Decoding the skin-mind connection

In a world that often overwhelms us with a constant flood of information and new developments, the need for stress relief and relaxation is high. We all want skin that looks and feels good. Skin that is in balance and optimally fulfills its functions is even, well moisturized and radiant. But everyday stress and external circumstances can quickly become a challenge, be it through lack of sleep, psychological stress, weather conditions, pollution, UV radiation or shaving.

Skin and mind are closely connected. If our skin is in balance, we feel good in our skin in the truest sense of the word. Wellbeing, in turn, has a positive effect on our cortisol levels and on the appearance of our skin. Conversely, itching and visible skin irritations have a negative impact on our wellbeing and self-confidence. The negative feelings influence the cortisol level and lead to further skin irritations – a vicious circle. Can an active ingredient break this vicious circle and really make a difference – for skin and mind?

To find out whether AnnonaSense CLR™ can really make a difference in terms of skin appearance and personal wellbeing, a study was conducted in Cardiff, Wales. Two groups of volunteers were included into the study: People with sensitive skin and people with a high stress level in everyday life, mostly healthcare workers. Both groups (117 volunteers in total) were again divided into three groups, which tested either a verum with AnnonaSense CLR™, a placebo or placebo plus the application of a facial massage. The subjects who tested placebo plus facial massage had previously indicated that they liked such a treatment. The aim here was to test the psychological effect of the massage and how the use of AnnonaSense CLR™ relates to this. For four weeks we measured skin sensitivity and erythema, cortisol level (in saliva) and asked them questions about their wellbeing.

The first group consisted of people with a high stress level in their everyday lives, mostly healthcare workers.

“I love my job, but it’s often very stressful in the clinic and I try to do justice to a lot of people – patients, doctors, relatives. The mental strain is also very high. Sometimes the patients’ stories keep me going even after work. The shift work also contributes to the fact that I often don’t sleep very well. It’s not just a psychological burden, I don’t always feel well physically either. My skin often looks tired and has red patches. Sometimes it also itches and tightens. So, I was very excited about the study.”

Beca (37), nurse in a hospital in Cardiff, Wales

After four weeks of treatment with AnnonaSense CLR™, 35% of participants reported an increase in positivity, 26% said their sleep quality had improved and 28% felt more calm and relaxed.

Group two included people who perceived their skin to be sensitive.

“I am a positive person and enjoy my life. I’m actually happy with the way I look, but unfortunately my sensitive skin often reacts to stress factors. Stress in everyday life is one factor. When redness appears on my face, it also has a negative effect on my mood. If it itches all over my body, I feel uncomfortable and sleep very restlessly. It goes on and on like this.”

Megan (45), office manager in Cardiff, Wales

After four weeks of treatment with AnnonaSense CLR™, 51% of participants with sensitive skin said, their positivity had increased, 60% reported an improved quality of sleep and 20% felt that their stress level had reduced.

The appearance of the skin only improved for both groups with AnnonaSense CLR™, but deteriorated further with placebo and placebo plus massage. In terms of wellbeing factors such as stress perception and sleep quality, both placebo and placebo plus massage showed psychological effects, but AnnonaSense CLR™ was clearly more effective here too. The same applies to cortisol levels, where AnnonaSense CLR™ also reduced cortisol significantly more than placebo or placebo and massage.

AnnonaSense CLR™ enhances skin health and overall wellbeing by

• Adaptogenically stabilizing a healthy homeostasis in skin
• Strongly activating the CB2-receptor
• Reducing the production of key inflammatory mediators CGRP, IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-6 and reducing the expression of IL-31RA
• Improving and maintaining skin appearance and feel
• Improving well-being and sleep and reducing psychological stress
• Reducing the production of stress hormones in the body (cortisol)
• Reducing the negative effects of psychological stress on skin

Did you know that in 2019, AnnonaSense CLR™ was recognized with the GOLD Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award at in-cosmetics Asia? Learn more about AnnonaSense CLR™ here.

AnnonaSense CLR™ is obtained from Annona cherimola, common name Cherimoya, an edible fruit originating from South America. In Spain, the cherimoya fruit is cultivated for the food industry. As the cherimoya fruit is very sensitive, many fruits are not suitable for the food industry and remain unused. In cooperation with local farmers, CLR uses these crop losses to produce a highly effective adaptogenic cosmetic ingredient: AnnonaSense CLR™.