Psyderm warns of “the cerebral effects of cosmetics”.
- Psyderm warns of “a worrying trend among certain cosmetic manufacturers”.
- “Some manufacturers claim or imply that the application of their products to the skin can have direct effects on the nervous system and the brain, which implies that they could have an impact on the psyche or mood,” explain the experts in a press release.
- “It is very important to remember that according to international rules, cosmetics can only have an effect on the skin, appendages or mucous membranes. A cosmetic cannot therefore have a direct specific effect on the brain and therefore on the psyche”, they continue.
THE Psychodermatology Group of the French Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Pathologies (Psyderm) wishes to alert authorities, consumers and health professionals about “a worrying trend from some cosmetics manufacturers”.
“Cosmetics can only have an effect on the skin”
“Some manufacturers claim or imply that the application of their products to the skin can have direct effects on the nervous system and the brain, which implies that they could have an impact on the psyche or mood,” explain the experts in a press release.
“It is very important to remember that according to international rules, cosmetics can only have an effect on the skin, appendages or mucous membranes. A cosmetic cannot therefore have a direct specific effect on the brain and therefore on the psyche”, they continue.
“If this were the case, this product should be immediately withdrawn from the market, especially since the question of inducing dependencies can be raised. Otherwise, it should be considered as misleading advertising and such advertising should be prohibited” they emphasize.
The study of the relationship between the skin and the nervous system is expanding
On this occasion, Psyderm recalls several facts:
– the study of the relationship between the skin and the nervous system is a rapidly expanding field of research.
– The same goes for the relationship between the skin and the psyche.
– The psychological impact of skin problems can be very significant, with stress often aggravating these disorders.
– The interactions between the skin and the nervous system are very close.
– The properties of the skin can be modified by the nervous system.
– The use of cosmetics can possibly improve the quality of life of users to a certain extent, especially during skin diseases.
Psyderm is a thematic group of the French Society of Dermatology dedicated to psychiatric pathology, cutaneous expression and skin diseases with psychological impact.
A third of French people affected by skin diseases
A third of French people over the age of 15 are currently affected by skin diseases, and 54% of them suffer from anxiety or depression.
The main skin conditions are: acne (3 million French people affected), eczema (2.5 million), psoriasis (2.4 million), scalp diseases (2.3 million), mycoses (2.2 million), nail diseases (2.1 million), brown spots (1.8 million), warts (1.7 million), herpes (1.22 million), sun allergies (1.19 million) and moles considered suspicious (1.1 million).
