Neurocosmetics: Beauty and the brain
The article was authored by Dr. Giorgio Dell’Acqua and Antonia Kostic, and it was first published in the November 2023 edition of Personal Care Global magazine.
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ABSTRACT
The inception of our tactile experience starts from the activation of nerve receptors residing within the skin, triggering a cascade of sensations. The connection between external stimuli and our body generates a wellspring of emotions that shape our feelings, behaviour and perception of the outside world.
During the evaluation of a cosmetic product, factors such as texture, visual appearance and fragrance are important. It is crucial to consider how these sensory elements contribute to emotional triggers and subconscious engagement, as these aspects influence purchasing decisions.
In today’s cosmetic industry, formulators are compelled to develop products with superior sensory properties.2 Other than being sensory-pleasant, could these products also be capable of influencing someone’s emotions/mood and resulting in better skin appearance? Could their action be directly mediated by the skin’s nervous system? Is this true or only a marketing myth?