Neurocosmetics and Anxiety Disorders: A Review of Psychological Mechanisms and Aesthetic Medicine Interventions

Background: Neurocosmetics represents an emerging interdisciplinary field at the intersection of dermatology, neuroscience, and psychology, focusing on cosmetic formulations that modulate the skin-brain axis to influence neurological and emotional states. This literature review examines the psychological mechanisms underlying the skin-brain connection and the role of aesthetic medicine interventions in managing anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders, often comorbid with dermatological conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, are exacerbated by stress-induced pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neuropeptides (e.g., substance P, corticotropin-releasing hormone), and neuroimmune interactions. These mechanisms contribute to a bidirectional relationship where skin conditions heighten anxiety, and psychological stress worsens dermatological symptoms. Methods: The review synthesizes findings from 52 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025, detailing how neurocosmetic ingredients—such as peptides (e.g., acetyl hexapeptide-8), Botanicals (e.g., Rhodiola rosea), and neuromodulators (e.g., niacinamide)—target these pathways to reduce stress-related skin inflammation and potentially alleviate anxiety symptoms. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Keywords included "neurocosmetics," "skin-brain axis," "anxiety disorders," "aesthetic medicine," and "psychological mechanisms." Results: The skin-brain axis involves the HPA axis, neuropeptides, and neuroimmune interactions. Stress activates CRH and substance P, exacerbating anxiety and skin inflammation. Comorbid conditions like psoriasis increase anxiety prevalence by 30%. This bidirectional relationship worsens symptoms in 50% of patients. Neurocosmetic ingredients like acetyl hexapeptide-8 reduce neurotransmitter release, alleviating stress-related skin issues. Botanicals like Rhodiola rosea modulate HPA activity, showing 25% anxiety reduction in trials. Niacinamide enhances skin barrier, indirectly reducing anxiety symptoms. Botox injections block frown lines, reducing depression-like symptoms in 40% of patients. Surgeries like rhinoplasty lower anxiety scores post-procedure. Systematic reviews show positive effects in 70% of cases, but 20% report persistent BDD. Screening is essential for vulnerable populations. Limited RCTs on neurocosmetics' anxiolytic effects exist, with only 20% of studies using longitudinal designs. Personalized AI approaches are underexplored. Future research should prioritize RCTs and integrated interventions. Conclusions: Key gaps include limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on neurocosmetics' direct anxiolytic effects and the need for personalized approaches via artificial intelligence. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to validate these interventions' efficacy in anxiety management. This review underscores the potential of neurocosmetics to address both dermatological and psychological aspects of anxiety disorders.