Synopsis

In the emerging landscape of cosmetic science, there is a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between skin health and mental well-being. Dr Katerina Steventon has been at the forefront of this industry paradigm shift since 2022. With a focus on holistic approaches to skin health, she has been a pioneer in exploring the intricate relationship between mental and emotional well-being and cosmetic products and treatments. As the Director of the Research and Innovation Pillar for the Cosmetic Cluster UK (CCUK), she is dedicated to bringing psychodermatology into the realm of personal care.

Dr Steventon’s presentation delves into the scientific underpinnings of new concepts in emotional and mental beauty, mindfulness, and self-care. Through evidence-based insights, she highlights the role of the skin-brain axis and their reciprocal communication. Her focus on facial touch in skincare routines reveals that gentle, slow, and warm touch activates the specialised sensory C-tactile afferent fibres in the skin. Triggered hormonal release is associated with emotional well-being; oxytocin enhances feelings of trust and emotional security, whilst reduced cortisol levels alleviate stress and anxiety. New evidence demonstrates that self-facial massage techniques, incl. effleurage, stretching, and reflexology, can promote relaxation, positively impact sleep quality, and also boost self-confidence, self-acceptance, and a positive outlook on life. Dr Steventon underscores the significance of integrating subjective experience of facial self-touch with objective measures, such as electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and systemic hormonal levels in future research. Exploring the space where science, beauty, and well-being meet, Dr Steventon highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to advance our understanding of skin health and mental well-being in the context of cosmetic science.