The skin-brain balance: what if your beauty routine started in your head?

You know the saying, healthy mind in a healthy body – or the other way around? 

Breakouts, dull complexion, dryness...  

We often assume that these little inconvenience are due to the wrong skincare product or too much chocolate. But what if these signs were actually the reflection of our emotions and state of mind?

Have you ever felt a rush of stress and excitement the night before a big event, only to wake up with sudden blemishes on your skin?

Spoiler alert: It's no coincidence! 

Stress, excitement, anxiety: these intense emotions affect not only our mind but also our skin! 

Science confirms it : the skin and brain are intimately connected! 

Yes, our lifestyle and mental health have a direct impact on the condition of our skin and can cause visible effects : breakouts, dullness, premature aging, dryness, dark circles... #youcanseewhenIhadrillettes

The good knews ? We can do something about it !

Because yes, taking care of your skin also means soothing your mind.  

The Skin-Brain Axis, a true biological connection 

Before we dive into this skin-brain connection, a quick reminder about what makes up our skin.

The skin, a shield …  

When we think about skin, we often focus on appearance. But in reality, it's much more than just a "window dressing".

The skin is part of what makes us biologically human. It's the body's largest organ ( covering about 2 square meters!) and is composed of several layers of tissue. It acts as a barrier against external aggressors (like UV rays, pollution...). Tthis protective fonction is made possible by the skin's immune system, which plays a crucial role in defending against diseases and infections.

It is composed of three main layers: 

Without wanting to make a bad pun, your skin litterally has your back more often than you realize! 

The brain, the conductor of our reactions

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. As the body's control center, it governs everything we do : thinking, dreaming, sleeping, moving...

Each part of the brain has it own functions and works together with the nervous system to receive and transmit messages, ensuring constant communication between us and the outside world. It regulates our vital functions, emotions and behavior.

__________________________________________________________________________________

[ Did you know ? ]🧐

Fun Fact :  The average human brain weighs about 1,3kg ( 75% of which is water)... that's roughly the weight of a melon (suddenly that expression makes more sense !)

__________________________________________________________________________________

So how is the brain connected to the skin? 

Quite simply and logically because at the very beginning, we were just a single cell. The brain and skin share a common embryological origin : the ectoderm.

In short, during early development the embryo forms three layers of celles. The ectoderm is the outermost layer and gives rise to both the skin ( epidermis) and the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord ).

These two organs share a kind of cellular and functional "kindship" and maintain a similar moleculat strucutre throughout life.

Biology is truly amazing! 🤩

They also share chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, small molecules that transmit information between neurons in the brain or nervous system. Incredibly, the skin contains these same neurotransmitters, allowing it to react quickly to psychological stimuli such as stress or pain.

And because we know that these explanations can be complex, we let you with a small recap right here😉:  

The Skin-Brain Communication: A constant dialogue

The skin and the brain maintain a close relationship, constanlty exchanging information via nervous, hormonal, and immune pathways.

From skin to brain🧠

The skin is equipped with sensory receptors such as:

• Thermoreceptors

• Mecanoreceptors

• Nociceceptors

It continuously detects external stimuli (heat, pressure, pain). These signals are sent via sensory nerve fibers to the spinal cord and sensory cortex for interpretation. In case of immediate danger, like a burn, the spinal cord can trigger a reflex even before the brain intervenes.

🔥For example, if you burn your hand, your spinal cord will instantly trigger a reflex to pull it away from the heat source. Then the brain processes the event and decides on further actions: cooling the area, applying treatment...

From brain to skin💆‍♀️

The brain also influences the skin by releasing hormones and neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine) that affect sebum production, epidermal barrier function, and blood flow.

When we are stressed, the brain activates a cascade reaction through the HPA axis involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

In practical terms, the hypothalamus releases a chemical signal (CRH) to the pituitary gland, which responds by producing ACTH. Then this hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol (the stress hormone).

Too much cortisol can disrupt the skin's balance : weakening its barrier, increasing oil production, and triggering inflammation.

Did you know the skin has its own neuroendocrine system? 🤓

It can locally produce hormones like CRH, ACTH, and cortisol. This "miniature cutaneous HPA axis" enables the skin to respond directly to psychological stress leading to cortisol spikes, excessive oiliness, acne, eczema flare-ups, or psoriasis.

