When we meditate, we feel calmer, more peaceful and more able to overcome the anxieties of everyday life and sometimes, even deeper mental health issues. Scientists have long researched the physiological effects of meditation on the body, concluding that it releases endorphins which alleviate stress and induce feelings of happiness.
What if we could create similar effects of well-being in our brain and body through the application of products on our skin? It may sound like science fiction, but it’s happening as we speak. Neurocosmetics, new products at the cutting edge of skin science, can actually help the body increase the production of bio-chemicals like beta endorphins and reduce the impact of stress on our skin. Here’s the cherry on top: they can help with skin repair functions, too – making them good for our inner and outer health!
Neurocsmetics explore and harvest the deep connection between the skin and the brain to enhance we way we look – and feel. Neuropeptides are the highly effective ingredients, the bio-chemical tools that fortify and bolster this extraordinary process which is the future of skincare for our generation.
The Miracle of Neuropeptides
So what are these miraculous biochemicals?
Beta endorphins belong to a class of neurotransmitters (the agents that form the basis of brain-skin communication in our body) called neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are messenger molecules that have a slower but more long lasting, extremely potent effect compared to other neurotransmitters. Discovered in the early 1970’s, peptides were shown to have analgesic or pain-killing attributes. They were divided into enkephalins and endorphins and were seen to alter the processes of neural transmissions to the brain. These peptides, including beta endorphins and substances like oxytocin, not only gave runners their adrenalin high, but were also found to strengthen the immune system of the body, lead to better moods and positive emotions.
It was only decades later, however, that their use in skin science began to be explored. By using certain active ingredients, neuroscientists began to interact with the neuropeptides produced by epidermal cells or cells that line blood vessels, or those that are produced by nerve endings. These interactions served to greatly improve the functioning of the peptides. Then they began to produce neuropeptide complexes synthetically and add them to topical products and cosmetics – giving birth to the science of Neurocosmetics, which essentially helps the skin to repair itself!
What do Neuropeptides do for our skin?
This was great news for the cosmetics industry and for you and me. Here’s why:
The functions of the peptides include wonderful things besides getting us to calm down and feel happier. Besides reducing the production of cortisol, the stress producing hormone that damages collagen, they also work on
- improving the skin’s levels of tolerance to hyperactivity for reduced sensitivity
- fortifying barrier function
- stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production
- creating a non-invasive Botox-like effect by slowing the processes that cause wrinkles
- providing stronger protection from UV rays and pollution
- cutting down inflammation
- stimulating skin regeneration
- enhancing wound healing
- increasing skin elasticity and firmness.
It’s no wonder the transformational power of neurocosmetics is being lauded the world over if they are loaded with these tiny messengers of skin health!
How do Neuropeptides work?
Neuropeptides attach to receptors that control processes within our skin and the skin immune system like cell renewal, skin inflammation, and healing wounds. They stimulate other neurotransmitters and improve their functionality so that the brain receives messages faster and can begin its work on fixing problems caused by internal or external stimuli.
Neurocosmetics are set to change the way we look at skin products. And neuropeptides are an integral tool in that beautiful revolution which works by making us feel better inside and out. They also complement cosmetology treatments like Botox, and provide a gentler alternative to those who don’t want to use those below-the-skin methods.
