We all know that a good skincare routine delivers numerous benefits to the complexion, but it turns out it might also have another useful function.
According to research conducted by Japanese chemical and cosmetics company, Kao Corporation, carrying out a skincare routine could be making consumers happier.
The study was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which is the methodology for determining brain activities, on 20 different women between the ages of 20 and 49. By touching their faces for 15 seconds six times, the women experienced an increase in blood flow to the brain’s prefrontal area, which plays a part in the reward system and in evoking positive emotions.
A second study that was undertaken on 15 women (also aged between 20 and 49) discovered that participants applied four types of creams (A,B,C and D) with different application sensations to the inside of the forearm.
NIRS measured the changes in cerebral flow by applying the creams for 20 seconds, with a 20 second rest repeating four times, and this was again revealed to generate a number of positive emotions. However, cream C, which blended well into the skin with a moisturising feel, experienced significantly different cerebral blood flow change.
