Neurocosmetics: Transforming Skincare Into A Mind-Body Wellness Ritual

Play up your eyes with a smokey make-up to add a lot of drama, darkness and that smudged effect; use a concealer to hide your scars, freckles and zits for that smooth alabaster skin; brush a blusher over your cheeks to lend that rosy tinge and sharp contours; apply a ravishing glossy lip colour to exude attractiveness and mystery; mark a black spot on your chin to enhance your beauty; and last but not the least, spritz a perfume to envelop yourself in a scented veil for spreading an aura of magnetism around you. 

If you think, the aforementioned detailed elaborate ritual only meant for dressing and dolling up, you are surely mistaken, buddy. For so much effort is also put in to lift your mood and how!

In the domain of grooming one’s appearance and pampering the body, the range of products that creates a connect between the skin and the brain by infusing ingredients to improve skin health as well as boost one’s overall well-being, distinctly falls under the category of neurocosmetics. 

From Skin to Senses

This branch of neuroscience meeting make-up articles impels a neurological reaction through the skin sensory organ that consists of several nerve endings and receptors to identify and respond to various stimuli, which is a kit of specifically designed cosmetics in this case. 

Sending signals to the cerebral zone, neurocosmetics forges a link between the mind and the body generating a vortex of feel-good feelings, bouts of optimism, positive associations, fond memories, et al. 

Be it colours, smells, ingredients, a sense of touch, application methods or whatever it takes to impact the outer layer of our body coating and the thinking arena — is actually defining the current formulation of developing and manufacturing a suite of cosmetics to set a trend in beauty regime and self-care routine.

“Neurocosmetics works via the neuro-immuno-cutaneous-endocrine system, a complex network where the skin and the brain communicate through neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones. As a cosmetologist, I view the skin not just as a protective barrier but as a sensory medium deeply reactive to emotional and physical impetuses,” enlightens reputed cosmetologist Dr. Monica Kapoor. 

Elements That Exalt Elation

A host of skincare or aesthetic ingredients can deeply impact the skin’s sensation and the brain’s positive feedback to the same. 

“For instance, essential oils like lavender or bergamot activate the olfactory nerves, thereby composing the mind and simultaneously reducing redness or inflammation on the skin. Other components like caffeine stimulate circulation and mental alertness, showcasing how certain actives can serve a dual purpose of physical revitalisation and neurological drive,” exemplifies Dr. Kapoor, who is also the director of Flawless Cosmetic Clinic & ILACAD (Institute of Laser Aesthetics Cosmetology and Dental Sciences) Institute.

Feel & Stay Happy

Neurocosmetics usually ignites a plethora of affirmative feelings as well as effects on the body, including calmness, happiness, alertness and emotional balance. These emotions are often accompanied by physiological outcomes, such as an improved blood flow, reduced muscle tension and increased collagen (skin protein) production owing to lower stress hormone levels. 

“When users experience sensory pleasure — be it from a texture, scent or a cooling sensation — the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin, leading to a holistic sense of rejuvenation that transcends traditional skincare benefits,” notes Dr. Kapoor.

Cosmetic Catalogue

A slew of cosmetic products has powers to favourably impact the skin and the cerebral organ. Products like mood-enhancing face masks, CBD (Cannabidiol chemical)-infused serums, stress-relief night creams, adaptogenic facial oils and even certain perfumes imbued with comforting or invigorating notes act as key catalysts for a blissful frame of mind. For example, creams steeped with neuropeptides or adaptogens can promote a cosy sensation while nourishing the skin barrier. Roll-on essential oil blends for temples, temple balms and aromatic pillow mists can also engage both the skin and the brain, leading to restful sleep and a radiant skin.

Sensory Appeal

Other than the skin (sense of touch and feeling), sustainable beauty enhancers are able to influence the remaining four sense organs like eyes (sight), nose (smell), tongue (taste) and ears (hearing).

