Skincare trends pop up and disappear faster than easter eggs in movies. But neurocosmetics might be here for the long haul. Why? Because it’s where skincare says hello to science and gives you truly mind-blowing results.
Neurocosmetics are like Horlicks for your skin, deepening the connection between your brain and epidermis. These products feature top-notch ingredients that come together to soothe and stimulate your skin in the best way possible.
Your skin isn’t just a protective barrier. It acts as a hotline operator to your brain; over 1,000 neuroreceptors (or tiny sensors) keep your brain informed of the negative juju your skin might be dealing with.
Neurocosmetics respond to your skin’s needs by intercepting these signals.
For example, if your skin is exposed to stress or above-normal pollution levels, neurocosmetics stop the negative effects and activate the product’s calm-inducing mechanisms. Magical, right?
Star ingredients
Neurocosmetics, which have now entered the Indian market, feature many effective and time-tested ingredients. Let’s see what they are and understand their benefits.
- Peptides: Peptides are chains of protein molecules that repair skin and reduce inflammation. They are best known for stimulating collagen, which provides strength, firmness and elasticity to the skin.
- Botanicals: If you pictured a garden, you’re not entirely off-base. Chamomile, lavender and green tea are not meant just for inducing a blissful slumber – they also help soothe your skin and your mood. These powerful plant products also feature in some neurocosmetics.
- Probiotics: You know how a regular gab session with the squad helps balance the mind? That’s exactly how probiotics work. They balance the good bacteria in your skin, helping alleviate conditions such as acne and dermatitis.
- Adaptogens: Powerhouses of the plant world (read: ashwagandha and ginseng) these ingredients help your body respond and adapt to various stressors, restoring calm and balance.
Also read: Ceramides isn’t just a new skincare trend. Here is how they can work wonders
Understanding benefits
Stress is very obviously not your friend. It’s the equivalent of a toxic ex, covered in red flags (or acne), and constantly wreaking havoc on your life (or skin). Acne, psoriasis, and eczema, along with other major and minor skin problems, are often stress-related. That’s when neurocosmetics enter the picture and help you find the balance between your brain and skin.
Imagine getting therapy for your face; both sides communicate, respond, heal, glow, and grow. Truly amazing, if you think about it.
Neurocosmetics can also help reduce signs of ageing. They work on a cellular level to make your skin stay healthy for longer, ensuring fewer wrinkles and sagging.
Neurocosmetics boost cell longevity and fight inflammation, taking anti-ageing skincare to a whole new level. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s important to embrace your age and the perks that come with it. But if there is a way to slow down the ageing process and enjoy healthy, glowing skin for a little while longer through safe and thoroughly tested ways, then there really is no harm in exploring that.
Also read: I’ve seen HIFU transform skin and self-confidence. Know the risks and costs too
Do neurocosmetics work?
If you read my columns, you will know that I am not one to blindly follow or endorse skincare trends or fads. I don’t believe that skincare, or even healthy skin, is an overnight phenomenon.
Even though neurocosmetics are backed by science, and an improved skin and brain connection can prove beneficial, we’ve all been burnt one too many times by marketing gimmicks. So, take your time, do your research and more importantly, check with your trusted dermatologist.
Just because a product says it’s a neurocosmetic doesn’t mean that it is genuine. Analyse the ingredients, don’t fall for big confusing words, and dig into the science.
If you feel good about a product that is neuro-based and approved by your doctor, go for it.
Neurocosmetics are totally worth the hype. Just be smart about them.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
Good diversified information