Articles

Turning Ultraviolet Rays & Dryness Into ''Allies'' – The Cutting Edge of Dermatology: What Is the Skin Stress Harmony Theory?

2025.05.30

In today’s so-called ''stress society,'' our skin is constantly exposed to new sources of stress. It is well known that ultraviolet (UV) rays, dryness, and chemical substances negatively affect the skin. Focusing on skin stresses and the skin's natural abilities, the skincare brand SKINFONIA believes that "if you can turn skin stress into your ally, it could be the key to maintaining beautiful skin".

This time, we interviewed Professor Yoshikazu Uchida, a research professor at Hallym University specializing in dermatological research, who was involved in the product’s development. We explored in detail the skin stress harmony theory—essential insights for anyone concerned about aging signs or sensitive skin.

PROFILE

Yoshikazu Uchida

Ph.D. in Pharmacy

Graduated from Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, and completed his Master’s degree at the same university. He worked on dermatology and skincare product development at a major Japanese cosmetics company. In 1999, he became a faculty member in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. After serving as Associate Research Professor and Research Professor, he assumed his current post as Research Professor (Dermatological Research) at Hallym University in 2021. That same year, he designed the Symfonia Cocktail™︎ based on the "Skin Stress Harmony Theory", leading to the development of SKINFONIA.

Why Barrier Disruption & UV Rays Can Become Switches for Beautiful Skin

We asked Professor Uchida to explain the specific effects of stress on the skin.

"The main sources of skin stress include UV rays, dryness, allergens such as pollen and bacteria, and chemical substances. Yellow dust isn’t just sand—by the time it reaches Japan, it has absorbed various substances such as air pollutants and microorganisms, so you need to be careful.

"All these sources typically induce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress means the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species. Of course, reactive oxygen species serve important functions in immunity and intercellular signaling, but an overabundance harms our health and beauty. Specifically, excessive reactive oxygen species induce inflammation, leading to rough skin, pigmentation problems, and accelerated aging."

Professor Uchida’s path to the "Skin Stress Harmony Theory" began with research on the skin’s barrier function. When the skin barrier breaks down and moisture evaporates, such stimulation actually triggers recovery. Covering the skin with a moisture-permeable cloth naturally maintains optimal moisture evaporation, which encourages recovery.

While researching the signaling function of ceramides in cells, Professor Uchida discovered that, during the recovery of a broken skin barrier, the production of antimicrobial peptides increases, enhancing the skin’s immune defenses. In other words, the stress of moisture evaporation activates the skin’s resilience.

Similar reactions were observed for UV rays and chemical substances, increasing ceramide levels and antimicrobial peptide production. Through this accumulation of research, the "Skin Stress Harmony Theory" was born—"if you can turn skin stress into your ally, it leads to more beautiful skin."

Moderate Stress Supports the Skin’s Complex Barrier Functions

Moderate stressors like moisture evaporation and UV rays promote ceramide production and boost antimicrobial peptides, but excessive stress does the opposite.

"If the stress is too strong, your skin will sustain damage and the multifaceted barrier functions—such as recovery and antimicrobial production—won’t work properly. It’s only when stress and your skin are balanced that these mechanisms are activated, strengthening your skin’s overall barrier function.

"Even if you have troubled skin that struggles to maintain barrier function—like in atopic dermatitis, where ceramide and other barrier components are hard to produce—this skincare theory can somewhat compensate for those conditions."

The key to healthy skin is avoiding excessive irritation while harmonizing moderate stress with thoughtful skincare.

Recently, more people feel their skin has become sensitive, possibly due to changes in their stress environment.

"It’s not always the case that people today are measurably less resilient to stress, but new stressors have emerged due to lifestyle changes. For instance, blue light and air conditioning dryness are new factors that add up to more total stress, and it’s possible that our capacity for adaptation can’t always keep up. For anyone worried about sensitive skin or aging signs, it’s important to reassess your total stress load as well as your skin’s adaptive strength."

SKINFONIA Skincare Supports Skin Stress Harmony

Based on Professor Uchida’s theory of Skin Stress Harmony, the skincare brand SKINFONIA was born.

"Skin health is maintained by multifaceted barrier functions such as moisture retention, antioxidant action, and antibacterial effects. That's why at SKINFONIA, we use our uniquely developed Symfonia Cocktail™︎ to comprehensively support these functions.

"However, more beneficial ingredients aren’t always better. For example, even ceramides, known as moisturizing agents, can pose the risk of cell death if over-supplemented. What's crucial is using the right amount and maintaining the proper balance between ingredients based on their purposes.”

Symfonia Cocktail™︎ incorporates five select ingredients in an ideal proprietary ratio, including Ceramide NG for superior moisture and smoother skin and Niacinamide to soothe the skin and reinforce its barrier function (stratum corneum). Thoughtful selection ensures long-term usability.

"Some beneficial ingredients can be harsh, and their effects vary among individuals. Just like medicines can have side effects, it's also vital for skin care to get the amounts and balance right. Skin care isn’t a one-time deal—it’s something that spans decades, so a long-term usable formula is essential."

It took three years to develop Symfonia Cocktail™︎. Its effects were verified through clinical trials and published in academic papers. The commitment to only proceed with commercialization if results were achieved reflects the dedication of Yoshida, president of TIERRAS, which manages SKINFONIA.

"When moving to commercialization, we pursued the best possible outcomes in every detail, from stability to feel upon use."

As a result, SKINFONIA is free from compromise and packed with innovations for a long-lasting relationship with your skin.

What Is the “Ideal Distance” from UV Rays?

In situations where a certain amount of stress is beneficial, how exactly should we approach UV protection?

"It depends on the intensity of ultraviolet rays and your skin’s barrier strength, but leveraging UV as a beauty stimulus isn’t easy. Especially outdoors in the summer or in snowy mountains, UV exposure is extremely high, so sunscreen, parasols, and other protection are absolutely indispensable."

On the other hand, there are also benefits to UV exposure. Vitamin D, produced via sunlight, is not only crucial for bone health but also for maintaining overall wellness, including supporting immune strength. While you can supplement vitamin D through your diet or supplements, natural production in the body remains the most reliable.

With more people working indoors and sometimes taking UV protection too far, vitamin D deficiency has become a concern in recent years. Briefly exposing yourself to morning sunlight or adding salmon and dried shiitake mushrooms to your meals are some ways to address this shortage.

"Along with reassessing your approach to UV, it’s essential to review your daily skincare and lifestyle habits. Make sure to get enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins, and prioritize quality sleep at night. Morning sunlight helps regulate your internal clock, which also contributes to hormonal balance."

The perspective that skin stress can have benefits may be a fresh concept for many. Why not revisit your daily care and lifestyle to unlock your skin’s natural power for harmony?

Text by Rie Tsugita (Beauty Specialist/Writer)