Beyond Beauty: Relaxing Skincare Routines May Diminish Anxiety

Beyond Beauty: Relaxing Skincare Routines May Diminish Anxiety

Skincare’s Wellness Impact

Skincare routines are becoming increasingly popular, not only to minimize aging skin, but to enhance personal wellness and promote relaxation [1]. Skincare products have a dual purpose, that is to enhance physical appearance and promote a healthy emotional state [1]. The human perception of health and well-being tends to be reflected by the direct appearance of the skin [1]. As it turns out, skincare routines have a much larger health impact than simply making an individual appear youthful. In fact, studies have determined that skincare routines can induce positive emotions and physical relaxation, and a new branch of skincare called “neurocosmetics” is evolving to potentially improve mental health [1,2].

Skincare’s Aesthetic Effect May Decrease Anxiety

When an individual uses skincare products, it produces positive emotions because it is perceived as improving their physical appearance [1,3]. It is the positive self-reflection and self-achievement that is derived from the use of skincare products that boosts mood to, in theory, decrease anxiety [1,3]. While the direct connection between skincare and anxiety is still in its theoretical stages, research has found that relaxation produced from facial skincare results in pleasure and positive emotions [1,3]. 

 

Skincare’s Physiological Effect Promotes Relaxation

When an individual performs a skincare routine, it creates a sensory experience that encompasses a soothing body massage which results in physiological relaxation as measured objectively with an EEG [1]. Additionally, a one-hour facial skincare session has been determined to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which resulted in decreased heart rate, muscular tension, breathing and increased relaxation [1]. Also, after a one-hour facial skincare routine, cerebral relaxation was 42% higher than the control group who relaxed without a facial [1].

Neurocosmetics: Brain and Skin Communication

“Neurocosmetics are nontoxic, bioactive topical products that contain ingredients designed to work at the neurological level, and not elsewhere” [2]. The branch of neurocosmetics describes the integral relationship between the skin and brain [2]. The skin and brain are biologically intertwined through a network of neurons, and the skin provides direct access to the central nervous system, where the brain resides [2]. Additionally, many emotions are felt at the level of the skin, such as sweating when stressed, goosebumps when fearful, and blushing when embarrassed [2]. The skin is believed to be a key constituent of mental structures and functionality [2]. Therefore, skincare products, in theory, could regulate mental health through mechanisms of modulating neurotransmitter release or neurotransmitter effects, or modulating non-nervous cell functions [2].

 

Neurocosmetics and Stress

During periods of chronic stress, skin cells continue producing the stress hormone known as cortisol [2]. Cortisol damages the body in high amounts for long periods of time [2]. A feedback mechanism needs to be established to return cortisol levels to normal, and this is where neurocosmetics can come into play [2]. Below are some examples of neurocosmetic products that have been created to rebalance cortisol levels, promote endorphins, and decrease inflammation that is associated with stress [2]. These products are still in the early phases of research, so be sure to consult your physician before trying any new skincare products.

     

    Get started with your self-care skincare routine today! 

     

    References:

    1. Bouhout, S., Aubert, A., Vial, F., & Choquenet, B. (2023). Physiological benefits associated with facial skincare: Well‐being from emotional perception to neuromodulation. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12855
    2. Rizzi, V., Gubitosa, J., Fini, P., & Cosma, P. (2021). Neurocosmetics in skincare—the fascinating world of skin–brain connection: a review to explore ingredients, commercial products for skin aging, and cosmetic regulation. Cosmetics, 8(3), 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030066
    3. Roso, A., Aubert, A., Cambos, S., Vial, F., Schäfer, J., Belin, M., ... & Bize, C. (2023). Contribution of cosmetic ingredients and skin care textures to emotions. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12928
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