Beauty-from-within: Plant extracts improve sleep-related skin health and appearance, study finds

23 Aug 2022 --- A China-based study has discovered that internal stress brought on by chronic sleep deprivation and external stress such as environmental stimuli raises the risk of skin diseases through abnormal neurotransmitter release.

The plant extracts used in the study for oral consumption include Crocus sativus L. (Saffron), Ziziphus jujuba Mill.var.spinosa (sour jujube), Poria cocoas (Schw.) Wolf (Poria cocos), Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower), Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerian) and Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm).

The study acknowledges the “beauty-from-within” trend that encompasses the concept of healthy skincare aimed at neuro-regulation. According to the findings, plant extracts shed new light on oral beauty regarding edibility and efficiency.

Stress causes the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the arginine vasopressin (AVP) system to be activated, along with disrupted feedback, which results in excessive levels of the stress hormone cortisol being secreted.

Because cortisol connects the brain and skin via the exact neural origin, high cortisol levels harm the skin’s integrity and cause collagen to break down, which may result in skin sensitivity and aging.

Less antioxidants lead to inflammation
The pineal gland rhythmically produces and secretes melatonin (MT), another hormone linked to sleep. By reducing the number of antioxidant enzymes and controlling pro-inflammatory variables, sleeplessness-induced circadian dysrhythmia of MT lowered the antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory action.

Sleep-related skin diseases draw public attention because most people in modern society are self-conscious about their facial appearance.The review supports oral cosmetic food derived from plant extracts in sleep-related beauty.

Consumer groups have acknowledged the benefits of using neuro-modulating cosmetic ingredients from plant extracts for both body health and skin beauty. The “beauty-from-within” movement, which emphasizes neuro-regulation, introduced the idea of healthy skincare.

The plant extracts in the study were found to improve sleep quality and skin condition primarily by regulating neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid-releasing (GABAergic) pathways.

Hormones, cortisol, melatonin, inflammatory factors and collagen synthesis also mediate skin health by GABA metabolism or a circadian rhythm. Overall, the study may provide compelling evidence for neuro-regulated nutricosmetic ingredients derived from plant extracts and a glimpse into the potential role of oral active plant extracts in neuro-cosmetics.

Correlation between sleep and the skin
The study found that sleep deprivation also causes a decrease in the expression of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and GABA-specific receptors, which influence 5-HT activity, cortisol release, and immune responses, resulting in insomnia, anxiety and skin problems. GHB, a GABA metabolic product, activates 5-HT via specific interactions.

Using neuro-modulating cosmetic ingredients made from plant extracts for both body health and skin beauty is beneficial. To improve sleep quality, 5-HT is further synthesized into MT. Cortical GABA, on the other hand, regulates cortisol release by inhibiting the HPA axis and suppresses TRPV1-related skin allergy and immune factor production, thereby acting on skin protection.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation impairs circadian rhythm-dependent immune cell component expression, collagen fibril synthesis, assembly and skin microbiome balance, resulting in severe skin diseases.

Sleep-related skin diseases draw public attention because most people in modern society are self-conscious about their appearance.

Amounts of healthy food derived from edible and efficient plant extracts have been developed for skincare via sleep quality improvement. Although good sleep and healthy skin have been studied, the relationship between sleep-promoting herbs and skincare is less understood.

Assessing plant extract impact on skin health
According to the findings, oral plant extracts could be an intriguing natural and safe nutritional strategy for treating sleep disorders.

For extensive studies, more significant and diverse populations with varying degrees of sleep disorders, longer follow-up treatment periods, efficient and safe dosages of oral plant extracts, and a combination of subjective satisfaction and objective assessments of sleep quality are required.

Furthermore, clinical evaluation of the skin condition of the subjects after oral treatment with these sleep-promoting plants is recommended for the production of oral neuro-cosmetics.

Edited by Nicole Kerr