Psycare is a cosmeceutical trend prioritising wellbeing and a holistic approach to skincare that promotes emotional and psychological healing in the face of the stresses experienced by consumers today.
What we know:
A report released in 2023 reported 46% of global consumers prioritise mental and physical wellness when making purchasing decisions, choosing to embrace a more health-focused approach compared to previous years (NIQ, 2023)
Plant fragrance therapy has been found to positively regulate negative psychological and behavioural dispositions by stabilising brain waves to improve self-regulation and immunity while lowering physical and mental stress, indicating potential use in psycare products centering around relaxant essential oils and fragrances to promote positive thinking (Kim et al., 2021)
Psychedelic-based products like those containing psilocybin may be able to slow down skin ageing at a genetic level as well as target other dermatological conditions associated with inflammation such as atopic dermatitis by blocking action of skin receptors that drive this response (Gerasymchuk et al. 2023)
A survey by the British Skin Foundation reported 53% of respondents with a skin condition feel judged by others because of it, with 35% claiming their condition also impacts their mental health. Inclusion of ingredients like azelaic acid & probiotics may also help reduce the appearance of common skincare concerns like acne and rosacea by restoring balance to the dysbiotic microbiome responsible for worsening these conditions and in doing so improve mental wellness and consumer self confidence (BSF 2021; Lee et al., 2019; Zhu et al., 2023)
Industry impact & potential:
Lagalene Milano ‘beauty is a choice’ has curated a brand centering round the holistic beauty concept, integrating elements of essential oil fragrances like bergamot and cedar to promote psychophysical well-being and removing anxiety and stress, while also targeting skincare concerns such as acne and wrinkles. Selfmade® is a psychodermatology-inspired beauty brand espousing the philosophy of self care and intersectionality to promote self-confidence in its consumers while offering natural products to treat oily, blemished, and dry skin.
Our solution:
Sequential is an experienced player in End-to-End invivo testing of cosmetic products, partnering with several industry leads seeking to maximise product performance and formulation, and providing personalised guidance and advice for brands seeking to validate their claims for skin microbiome health. We offer in-depth clinical candidate reports, meaning we can tailor the aims of your brand to match our testing expertise, providing a means for you to test both the physical and psychological effects of your product.
References:
BSF (2023). Over half of those with a skin condition feel judged by others. Retrieved from https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/news/over-half-of-those-with-a-skin-condition-feel-judged-by-others
Gerasymchuk M, Robinson GI, Vardinska N, Ayedun SA, Alozie SC, Robinson JW, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Sex-Dependent Skin Aging and Rejuvenation Strategies. Dermato. 2023; 3(3):196-223. https://doi.org/10.3390/dermato3030016
Kim, J., Sin, C., Park, J., Lee, H., Kim, J., Kim, D., & Kim, S. (2021). Physiological and psychological effects of forest healing focused on plant fragrance therapy for maladjusted soldiers. Journal of People Plants Environment, 24(4), 429-439. https://doi.org/10.11628/ksppe.2021.24.4.429
Lee YB, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2019; 8(7):987. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8070987
NIQ. (2023). 2023 State of the Beauty Industry. Retrieved from https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/report/2023/2023-state-of-the-beauty-industry/
Zhu Y, Yu X, Cheng G. Human skin bacterial microbiota homeostasis: A delicate balance between health and disease. mLife. 2023 Jun 4;2(2):107-120. doi: 10.1002/mlf2.12064. PMID: 38817619; PMCID: PMC10989898.
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