Manganese (Mn)
It is a nutrient that is used as a component of various enzymes and helps activate enzymes.
It is also a very important nutrient for human growth, as it is involved in bone formation and is a component of enzymes that metabolize carbohydrates and lipids, as well as enzymes with antioxidant properties.
<Foods rich in iron> Matsuno nuts, ginger
We brought you "Early Autumn Skin Care"!
The next topic will be "Skin care for the height of autumn."
