Psychodermatology and Neurocosmetics

 Since 1930 we have known there is a connection between the gut-brain- and the skin, as they are all formed simultaneously from the same outer layer of the embryo. Psychodermatology is a subset of dermatology, that studies this connection between skin health and brain health.

The brain, skin and gut share a common complex language involved in sending messages through the sensory network. This happens between the nerve endings via the chemical messengers, hormones and on the neural pathway itself. ‘Why is this important?’ you may ask. Because the study of psychodermatology explores how our emotions influence the way our skin looks, reacts, feels and how our appearance influences our sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

We also know that 70 percent of serotonin, the happy hormone, is produced in the gut. Studies have shown that only when serotonin levels were increased in those undergoing stress, the skin barrier strengthened. This in short means that mood changes have an impact on skin health. Cortisol, the stress hormone, damages the skin barrier and decreases collagen production leading to premature ageing. Cortisol also triggers excess sebum (oil) production and it is a well-known fact that stress triggers a number of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dullness and wrinkles.

Whilst there is a lot to learn about this multifaceted connection, some understand this interdependent role of the skin-gut-brain axis intuitively. As Keira Barr, M.D., board certified dermatologist specialising in psychodermatology puts it, “When you are feeling overwhelmed with mounting deadlines and your eczema is flaring and the itching is out of control, you know your skin is reflecting what you are feeling inside and what you are feeling inside is reflected on your skin.”

Neurocosmetics takes this concept one step further by focussing on adapting your skincare routine to maximise your overall well-being. This includes flushing out toxins from your gut by staying hydrated; incorporating powerful anti-oxidants, such as resveratrol, in your diet; as well as increasing the intake of Omega 3 supplements to manage the skin and the body’s inflammatory response. Other steps to a greater sense of wellbeing and skin balance include bringing foods high in flavonoids into your daily diet, such as berries and green tea for their protective qualities. Another must is to get some daylight exposure every day and sufficient sleep. This mandate also encourages finding ways to manage stress, through mindfulness practices and moderate physical exercise.

Neurocosmetics is a fascinating area where skincare meets neuroscience. Working with the knowledge that feeling great inside will improve the health of the skin outside, the focus is on promoting not just physical beauty but psychological well-being. This new direction in the beauty industry is all the more important as 58% of people in a recent survey said skincare is core to their feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. Four out of ten said they are looking for a more holistic approach to better skincare, and are more interested in investing in preventative care rather than retrospective age reversing treatments.

LED light therapy for the use in the cosmetics industry is one such innovative technology. It harnesses the power of colour light wavelengths to bring about balancing, restorative and energizing qualities to the skin. Red LED light therapy, in particular has also been shown to enhance mood, further cementing the brain-gut-skin connection. LED light technology is pain free and subtle, and its premise is based on something occurring naturally in the world we live in. It can therefore be used on a consistent basis as a great adjunct to a more holistic way of having radiant skin, so we can all feel and look great no matter what life circumstances throw in our direction.