This two-way communication explains why strong emotions can trigger immediate skin reactions (redness, itching, breakouts). Conversely, chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can impact one's mood and mental well-being.

🤝The skin and brain form an inseperable duo, constantly reacting to internal and external stimuli to help maintain overall balance.

A Holistic Approach : Could mental wellness be your best beauty ally?

The holistic approach, from the greek “holos” meaning "whole" considers the human being in their entirety : body, mind, emotions and environment. It's based on the idea that beauty and health are deeply connected and reflect inner balance.

Holistic beauty goes far beyond physical appearance. It also encompasses emotional, mental, environmental, and spiritual well-being. It's founded on the belief that inner imbalance is mirrored on the outside and vice versa. A calm mind, emotional stability and a healthy lifestyle directly and positvely influence the appaearance of the skin.

Stress and emotional balance : When the mind shapes the skin

So, how can we manage our emotions to enhance our skin? 

When it comes to skincare, we often think first of creams, serums, and topical treatments. But external care alone is not enough for truly healthy skin 

Chronic stress or poor emotional management can trigger or worsen skin issues. On the other hand, cultivating emotional well-being helps lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and restore your glow.

Holistic beauty involves stress-reducing practices like meditation, breathwork, yoga, quality sleep but also moments of relaxation, self-expression, or reconnecting with yourself. 

A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body! 

🚴 Have you considered physical activity? 

We can't say it enough! We're not talking about running 10k every day if you hate it but regular, enjoyable physical activity helps release endorphins and dopamine ( the happiness hormones). That's how we feel better in both body and mind!

And what about your "out” routine?  

It should bring you joy!  

Opt for soothing scents (or fragrance-free options) and pleasant textures that will unconsciously calm your mind and your skin. Choose beauty products you enjoy using and that make you feel good :  your skincare routine should always be a moment of pleasure, not stress. Avoid rushing through it or using overly harsh formulas.

Taking care of your skin also means taking care of yourself.

What to avoid :  

• Cosmetics loaded with endocrine disruptors, mineral oils, or irritating ingredients

• Poor makeup removal

• Using products that are too harsh for your skin type

These seemingly harmless habits can disrupt your skin’s balance and damage it.

The “right” skincare routine to adopt: 

…there isn’t one!

The right routine is the one that suits your skin and your habits!

However, here are a few key tips to help you enhance your skin:

Eat better to feel better

Adopting a healthy and varied diet is an essential pillar of holistic beauty : what you eat affects both your skin and your mental balance. 

So, focus on foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants : 

• High-quality proteins: chicken, eggs, fatty fish

• Fruits and berries galore: strawberries, citrus fruits, blueberries, blackcurrants

• Seeds and nuts: almonds, walnuts

• Whole grains rich in fiber: buckwheat, brown rice

• Vegetables: carrots, spinach, avocado, tomatoes

SPOILER ALERT : Hydration is your skin’s best friend for a soft and glowing complexion!

A little sweet treat now and then won’t hurt BUT…

Excessive consumption of processed foods and sugar promotes inflammation, collagen breakdown, and the appearance of redness and pimples.

So yes, a balanced diet is the key to beautiful skin!

And if that's not enough ? 

When your diet alone can’t provide all the essential nutrients, certain vitamins and dietary supplements can significantly improve your skin’s appearance.

That’s the case with Dermatidyss®, our new natural marine active ingredient combining anti-stress peptides, collagen peptides, and glycosaminoglycans. Its unique composition helps reduce skin discomfort (dryness, redness, itching), and improves general well-being and quality of life for people with sensitive, atopic-prone skin.

An innovative ingredient with noticeable effects in just 11 days!

Conclusion 

The skin-brain axis perfectly illustrates the complexity of our bodies, showing the interconnection between skin health and mental well-being. That’s why a holistic approach is essential to maintain this vital balance.

And as research advances, we’re also hearing more about the gut-skin axis, the link between the gut microbiome and the skin, which seems to play a key role in both our mental and skin health!

After all, don’t they say the gut is the second brain?