The choice of cosmetics (whether for the face, hair or whole body), is very large. Also, new groups of products keep appearing, and often we ourselves no longer know which solutions are advisable for us and which we should avoid. Recently, another group is gaining popularity, and these are neurocosmetics. Below are a few words on the subject.

What are neurocosmetics?

Neurocosmetics are preparations that affect the nerve endings in the skin. Although the preparations themselves have been known for a very long time, the term itself only became widespread a few years ago.

The definition on neurocosmetics, by Professor Misery reads:

It is a topically applied, non-toxic, non-reversible product that exerts an effect on the activity of the cutaneous nervous system or modulates the action of cutaneous neurotransmitters.

Neurocosmetics thus interact with our skin from the level of its neurological activity.

Composition of neurocosmetics

There are neurocosmetics with different effects, there are anti-wrinkle creams, preparations for acne-prone skin, supporting regenerative processes, protecting the skin from free radicals. What ingredients do we find in this type of cosmetics? These will include menthol, Tasmanian pepper, oligopeptides or capsaicin.

1. Menthol

Practically everyone has heard ofmenthol . However, not everyone knows that it is a very popular ingredient in neurocosmetics. Menthol gives a cooling sensation – we feel a gentle cold while the ambient temperature remains the same. Menthol has antibacterial, soothing, analgesic properties.

What else is worth knowing about this topic? Menthol is the main component of peppermint oil, it is safe, and we can use it both externally and internally.

2. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is found in chili and cayenne peppers. It has a warming effect and analgesic properties. Application of a cosmetic with capsaicin accelerates blood circulation, and this results in better nutrition and, of course, better skin condition. Keep in mind, however, that capsaicin applied in too large quantities can act as an irritant.

3. Oligopeptides

Oligopeptides are amino acid molecules linked by peptide bonds. They have moisturizing properties, reduce wrinkles, improve skin density and firmness.

4. Tasmanian pepper

Another ingredient is Tasmanian pepper. Tasmanian pepper has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, reduces burning and redness, and seals the walls of blood vessels.

The list of ingredients that act on nerve endings is growing. Research is still being conducted in this area. These are, for example, studies on neurotrophins, polypeptide growth factors.

Benefits of neurocosmetics

It is worth saying a few more words about the advantages of neurocosmetics.

Neurocosmetics act topically, so they do not affect the systemic action of the nervous system. Another plus is the diverse properties. Depending on the specific product, neurocosmetics can have a rejuvenating, regenerating, stimulating or warming effect.

Summary

By way of summary, neurocosmetics are cosmetics, that affect the nerve endings in the skin. This is a fairly new and rapidly developing field of cosmetology.