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Introduction
At first glance, the skin may seem like a passive barrier separating our inner body from the external world. However, it's much more than that; it is our largest and extremely complex organ.
The notion that ‘How we feel inside is reflected by how we look outside’ represents a new area in the evolving world of cosmetics. The link between the skin and mind forms the foundation of neurocosmetics. Nowadays, science is advancing by using specific ingredients, known as neurocosmetic ingredients, to improve the appearance of the skin and overall well-being (1).
Does the skin have a connection to the nervous system? Absolutely, the skin is intricately linked to the nervous system.
This connection starts early in human development when both the skin and the nervous system begin forming from the same embryonic layer called the ectoderm. As the embryo develops, the ectoderm splits into two parts:
The neural ectoderm that forms the neural plate, which later becomes the central nervous system (CNS) (2).
The non-neural ectoderm that forms the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin (3).
Another connection is made by specific cells called “neural crest cells”. They give rise to different cells such as sensory, autonomic neurons and skin pigment cells known as melanocytes (3).
As we grow, our skin and nerves become closely linked. This explains why we feel touch, changes in temperature, and pain. Our skin acts as a messenger, sending signals from the outside world to our brain, protecting and helping us to understand our environment.
How do the skin and nervous system interact with each other?
Special messengers known as neuromodulators facilitate communication between the skin and the nervous system. These signalling molecules alter the activity of neurons and neural networks, defining them as neuromodulators.
They include neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, as well as neuropeptides, which are small protein-like molecules that also play a role in neural communication (4,5).
What is a neurocosmetic?
Neurocosmetic products use ingredients similar to natural neuromodulators. These products aim to connect the skin with the brain (indirect effect) or to modulate physiological mechanisms within the skin (direct effect). Neurocosmetic components work in two main ways: they either interact with nerve endings in the skin or adjust the functions of non-nervous cells by acting as agonists or antagonists of neuropeptide receptors in these cells (1).
Conclusion
The connection between the brain and skin is a ground-breaking concept in the cosmetic industry. To innovate and create specific products, cosmetic scientists have introduced neurocosmetics. These beauty products are designed to interact with the skin's nervous system. They aim to improve skin health and appearance by targeting neural pathways and signals that influence inflammation, sensitivity, and aging.
Interested? Check out our shop and be among the first to experience the benefits of neurocosmetics!
References:
1. Rizzi V, Gubitosa J, Fini P, Cosma P. Neurocosmetics in Skincare—The Fascinating World of Skin–Brain Connection: A Review to Explore Ingredients, Commercial Products for Skin Aging, and Cosmetic Regulation. Cosmetics. 2021 Jul 16;8(3):66.
2. Chruścik A, Kauter K, Windus L, Whiteside E. 16.2 embryonic development [Internet]. Pressbooks. 2021.
3. Gilbert SF. Developmental biology [Internet]. NCBI Bookshelf. 2000.
4. Misery L. Skin, immunity and the nervous system. Br. J. Dermatol. 1997, 137, 843–850
5. Bigliardi PL, Bigliardi-Qi M, Buechner S, Rufli T. Expression of μ-Opiate Receptor in Human Epidermis and Keratinocytes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1998 Aug;111(2):297–301.
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