Neuro-Cosmetics
Neuro-сosmetics is not a new concept in the beauty industry, it appeared on the market when cosmetic experts started talking about the effects of stress and aggressive environmental factors on the skin condition. It turned out that the dermis has its own nervous system, violation of which leads to rashes, redness and dermatitis. The next step was for cosmetic brands which began to produce sensorineural cosmetic products. So, what is neuro-сosmetics and who would need it?
The term ‘neuro-сosmetics’ first appeared in one of the cosmetic reviews in the early 2000. During that time, a lot of cosmetic products positioned as neuro-сosmetics were created, however, there was no clear criteria for these products yet. As beauty experts explain, neuro-сosmetics is a category of topical agents which are not absorbed by the body and do not have local toxic effects, affecting the nervous system of the skin, or the effects of skin neurotransmitters.
Neuro-cosmetics, in fact, is a cross between cosmetic products for healthy skin care and cosmeceuticals for skin treatment. The active substances in neuro-cosmetics are applied to the skin as part of a cosmetic product and can penetrate through barrier structures to reach and influence individual parts of the skin innervation. Given this mechanism of action, neuro-cosmetics can be used both for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. It can be recommended for people with healthy skin for intensive hydration, anti-age programs, as well as for medical purposes — for example, for hypersensitive skin with atopic dermatitis, skin restoration programs after the laser procedures, and peeling.
Among the active ingredients used in neuro-cosmetics, the following can be distinguished:
- substances with a calming effect: bisabolol, glycyrrhetinic acid, grape seed polyphenols, polysaccharides, complex plant extracts (arnica, chamomile, peppermint, raspberry root);
- vitamin B1, which affects the transmission of nerve impulse of the skin and is used in the composition of plant extracts containing it;
- polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid, which affects the feeling of pleasure, hydration and comfort on the skin;
- plant extracts rich in propylene glycol, a substance that promotes penetration of active substances into the skin.
All of these substances work as antioxidants, preventing oxidative inflammatory reactions in the skin. Usually, neutral aromas are used in neuro-cosmetics.
The main purpose of neuro-cosmetics is the fight against stress and aggressive environmental factors. Neuro-cosmetics usually has multicomponent compositions, where all active substances are compatible and complement each other. Neuro-cosmetics must also meet certain criteria: all its components must be stable for a long time, well tolerated when applied to the skin, penetrate skin barriers and interact with nerve endings in the skin. With prolonged use, neuro-cosmetics has a therapeutic effect on sensitive skin and skin with atopic manifestations.
