Introduction

In recent years, the wellness category, including longevity, has become a significant trend among consumers, according to a McKinsey survey (1).

Anti-aging moved to a more holistic approach that started considering lifestyles choices and general body health as major determinant of longevity, with appearance and beauty their visual representation.

I would like to focus on brain health and stress as one of the most novel determinants in the longevity approach, specifically on their association with skin; and touch on beauty from within formulation to address possible solutions.

Brain, Skin and Stress

Skin, hair follicle and brain are all embryologically derived from the ectoderm. Therefore, skin and hair shares similar receptors with the brain that respond to neurotransmitters coming from the brain or produced by the skin and the hair follicle.

Interestingly, these receptors can respond to light, smell and taste (as external stressors) as well as opioids, endorphins and cortisol (as internal stressors), pretty much like the brain (2)! The effect of these stimuli on the skin or the hair follicle can be negative or positive but when positive it is often associated with a reduction of skin or hair follicle inflammation and/or an induction of skin and hair follicle regeneration (2).

In a negative sense, stress and increased production of cortisol are often associated with skin and hair imbalance (3, 4). A recent study from Coty has highlighted the effect of cortisol, both clinically and in vitro, to induce significant damage to the skin barrier and to trigger the appearance of wrinkles (5).

It is evident that psychological wellness is key to balanced skin and hair and it is also key to longevity.

Beauty from Whitin

The holistic approach to beauty has helped grow the beauty from within category that see skin and hair as part of the human body and like all body organs targeted and influenced by circulating hormones and physiologically relevant substances.

In recent years, we have seen the explosion of supplement products focusing on skin and hair wellness (6). These products contain ingredients that target systemic inflammation and oxidation but also influence hormonal balance. They contain micronutrients, vitamins and plant extracts that supplement ingredients deficiency and/or rebalance an altered status in the human body. Their effect has been proved by clinical studies (6) and indeed we can find them in the skin, as shown by ingested carotenoids associated with antioxidant properties (7).

We can argue that supplements based on natural ingredients can integrate a healthy diet and therefore their role is beyond beauty, helping contribute to longevity, impacting all organs and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidation. What differs is ingredient access to the organs, its dosage, and its pharmacokinetics, so it is true that fine tuning would be needed for specific organ targeting.

Conclusion

The recognition of wellness as essential for beauty and the holistic nature of its pursuing have consolidated the integration of specific organs (especially brain, skin, hair follicle and gut) as possible targets for new beauty products. Recent clinical studies have proven that beauty from within is possible to achieve and a part of the longevity journey.