Shiseido’s researchers present their findings to achieve beautiful skin
based on its 100 years of UV research
UV rays cause inflammation and other damage to the skin. Accumulated UV damage leads to blemishes and wrinkles, and is a major factor in aging. Shiseido’s laboratories conduct studies every day to not only protect the skin from UV rays, but also make it more beautiful. The key to beautiful skin is the stratum corneum, the outermost, protective layer. When this layer is in good condition, it can make your skin healthier and more beautiful. Read on to hear from a researcher about exactly how this works.
Profile
Shiseido Brand Value R&D Institute
Researcher Yoko
Researches UV rays and develops sunscreen. An expert well-versed in Shiseido’s latest sunscreen technology.
Interviewer
Mrs.Hinata
Runs in her free time. Always concerned about UV rays. Not sure which sunscreen to choose.
1What Does
Beautiful Skin Require?
Resistance to UV
Ray Damage Is Crucial
“Skin Beautifying care” means to nurture beautiful skin.
Okay, and what are some good ways to do that?
The key to beautiful skin is the stratum corneum. Research has shown that taking care of this layer makes your skin less susceptible to UV damage.
The stratum corneum is the uppermost part of the epidermis. It’s about as thin as a typical tissue. As the outermost part of the skin, it protects you from external environmental stimuli, including UV rays.
Wow, the stratum corneum is so thin! What exactly does it do?
The stratum corneum is easily disturbed by damage from external causes such as UV rays and dryness, as well as by natural aging that occurs internally. This layer has two important functions. First, it acts as a barrier to prevent the moisture inside the body from evaporating and stop foreign substances from entering. Second, it retains moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
That’s quite impressive considering it’s only as thin as a tissue.
Research has confirmed that when your skin is exposed to UV rays while the stratum corneum’s barrier function is compromised, your skin becomes redder and melanin levels increase. Generally, exposure to UV rays triggers inflammation that disrupts epidermal turnover. This is also known as abnormal keratinization. UV exposure also impairs the barrier and moisture retention functions. As a result, the stratum corneum becomes disturbed, thus making your skin more susceptible to damage from UV rays.
Therefore, the secret to beautiful skin lies in how healthy you keep the stratum corneum.
2How Can You
Tell the Stratum
Corneum is in Good Condition?
The Key Points are
Moisture and Turnover Rate
I see. So the secret to beautiful skin is the stratum corneum, the outer layer of our skin. But how can we tell whether it’s in good condition?
When healthy, the stratum corneum has plenty of moisture and a normal turnover rate.
What kind of positive effect does a normal turner rate have on the skin?
The stratum corneum will be in good shape, the barrier function will prevent moisture inside the body from evaporating and foreign substances from entering, and the moisturizing function will keep your skin hydrated, thus creating a virtuous cycle.
Those two functions are like the wheels on a bicycle. They both have to work.
How can we keep these two functions in working order?
The first step is to block UV rays, which are external stimuli. UV damage causes inflammation of the skin, which disrupts turnover and produces an immature stratum corneum. This results in loss of moisture and an impaired barrier function.
At the same time, you want to be mindful about keeping moisture in your skin. Air-conditioning and heating, as well as seasonal dryness and humidity, place the stratum corneum in a demanding environment.
That’s interesting. But preventing UV damage while keeping skin moist sounds like a tough challenge.
Indeed, it is. Recently, we can get sunscreens that both retain moisture and offer protection from UV rays at the same time. Choose a sunscreen that not only protects your skin from UV rays, but also moisturizes it and keeps the stratum corneum functioning well.
3Sunscreen Is Essential to Beautiful Skin
Mind the Two Functions
So, we need sunscreen that not only protects the skin but also keeps it moisturized? For sure, sunscreen is the last step in the skincare routine, and many people apply it before putting on makeup. That means it would be reassuring if my sunscreen can provide both protection and moisturizing.
You’re correct. And that’s why you should choose a sunscreen that both moisturizes and offers protection from UV rays according to its SPF or PA level. Daily UV protection leads to beautiful skin.
And of course there are sunscreens that do that! In fact, we have so many different kinds on the market these days.
Yes, there are many types of sunscreens. They include products you can use under makeup, sunscreen for sensitive skin, and even sunscreens for babies.
I’ve also heard that sunscreen is not the only kind of product that treats UV damage.
You’re talking about suncare products you use after being in the sun, right?
When I’m active during the day, I especially like to use nighttime suncare products. I apply them at night, when I’m not in the sun. They provide moisture and whitening effects to counter UV damage I incur during the day.
4Shiseido’s
Latest Sunscreen Tech
Can Help!
An Astounding Evolution in
Sunscreen Automatically Fixes
Creasing and Gaps!
By the way, can you tell me about Shiseido’s cutting-edge sunscreen technology?
Certainly! Auto veil technology automatically fixes the creasing and gaps that movement creates. This is the most sophisticated, innovative technology in Shiseido’s 100 years of UV research.
It automatically fixes creasing and gaps?! Is it equipped with AI or something?
Not actually! (Laughs.) It’s not AI-powered, but it does demonstrate the power of science and technology. That technology is based on an innovative coating technique that forms a special film with a UV-scattering agent.
They say a person blinks 1,200 times an hour. In addition to that movement, we smile and we talk. All these actions produce more creasing in the sunscreen and makeup on our face than you’d imagine.
1,200 times an hour?! Now I’m worried whether I’ve got some creases.
I can understand why. Recognizing this fact, we thought it would be convenient if, through the power of science, sunscreen could automatically cover the skin and eliminate the need for repeated application. That was the idea behind developing the technology.
Science sure is amazing! I’m going to check out sunscreen with auto veil technology as soon as I can! Are there any other key points to keep in mind when selecting a sunscreen?
Yes. Good products are those that contain carefully selected ingredients to moisturize the stratum corneum and enhance your bare skin’s water retention.
Shiseido is always researching reliable ingredients. Recently, we succeeded in developing an essence with a new ingredient: purple tea extract.
You really are doing all kinds of research!
Yes, we are! Our research is achieving advances in sunscreens by the day. And that research is ongoing so we can all keep enjoying our time out in the sunshine.
I hope you found my interview with Ms.Yoko informative. When the protective stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your skin, is in proper working order, your skin is more resistant to UV rays. To keep your stratum corneum healthy, it’s important to retain moisture, not just shield it from external stimuli. I urge you to choose a well-balanced sunscreen that protects you from UV rays while nurturing beautiful, moist skin.
Ms. Yoko, I’m glad to have the opportunity to interview you today and find out just what our readers can do to develop beautiful skin.
So here’s my first question. Our topic is about “Skin Beautifying care”. What does that mean, exactly?