What is Neurocosmetics ?
- Neuro comes from Greek, where it has the meaning nerve and cosmetic meaning treatment intended to restore or improve a person's appearance.
- Neurocosmetics uses the skin-brain connection by interacting with receptors in skin cells.
Neurocosmetics is a fascinating field of skin-brain connection, which combines neuroscience and cosmetics to enhance the efficiency of cosmetic applications by improving neurotransmitter responses through olfaction and sensory relaxation.
First, we will understand what skin- brain connection
Sensitive nervous or neuro-vegetative filaments from the spinal cord innervate the skin, influencing processes such as thermoregulation, sebaceous gland activity, and melanin production. This echoes the concept of Misery's description "Les nerfs à fleur de peau." Various emotions like fear, stress, and happiness are experienced through reactions such as sweating, goosebumps, raised hairs, vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and skin radiance. Have you ever noticed how your skin flushes when someone tells you they like you? This phenomenon, known as blushing, or imagine someone scolding you, and you suddenly feel your face flush, are a fascinating examples of the skin-brain connection in action. When you experience an emotional trigger, like a compliment or a confession of affection, your nervous system responds by releasing neurotransmitters. These chemicals signal the blood vessels in your skin to dilate, increasing blood flow and causing that characteristic pink or red tint. It's a beautiful reminder of how our emotions are intricately linked to our physical responses, with the nervous system acting as the bridge between our inner feelings and outer appearance. This is achieved by neurotransmitters.
What are neurotransmitters?
- Neurotransmitters are vital chemical messengers facilitating communication between neurons in the nervous system.
- They are released from one neuron's axon terminal, travel across the synaptic cleft, and bind with receptors on another neuron's dendrites, influencing various bodily functions and responses.
- Neurotransmitters facilitate communication between neurons, and this intricate process is further enhanced by neuropeptides, which act as additional signaling molecules in the nervous system.
Neuropeptides- which are chemical couriers, naturally synthesized by nervous fibre consummations, that are also produced by skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, etc.) and the vulnerable system.
- The release of neuropeptides can be convinced by physical, chemical, or indeed emotional stimulants. Among the 200 neuropeptides presently known, about 25 have been set up in the skin.
- Some exemplifications include neuropeptides similar as
- Substance P,
- Calcitonin gene-affiliated peptide (CGRP), and
- Bradykinins;
Neurohormones similar as
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH),
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH);
- Catecholamines
- Enkephalins
- Endorphins
- Specific receptors for these neuropeptides, along with enzymes, are expressed by cutaneous and immune cells.
- The binding of neurotransmitters to these receptors modulates cellular processes and skin functions, including immunity, cell isolation, proliferation, and pigmentation.
Benefits of Neurocosmetics
Neurocosmetics utilize this potential, offering various advantages beyond traditional skincare. By focusing on the skin-brain connection, neurocosmetics can:
- Enhance overall skin health.
- Minimize aging indicators like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Improve skin glow and luminosity.
- Diminish dark circles and puffiness.
- Support a smoother, more uniform skin complexion.
Neurocosmetics presents an exciting frontier in skincare, connecting neuroscience with beauty. Understanding how neurotransmitters and neuropeptides impact skin health offers new avenues for effective skincare solutions. As our understanding of this field expands, neurocosmetics have the potential to transform skincare, enhancing radiance, reducing aging signs, and promoting overall skin wellness. Embracing neurocosmetics signifies moving towards a future where skincare encompasses holistic well-being, reflecting the health of both body and mind.
Sources
Dive into the science where beauty meets neuroscience, but here are a few options we've curated for you:
https://www.mdpi.com/1191900
https://www.ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2211167.pdf