In Japan, March is the end of the fiscal year for government officials, and for many companies, it is the end of the fiscal year, while for schools, it is the end of the school year, with graduation ceremonies and the end of the school year, making it a month of closure and farewells. On the other hand, last month, February, was marked by extreme temperature differences and more rainfall than usual, making it a month of unusually large seasonal fluctuations in the weather. After a harsh, dry winter and a very unstable February, the skin's resistance is weakened and it is in a state where it is sensitive to various external stresses. Spring skin care that takes this condition into account is required.
As we enter spring, I would like to talk about skin care that focuses on the skin's barrier function.
Cherry blossoms herald the arrival of spring
According to the latest cherry blossom forecast by Weathernews, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than last year across the country, starting in Tokyo on March 18th. Isn't it true that plants, including cherry blossoms, can tell us the season more accurately than any weather forecast? The cherry blossom blooming period varies depending on where you live, but you can think of blooming as the arrival of spring.
As mentioned in the "Seasonal Rhythm" section of the "Beauty Rhythm" that we have been introducing since last month's issue, the blossoming of cherry blossoms marks the arrival of "spring," so in terms of your beauty rhythm, it is important to live a beauty lifestyle that is conscious of "spring."
Skin care tips to try in spring 2024
First, check your skin condition!
If we look at the weather data for Tokyo from February to April 2023 provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is clear that after the winter month of February, the temperature, humidity, hours of sunshine, and amount of solar radiation will all continue to rise every month. We can also see that the temperature difference between March and April is even more severe than in February. Perhaps due to global warming, the seasons seem to be progressing about two weeks faster, so it is wise to assume that the weather conditions of last year in April could occur in March.
The two key points are "extreme temperature differences" and "increased sunlight and solar radiation."
Skin care for extreme temperature changes
Temperature changes are a big stress for the skin, impairing the skin's metabolism, which can lead to rough skin, stiffness, wrinkles, and sagging. In addition, there are days when strong winds blow in the spring, which make it easier for pollen and other fine pollutants to fly around and attack the skin. While taking measures against fine particles such as hay fever, be sure to use moisturizing gels and creams to provide a barrier function.
Skin care for increased sunlight and radiation
The amount of sunlight and radiation continues to increase as we approach the summer solstice in June.
UV rays are a big enemy for skin that has weakened after winter, especially UVA rays that can penetrate through fog and windows and cause wrinkles, so it's easy to be careless about them. Sunscreen is essential to protect against UV rays, but it has been reported that many people do not apply enough. It is important to apply a generous amount and make it a habit to reapply throughout the day.
Skin care that responds to changes in your beauty routine
Of the five rhythms of beauty we have been introducing since our January issue, this issue will be the final ones, focusing on "rhythms of the seasons," "rhythms of age," and "rhythms of daily life."
Seasonal rhythm
In Japan, where there are four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, it is necessary to approach skin care according to the season. In response to changes in temperature, humidity and sunlight hours, skin cells sometimes go into defensive mode, which can result in disruptions to skin metabolism and skin problems. Changes in temperature, humidity and sunlight hours are also a cause of skin stress, so it is necessary to make the skin feel these changes gradually and adapt to them. Skin care themes according to the season are summarized in the diagram below. Add a seasonal theme to your basic skin care steps.
The rhythm of age
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that the skin's turnover cycle becomes longer as we age.
It is important to promote healthy turnover while maintaining the health of new epidermal cells formed by turnover and allowing keratinocytes to perform their normal barrier function. In Japan, where the seasons change every three months, the skin is also affected by the seasons every three months. In other words, skin care that takes the turnover cycle into consideration is also skin care that overcomes the differences in turnover cycles according to age. Aging care is often thought of as skin care for middle-aged and elderly people, but it should be understood as skin care that is appropriate for any age, regardless of age.
Rhythm of life
This rhythm is related to your overall lifestyle, including your diet, sleep, and exercise. First of all, a regular lifestyle is the foundation. Changes in your living environment, such as continuing your education, getting a job, changing jobs, getting married, or moving, can completely change the rhythm of your life. It takes a certain amount of time to get used to the new rhythm of your life, but it is important to keep the new rhythm consistent. Also, be conscious of a balanced diet, good quality sleep, and moderate exercise habits, and use cosmetics and supplements to make your beauty life complete and effective.
As we enter spring, we talked about skin care that focuses on the skin's barrier function!
The next topic will be "Skin care for changing environments."
