Skip to content
November is the month when autumn should be heading into late autumn, but we have been experiencing unusual weather conditions that have even confused the seasons for plants, with record-breaking summer temperatures in many areas and reports of cherry blossoms blooming out of season. Changes in temperature and humidity are closely related to skin condition, so this November will likely require a different approach to skin care than usual. Assuming that the weather will return to normal from mid-November, this time we would like to introduce some anti-aging care in preparation for winter.
Climate characteristics for 2023
Looking back at the average temperature in Tokyo over the past 10 years, the average temperature is usually around 16°C, but this year (2023) the average temperature has jumped to 18.9°C. As if dragging the effects of the scorching summer, October also recorded 12 summer days of over 25°C, and this trend continues into November. Humidity was 67%, which is normal for an average year, so October was only high in temperature. In other words, although the temperature was high, the humidity is steadily deepening into autumn, so there is no doubt that the season is progressing towards winter, the season of dryness. Many people may not yet feel their skin dry, but this is a time when skin dryness steadily progresses along with the dry air, so it is important to shift to skin care that is conscious of dryness.
Skin care keywords to keep in mind as you prepare for winter
When it comes to skin care in preparation for winter, be sure to focus on two things: "strengthening moisturizing" and "strengthening barrier function."
1. Enhanced moisturizing
From autumn to winter, in addition to the external environment of dry air, the amount of water evaporation from the skin itself increases, causing dryness from both inside and outside. Furthermore, as we age, the ability to produce NMF (natural moisturizing factor), which is the source of skin moisture, also declines, and this, combined with the dry season, causes skin dryness to progress rapidly. It is important to thoroughly moisturize the skin with cosmetics.
2. Strengthening the barrier function
It is known that sebum secretion, which is highest in the summer, drops dramatically from autumn to winter. Sebum is a cream-like substance secreted from the sebaceous glands of the epidermis that prevents the evaporation of moisture from the stratum corneum and protects the skin from various external stressors. Sebum secretion continues to decrease during this season, so moisturizing creams that compensate for the decreased function of the sebum film are also essential.
Prepare for the dry winter by using skin care products that "provide" and "retain" moisture.
Aging Care
Last month, in our article "Skin care for the height of autumn. Hints from the autumn leaves!" , we talked about "antioxidants" from a beauty perspective, but this time we will talk about "anti-aging care", which can be considered a sequel to that article.
What is aging care and anti-aging?
Aging is an English word that means "aging" or "getting older," but by adding "ant," which means "to resist" or "to prevent," it becomes "anti-aging" (=Anti+Aging), that is, "anti-aging" or "anti-aging." Under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, the term "anti-aging" cannot be used as an effect or efficacy of cosmetics, and instead, the term "aging care" (=care according to age) is generally used.
1. Natural (physiological) aging
This refers to physiological aging that occurs with age. If we consider the moment a person is born as 100, then the regenerative ability of cells continues to decline as we age. When it comes to skin, physiological aging cannot be avoided, as the production capacity of both collagen and NMF (natural moisturizing factor), the source of moisture, declines with age. There are other factors that promote this physiological aging, which is thought to result in individual differences in skin aging.
2. Factors that promote physiological aging
1) Oxidative stress (increase in active oxygen)
This refers to the oxidation phenomenon in the body caused by highly oxidizing active oxygen (free radicals) that are generated as a result of oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet rays, radiation, air pollutants, tobacco, chemicals, and other factors.
The targets of reactive oxygen species are wide-ranging, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and sugars. Cellular molecules oxidized by reactive oxygen species lose their normal structure and function, which can result in various diseases and skin aging.
② Photoaging: Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight causes photoaging of the skin. The epidermis produces melanin in response to UVB rays to protect the skin, but excessive sun exposure can cause large amounts of melanin to be produced, which can lead to age spots. In the dermis, collagen and elastin maintain the elasticity of the skin, but continued exposure to UVA rays and near-infrared rays can cause collagen and elastin to denature, resulting in wrinkles and sagging.
③ Glycation Excess carbohydrates that are not consumed in the body bind and denature proteins such as collagen and elastin in the body, producing inelastic substances called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). AGEs are difficult to break down and excrete, so they accumulate and have a negative impact not only on skin aging but also on health and beauty.
November is the height of autumn and late autumn. We have brought you skin care and anti-aging care tips to "provide moisture and keep it in" in preparation for winter.
The next theme will be "Looking back on the year."
