Changing Seasons, Changing Skin

Changing Seasons, Changing Skin

We are deeply connected to nature. Our skin responds to changes in the environment around us. As autumn arrives with cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and, for many of us, sweater weather and pumpkin spice, our skin begins to adjust as well.

In warm, humid weather, moisture in the air helps skin retain water. Sweat and increased sebum production also leave skin feeling supple, sometimes even a bit oily.

As the air becomes cooler and drier, that balance changes. Skin loses moisture more readily through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL measures the amount of water that escapes from the stratum corneum per area of skin and is commonly used as an indicator of skin barrier function.

As the seasons change, moisturization matters. Our skin needs a balanced moisturization approach that combines humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants such as glycerin, sodium PCA, and hyaluronic acid attract and bind water, helping skin maintain hydration. Emollients such as plant oils, fatty acids, and butters help smooth the skin’s surface and improve its soft, supple feel. Occlusives form a protective layer on the skin, helping slow moisture loss. Oils, butters, and waxes can provide varying degrees of occlusive protection.

Rather than relying on a single type of moisturizing ingredient, a well-formulated moisturizer brings humectants, emollients, and occlusives together to help skin adapt as environmental conditions change.

This is where ingredient selection matters. Many skincare products use petroleum-derived ingredients such as mineral oil and petrolatum, as well as silicones. Japaa formulations use plant-based ingredients such as safflower oil, sea buckthorn oil and squalane as emollients, and mango or murumuru butter for their emollient and occlusive properties [1]. These plant-based ingredients offer effective moisturization while aligning with our preference for thoughtfully selected, plant-derived ingredients rather than petroleum-derived mineral oils, petrolatum, or silicones.

As fall gradually gives way to winter, your skincare routine may need to change with it [2]. Pay attention to how your skin feels, choose ingredients that address its changing needs, and give it the extra moisture and protection it needs through the colder, drier months.

After all, changing seasons are a good reminder that our skin changes too, and good skincare should change with it.

Happy fall, and thanks for reading!

References:

1. https://japaanaturals.com/ingredient-glossary/
2. Clinical benefit of moisturizers