Skin care during dry seasons with moisturizers
It's the dry season when moisturizing is necessary.
During this season, the body often becomes dry and itchy, and dermatologists are seeing an increase in cases of eczema, which is known as seborrheic eczema.
It can also be a cause of dry fine wrinkles in beauty products.
This is something I am often asked to talk about on news programs, so I am posting it on my blog.
My name is Aiya Hayama, a dermatologist.
Key points for moisturizing, bathing, and humidifying to protect the barrier function
When the temperature and humidity drop, the skin's barrier function weakens, making it more susceptible to dryness and itching due to external stimuli and evaporation of moisture. In particular, from autumn to winter, sebum secretion decreases, weakening the skin's ability to protect the surface, and problems such as tightness, flaking, and stinging can occur even after applying lotion. What is important at this time of year is not to "hydrate" the skin, but toCreating an environment that keeps moisture outThe key point is,Moisturizing care centered on ceramides and heparinoids.
Areas prone to dryness
There are certain characteristics that make areas prone to dryness.Areas with few sebaceous glands such as cheeks, around the eyes, mouth, shins, and fingersThese areas tend to be more susceptible to the effects of the outside air, as they have less ability to form a natural protective barrier made of sebum. The cheeks and areas around the mouth, in particular, have fewer sebaceous glands than the T-zone, and the skin is thinner, making them prone to moisture evaporation. In addition, dry environments caused by seasonal changes or heating can reduce the activity of sebaceous glands, resulting in insufficient formation of a protective barrier. It is also known that the number of sebaceous glands below the knees decreases with age.
The combination of this "decreased sebum production" and "weakening of the barrier function" makes skin even more prone to dryness in winter and to inflammatory reactions such as redness and itching.
Moisturizing ingredients
Ceramideis a lipid that exists to fill the gaps between the cells of the stratum corneum, and is responsible for protecting the skin from external stimuli while retaining moisture.Ceramides, sebum, and natural moisturizing factorsThese three factors maintain the skin's moisture retention and barrier function. It is also known that the ceramide levels are lower in people with dry or sensitive skin. Ceramides used in cosmetics and moisturizers come in a variety of types, including human, natural, and synthetic. Human ceramides (bioceramides) are particularly well-suited to the skin, and are characterized by their low irritation and long-lasting moisturizing effects. By focusing on areas prone to dryness, such as the cheeks, eyes, and mouth, you can prevent skin from feeling tight and flaking.
on the other hand,Heparinoidsis a moisturizing ingredient that is also used in medical settings, and in addition to retaining moisture, it also promotes blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
It is easy to use for those who are experiencing itching and redness due to dryness.Soothes skin inflammation while moisturizingIt can be used by a wide range of people, from infants to the elderly, and is also used to treat atopic dermatitis and mild eczema.
Hirudoid and heparinoid lotions and creams are typical moisturizers often prescribed by dermatologists, and are characterized by their ability to be easily absorbed into skin with weakened barrier function.
Furthermore, during periods of severe dryness, in addition to ceramides and heparinoids,Shea butter,Squalane such asIncorporating oily ingredients will help maintain moisture for longer..Shea butter is a vegetable oil extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It has a composition similar to human sebum and forms a thin protective film on the skin. international success.It helps prevent moisture from evaporating.Squalaneis a stabilized hydrocarbon derived from deep-sea sharks or plants, and is an ingredient that is easy to use on sensitive skin because it is compatible with the skin and does not easily oxidize.It acts as a "lid" that tightly seals in moisture supplied by ceramides and heparinoids, protecting the skin from dryness..
It is especially effective when used during nighttime care or in dry environments caused by air conditioning or heating.
The different roles of moisturizing ingredients and how to use them
Ceramides and heparinoids each have their own areas of expertise.Ceramides strengthen the skin's barrier function by "replenishing" its structureThen,Heparinoids promote repair by "creating a moist environment" for the skin.. AndShea butter and squalane act as a "protective film" that keeps the moisture lasting for a long time. international success.
By using both together, you can restore the balance of moisture and oil, keeping your skin moisturized even during dry seasons.
To avoid drying
Also, to avoid dryingBathing and indoor environment are also importantIn the cold season, you may want to soak in hot water for a long time,Water temperatures above 40°C wash away ceramides and sebum from the skin, weakening its barrier function..The ideal time to bathe is in lukewarm water (38-40°C) for 10-15 minutes.Choose a mild detergent,Don't scrub, wash gently with foamAfter bathing, moisture evaporates easily from the skin, so gently pat the skin dry with a towel.Apply moisturizer within 5 minutes if possible, but at least within 20 minutes.Moisturizing immediately after bathing is the most effective way to protect the skin's barrier function, so it's a good time to quickly moisturize before putting on clothes.
Furthermore, dryness prevention is not just about skin care.Indoor humidity controlIn winter, heating can easily cause humidity to drop below 30%, which can cause moisture to be lost from the skin into the air.Indoor humidityAround 50 to 60%keepThis prevents moisture from evaporating from the stratum corneum, allowing the effects of moisturizers to last longer. Placing it in a place where you spend a lot of time, such as your bedroom or living room, will help prevent dryness not only of your skin but also of your throat and mucous membranes.
Common mistakes people make during dry seasons include skipping moisturizer after applying a generous amount of lotion, or washing their face excessively because they are concerned about their lack of sebum. If oil is not replenished, evaporation can exacerbate dryness, and excessive washing can actually damage the stratum corneum barrier, making dryness worse.
The basics of skin care are to "not wash too much (not washing your face will not remove sebum and other dirt, so it is still important to wash your face)" and "never neglect moisturizing."
The change of seasons is also the time when skin is most unstable. By effectively incorporating ceramides, heparinoids, and oil-based moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter and squalane, you can improve your skin's barrier function and make it more resistant to external stimuli.
Controlling humidity with a humidifier, proper bathing habits, and careful daily moisturizing are the surest ways to get through winter comfortably.
We also have large-capacity moisturizers containing shea butter and squalane, so please feel free to use them.
