New global science proves a different reality
Medical research from around the world
Below are some of the many unbiased evidence-based studies on skin and cream formulations.
For skin, the studies clearly show that your complexion radically changes in different climates. For skincare, the results reveal that in order to maximize ingredients efficacy, the formulation must take the user’s climate into account.
- Study on the effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function
Published: European Academy of Dermatology (October 2015) & US National Library of Medicine (February 2016)
THE TAKE AWAY: The study concludes that low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function. In particular, people living in the Northern parts of Europe and North America are exposed to harsh weather conditions and will experience dry skin because of it.
- Study on how weather changes skin texture
Published: British Journal of Dermatology; March 2018
THE TAKE AWAY: “This study shows clearly that the skin barrier is affected by climatic and seasonal changes. Both children and adults suffer from red cheeks in the winter in northern latitudes and some may even develop more permanent skin conditions such as atopic eczema and rosacea,” said Jacob Thyssen, M.D., Ph.D., senior author.
- Study on the effects of regional climate and aging on seasonal variations
Published: Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Science and Applications (June 2017)
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM IT: The study concluded that skin hydration and barrier function decreased more during a cold, dry winter than summer. The barrier dysfunctions such as an increase in TEWL and pH occurred more commonly in old age groups when exposed to the climate. The greater the differences between summer and winter climates, the greater damage to skin barrier and skin hydration. The sebum secretion was more affected by hot, humid summers.
- Study on high altitude & skin
Published: Indian Journal of Dermatology (January 2017)
THE TAKE AWAY: The research showed that low air pressure, low humidity, high-velocity wind, excessive UV exposure, and extreme cold temperature are the various types of environmental stressors in high altitude that can cause serious damage to skin. Avoidance of frequent soap application, application of specific lotions, effective sunscreen, wearing of protective clothing are important guidelines for skin care in high altitude.
- Study of variation in skin biology to climate
Published: Journal of Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology (November 2016) & US National Library of Medicine (January 2017)
THE TAKE AWAY: This study was done by the Department of Skin & Cosmetics Research at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, recruiting over 2,000 volunteers between the age of 13-69 for it. They found that skin biological parameters are associated with climatic factors. Different sites have different sensitivity to climate factors.
- Study researching if the cells in the uppermost layer of the epidermis can first sense atmospheric pressure change and then trigger systemic changes known to influence the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune system.
Published: Journal of Extreme Physiology & Medicine (October 2016)
THE TAKE AWAY: The study found that indeed the keratinocytes of the uppermost surface of the skin were the most sensitive cells in the skin to respond to atmospheric pressure change. Thus, the study proposes that the uppermost layer of the epidermis (which is your complexion) serve as an interface between the body and the environment, and can cause systemic pathophysiological effects in response to climatic changes, such as atmospheric pressure change.
- Study comparing the skin properties of people living in cities with different altitudes
Published: US National Library of Medicine (March 2017)
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM IT: Conducted in-house by one of the world’s largest skincare company, Amore-Pacific R&D Center in Korea, the study concluded that skin properties can be influenced by living in different cities because different altitudes have different environments such as air temperature, humidity, and UV radiation.
- Study on seasonal variation of skin’s surface layer
Published: International Journal of Cosmetic Science (December 2014)
THE TAKE AWAY: The study shows that the skin surface pH, TEWL, sebum content, hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, skin pore and skin sensitivity vary with the seasons.
- Seasonal variability in the biophysical properties of forehead skin in women in Guangzhou City, China.
- The seasonal variation in skin hydration, sebum, scaliness, brightness and elasticity in Korean females.
THE TAKE AWAY: The correlations shown between the skin biophysical parameters (skin hydration, sebum, scales, brightness, and elasticity) and environmental factors demonstrate that the skin biophysical parameters are affected by environmental factors (air temperature, relative humidity, and highest precipitation.
- Effect of room humidity on the formation of fine wrinkles in the facial skin of Japanese
THE TAKE AWAY: These results indicate that even a 30% difference in RH can affect skin properties in 30 min. The importance of humidity stabilization and the necessity of acclimation to the humidity, particularly when the study concerns wrinkles, were thus confirmed.