Beauty & The Brain

The synergy between science and beauty has made way for a skincare category that works at a neurological level, but how far does it really go to enhance emotional well-being?

- KONIKA DATTA

A moisturiser that not only hydrates the skin but also interacts with our nervous system to elevate mood is no longer a far-fetched notion. Neurocosmetics – a confluence of neuroscience and cosmetics – is the latest skincare category to be gaining momentum – with products that are supposed to make you feel relaxed and stress-free by stimulating the production of happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

As beauty and wellness become more intertwined, this latest innovation is said to revolutionise the skincare industry and go beyond providing surface-level solutions. Explaining its functions, Dr. Rebecca Purewal, a clinical psychologist and researcher in psychodermatology, says, “Neurocosmetics refers to cosmetic products that claim to have neurological or psychological benefits, possibly related to enhancing mood, reducing stress, or improving overall well-being. Such products might incorporate ingredients that claim to influence our mental state.”

The question here is simple: Can topical products deliver the same results that are usually seen in supplements?

A TWO-WAY CONVERSATION