Did you know that your skincare and cosmetics have the power to communicate with your brain? These products, known as neurocosmetics, are part of a more holistic approach to skincare and mental health.
They contain specific ingredients that can target the intrinsic link between the skin and brain, boosting serotonin production, mitigating emotional stress, and creating a positive effect.
Keep reading, and we'll tell you what you need to know about neurocosmetics.
Key Takeaways
- The mind-body connection and skin-brain axis are tied to the idea that your physical health (including skin health) can affect your mental well-being, and vice versa.
- Neurocosmetics are skincare or cosmetic products that are designed to play into the relationship between your skin and brain. Neurocosmetics are formulated to heal and nourish the skin while invoking an emotional or sensory response.
- The benefits of neurocosmetics include stress reduction, improved mental clarity, mood boost, and supportive self-care.
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Understanding the Skin-Brain Connection
The basis of neurocosmetics lies in the mind-body connection.
The mind-body connection is the relationship that exists between our mental health and physical health. In essence, it suggests that our thoughts, feelings, and emotions play a role in our physical well-being, and vice versa.
So, how do neurocosmetics factor into the mind-body connection?
Neurocosmetics are based on the idea that your skin and your mind are connected, which we can call the skin-brain axis.
It's widely known that your skin is part of your central nervous system, which is why stress and stressful situations can "show up" on your skin. Stress can lead to anything from acne and breakouts to early signs of aging.
What Are Neurocosmetics?
Imagine the comforting, soothing feeling of massaging a rich and warming body cream into your legs. Or the energizing, cooling sensation that comes with a coffee-scented skin scrub.
Neurocosmetics are designed to invoke a sensory or emotional response through ingredients, textures, and scents. Neurocosmetic ingredients target the communication pathways between the skin and brain in order to
- Improve the overall health and appearance of the skin
- Promote emotional balance, mental clarity, and positive emotions.
Your skin houses a complex network of nerves and receptors that send signals to your brain, and vice versa. This network of nerves in the skin is known as the cutaneous nervous system.
These communication pathways are what allow your skincare to interact with your mood, emotions, and feelings.
Bonus: 5 Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Skin
What Are Neurocosmetic Ingredients?
According to Vito Rizzi, a researcher of physical chemistry at Italy’s University of Bari, your skin and your brain share the same neuromediators. These neuromediators are what transmit information between your skin and your brain - that's why it's so important to be mindful about what you put on your skin.
These neuromediators and neurotransmitters are what allow neurocosmetic ingredients to interact with your brain. Neurocosmetics can't alter your brain chemistry in the same way that medications do, but the active ingredients in neurocosmetics can affect your brain in other ways.
Neuro-ingredients have the potential to boost endorphins and modulate excess cortisol, which creates compounding benefits for both your mind and your skin. This can even open up new pathways between your skin and brain for treating skin conditions like rosacea or atopic dermatitis, which are often induced by stress or neurological reactions.
What Are the Benefits of Neurocosmetics?
Different neurocosmetics can provide different benefits. Keep in mind that neuro-skincare can interact with your brain and emotional state in many different ways.
For example, many neurocosmetic products rely on textures and scents to promote relaxation, soothe sensitive skin, and encourage mental clarity.
Breathing in the aroma and scents of neurocosmetics can also engage the olfactory system, which can prompt the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This can further reduce anxiety and stress while promoting positivity and wellness.
What Are the Neurocosmetic Benefits of Candlenut?
One of the fastest-growing neurocosmetics is candlenut. Candlenut oil, also known as kikiu nut oil, was once used as a homemade candle in ancient cultures (hence, the name candlenut). Nowadays, the oil from this nut is used in skincare to moisturize, soften, and nourish the skin.
Not only does candlenut have powerful moisturizing properties, but it also has holistic neurocosmetic benefits. The signature Candlenut Fragrance from JUARA is formulated to ignite joy and spark mindfulness, creating an instant shift in mental state.
Made with notes of jasmine, tropical greens, freesia, rose, and fresh coconut, the Candlenut Fragrance has been infused into a collection of skincare products, including our award-winning and best-selling Candlenut Body Creme. (Learn more about the neurocosmetic properties of candlenut here.)
The Bottom Line
Botanical extracts and neuro-ingredients have the power to do more than support healthy, radiant skin. Certain ingredients, textures, and scents can potentially improve your mental health and emotional state by signaling to the brain via neurotransmitters.
Keep Reading: Linoleic Acid in Skin Care: What It Is and Is It Safe?
People Also Ask
What Are Some Examples of Neurocosmetic Products?
Neurocosmetic products are skincare products that are designed to interact with the nervous system. This is centered around the connection between the skin and the brain, often referred to as the "skin-brain axis" (similar to that of the gut-brain axis).
A few examples of neurocosmetic products include the Candlenut Perfume Oil, Candlenut Body Creme, and the Tiare Jasmine Perfume Oil.
How Do Neurocosmetics Differ From Regular Skincare?
While regular skincare is meant to target the skin's surface, neurocosmetic skincare is designed to interact with the skin's nervous system. Many skincare products, including those from JUARA, are specially crafted to act as effective skincare formulas and powerful neurocosmetics at the same time.
What Is the Difference Between Psychodermatology and Neurocosmetics?
Psychodermatology and neurocosmetics are very similar, but they have some key differences.
Psychodermatology seeks to nurture the connection between the mind and the skin in order to heal from the inside out. Neurocosmetics, on the other hand, use topical ingredients and neuro-fragrances to modulate mood, mitigate stress, and create balance.
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