“Absolutely! All five senses are engaged besides just the touch factor. For the eyes, thoughtfully-designed packaging using soft, muted tones or vibrant hues can evoke joy or calmness. For the nose, organic fragrances incorporating essential oils like rose or sandalwood tap into the scent memory and emotional recalls. As far as the taste goes, certain lip balms or edible oils mingled with natural flavourings like vanilla or peppermint fetch a sensory delight. For hearing, some brands are introducing ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) experiences with soft-spoken tutorials or packaging that make soothing sounds upon opening, thus fashioning a mindful beauty rite. All these create a holistic, ethical and multisensory beauty experience,” elaborates Dr. Kapoor. 

Mood Magic

Mood make-up indicates a line of products or self-care rituals that impacts or reflects one’s prevalent mental status and the emotional state. There are key makeup components, pigments/colours, scents/fragrances, vitamins, essential oils, meaningful packaging that can influence the mind in a positive way.

“Mood make-up leverages the psychology of colours and sensory elements to perk up one’s mood and reflect a mosaic of emotions,” avers beauty expert and makeup artist Pria Sachan from Fashion Colour. 

Shades like soft pinks, warm corals and tranquil blues are known to evoke feelings of serenity and ecstasy. Fragrances, such as lavender, chamomile and citrus are often offered for their stress-relieving and pepping up properties. Ingredients like Vitamin E and B5 apart from essential oils like rosehip and tea tree oil nourish both the skin and the senses. 

“Packaging also plays a vital role. Minimalist, pastel-toned or eco-friendly packaging can create a sense of responsibility and emotional cushion,” infers Sachan.

Mutable Palette

Incidentally, the colour of certain cosmetics changes by coming in contact with a certain body temperature and pH levels. “A lip balm can react with the natural pH level of your lips to deliver a custom shade unique to each individual. This type of products contains pH-sensitive or thermochromic pigments that change colour upon contact with the skin’s warmth or acidity. This not only betters the user experience but also creates a fun, mood-reflective and personalised beauty regime,” elucidates Sachan.

Stress Buster

Neurocosmetics is not just skin-deep. They go beyond providing surface-level solutions and detect the root causes of skin problems by impacting the brain-skin link. But can neurocosmetic regime medically treat and cure skin issues as well as de-stress the mind?

“Neurocosmetics operates at the intersection of neuroscience and dermatology, focusing on how emotional and environmental stressors affect the skin health. By using active ingredients that arouse neuroreceptors or mimic neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine, these products help ease soreness, sensitivity and the signs of anxiety. While they may not be a medical therapy for chronic skin conditions, they support skin healing and contribute to mental welfare by pacifying the nervous system and restoring balance. So, the same definitely acts as a detox!” endorses Sachan.

Green Grooming

Neurocosmetics promotes a holistic approach to skincare practice. An array of cruelty-free and ethical beauty options should be followed to improve one’s overall well-being and the skin health.

“Ethical beauty journeys begin with noble intentions, that is, to slow down and choose products that are cruelty-free, sustainably sourced and free from harsh chemicals,” claims Sachan.

Practices like facial massages, aromatherapy-infused applications and skin rituals tied with breathwork or affirmations can enhance the efficacy of neurocosmetics. “Integrating wellness with skincare transforms the experience into a therapeutic habit from a heavy-duty task that bolsters both skin health and mental clarity,” she states further.

Mother Nature Care

Botanical extracts, kitchen remedies and natural resources can certainly help improve the exchange between skin cells and nerve cells, thus potentially benefitting the skin health and the overall mood.

Botanicals like ginseng/ashwagandha, gotu kola, chamomile, turmeric have adaptogenic properties that regulate stress and improve skin resilience. Homespun ingredients, such as aloe vera, honey, green tea and yogurt contain natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that lull the skin and back the skin-brain connection. “These curative elements bridge the gap between ancient wellness and modern neurocosmetic science,” concludes Sachan.

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