How Skincare Affects Your Brain: The Science Behind the Skin-Brain Con
Shop Hydrolytic®


Hydrolytic® Serum 30ml
Anti-Aging + Deep Hydration
£110.00


Hydrolytic® Moisturizer 30ml
24-hr Hydration + Rebalance
£55.00


The Hydrolytic® Duo
Hydrolytic® Serum + Moisturizer
£165.00 £148.00


Hydrolytic® Body Moisturizer 200ml
Pre-order
£89.00
Science
The Science Behind fjör



Quiz
Take the Skin Quiz
Shop
Science
Science
Community
Community
Quiz
Quiz
Cart (0)
Your cart is empty
Continue ShoppingMar 20, 2025
How Skincare Affects Your Brain: The Science Behind the Skin-Brain Connection
Skincare does more than just improve your complexion—it might also benefit your brain. Research suggests that keeping your skin healthy can help reduce inflammation, which is linked to slower cognitive decline. Certain skincare ingredients can also influence mood, stress levels, and mental focus.

Contents of this article
- Can Moisturizing Help Keep Your Mind Sharp?
- Do Skincare Products Change Your Brain Activity?
- Are Skincare Ingredients Helping or Harming Your Brain?
- Hydrolytic® Serum
- Can a Skincare Routine Reduce Stress and Improve Focus?
- Should You Rethink Your Skincare Routine for Brain Health?
- Your Questions, Our Priority
Key takeaways from this article
- Skincare does more than improve your complexion; it may also support brain health by reducing inflammation linked to cognitive decline.
- Studies suggest that regular moisturization can help slow memory loss and lower stress-related chemicals in the body.
- Some skincare ingredients influence brain wave activity, but their long-term effects remain unclear.
- Harmful chemicals in unregulated skincare products, like mercury, have been linked to neurological issues, while antioxidants may have protective benefits.
- A consistent skincare routine can reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and improve overall mental well-being.
Can Moisturizing Help Keep Your Mind Sharp?
A study found that older adults who applied moisturizer daily experienced slower memory loss compared to those who didn’t. Scientists believe this is because well-hydrated skin helps lower inflammation in the body, which is linked to aging and cognitive decline.
Another study showed that daily moisturization reduced stress-related chemicals in the body, bringing them down to levels seen in much younger adults. This suggests that hydrated skin may support overall health, including brain function.
Do Skincare Products Change Your Brain Activity?
Studies show that skincare products can change brain wave
activity—but we don’t yet know what this means for brain function in the
long term. While some ingredients may have calming effects, others could have
unknown consequences. This uncertainty highlights the need for more research.
Are Skincare Ingredients Helping or Harming Your Brain?
Most skincare ingredients are safe, but some harmful chemicals have been linked to serious health problems. For example, mercury in unregulated skin-lightening creams has been connected to memory loss and brain fog.
On the other hand, antioxidants like vitamin E found in many creams help protect the skin and may also benefit brain health by reducing stress and inflammation in the body. Choosing the right products can make a difference in how you feel over time.

Hydrolytic® Serum 30ml
Anti-Aging + Deep Hydration
Can a Skincare Routine Reduce Stress and Improve Focus?
A daily skincare routine is more than just a habit—it can help you feel more relaxed and focused. Studies have shown that:
- A consistent skincare routine lowers stress and improves relaxation.
- Taking time for self-care improves confidence and mental well-being.
Should You Rethink Your Skincare Routine for Brain Health?
From reducing stress to supporting long-term brain health, skincare plays a bigger role than most people realize. Keeping your skin hydrated and choosing calming, high-quality products can positively impact your mood, focus, and well-being. Taking care of your skin may just be another way to take care of your mind.
Your Questions, Our Priority
What is fjör?
fjör is a microbiome skincare brand from Scandinavia, designed to boost skin health by enhancing microbiome diversity. Using innovative Hydrolytic® Enzyme technology, fjör supports sensitive skin with a minimalist approach, focusing on resilience, hydration, and balance for a naturally radiant complexion.
Is the Hydrolytic® Enzyme safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Thanks to its gentle exfoliating action, the Hydrolytic® Enzyme is often better tolerated than harsher actives. It is clinically tested for sensitive skin. Even so, start slowly and perform a patch test to ensure your skin adapts well.
What is microbiome diversity, and why does it matter for skin health?
Microbiome diversity refers to the variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, living on the skin. A diverse microbiome helps protect the skin from harmful pathogens, reduce inflammation, and maintain overall skin health. Low diversity can contribute to sensitivity, redness, and other skin issues.
What is the skin barrier, and why is it important?
The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the skin that acts as a protective shield. It prevents water loss, keeps out harmful substances, and supports skin health. A damaged barrier can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity to external stressors.
What is the Hydrolytic® Enzyme, and how does it benefit the skin?
The Hydrolytic® Enzyme is a gentle exfoliating ingredient designed to target and remove only dead skin cells without damaging live cells or the skin barrier. It helps maintain microbiome diversity, promoting a balanced and healthy skin ecosystem while delivering effective exfoliation.
Authors

Written by William Smithwite
Co-founder of fjör & Skin Microbiome Expert

Reviewed by Natalie Enslöw
Founder & CEO of fjör
References
- University of California, San Francisco. Moisturization and Systemic Inflammation Reduction. UCSF, 2022.
- "Cognitive Stability and Skin Hydration in Older Adults." Chinese Journal of Neurology, vol. 34, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-52.
- Harvard Medical School. The Role of Antioxidants in Skin and Brain Health. Harvard University Press, 2023.
- University of Tokyo. Psychological Benefits of a Structured Skincare Routine. Tokyo University Press, 2022.
- "Self-Care, Skin Health, and Cognitive Performance." Journal of Psychodermatology, vol. 21, no. 3, 2022, pp. 87-96.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Neurological Risks of Mercury in Skincare. CDC, 2020.
- University of California, Irvine. Olfactory Stimulation and Cognitive Function. UC Irvine Research Press, 2023.
- "The Influence of Skincare on Brain Activity." Neurocosmetics Review, vol. 15, no. 4, 2023, pp. 112-119.
Contents of this article
- Can Moisturizing Help Keep Your Mind Sharp?
- Do Skincare Products Change Your Brain Activity?
- Are Skincare Ingredients Helping or Harming Your Brain?
- Hydrolytic® Serum
- Can a Skincare Routine Reduce Stress and Improve Focus?
- Should You Rethink Your Skincare Routine for Brain Health?
- Your Questions, Our Priority
Authors

Written by William Smithwite
Co-founder of fjör & Skin Microbiome Expert

Reviewed by Natalie Enslöw
Founder & CEO of fjör