Neuromodulators help rejuvenate our face by relaxing wrinkles towards a much softer, healthy-looking glow. They interrupt the signal of nerves and muscles that causes the muscles to contract less, which results in smoothening of the wrinkles. As time progress, these facial lines become noticeable on our skin from diminished collagen or free radicals-caused damage. Facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows can create deep wrinkles. Do you wish to soften your fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a much smoother, youthful complexion? What are the essential functions of neuromodulators? Let’s find out. 

 What are Neuromodulators?

Neuromodulators are chemical messengers that carry, boost, and balance signals between neurons, which we also call nerve cells, and target cells throughout the entire body. These so-called target cells may be in glands, muscles, or other neurons.

Billions of neuromodulator molecules constantly work in keeping the brain functioning, managing everything from breathing to heartbeat to learning and concentration levels. They can also affect different psychological functions like joy, fear, pleasure, and mood.

How Neuromodulators Function

For neurons to start sending messages throughout the whole body, they require the ability to communicate with each another in transmitting signals. However, neurons are not only connected. Each neuron’s end is a tiny gap called a synapse, and for it to communicate with the next cell, the signal requires to come across this small space. This phenomenon occurs through a process also known as neuromodulation.

Most of the time, a neuromodulator gets released from the axon terminal after a potential action has reached the synapse, a place where neurons can transmit signals to each other.

Neuromodulators used in cosmetics are mostly for rejuvenation. It can also be for the relaxation of the wrinkles in the face. Doing this step makes it much softer and gives it a healthier-looking glow. They interrupt the signal going to the nerves and muscles, making muscles contract less, resulting from wrinkling smoothening. Over a period, these facial lines start to be noticeable on our skin caused by diminished collagen or damage created by free radicals. Simple facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows can create deep wrinkles. We want to soften these fine lines and wrinkles as much as possible and reveal a smoother and more youthful complexion. That’s why neuromodulators have since alleviated deep facial lines and wrinkles.

Common Types

One way of categorizing neuromodulators is through these six (6) categories:

Amino Acids

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

• naturally occurring amino acid
• acts as the body’s primary inhibitory chemical messenger
• contributes to vision and motor control
• plays a part in anxiety regulation

Glutamate

• the most plentiful neuromodulator
• found in the nervous system
• has a significant responsibility in cognitive functions like memory and learning

Peptides

Oxytocin

• a powerful hormone that acts as a neuromodulator in the brain
• produced by the hypothalamus
• greatly helps social recognition, bonding, and sexual reproduction
• cause the uterus to contract during labor

Endorphins

• prevents the transmission of pain signals and administer feelings of euphoria
• these chemical messengers are created naturally by the body in response to pain, but other activities like aerobic exercise can also trigger them

Monoamines

Epinephrine

• also known as adrenaline, considered both a hormone and a neuromodulator
• generally, is a stress hormone released by the adrenal system. However, it functions as a neuromodulator in the brain.

Norepinephrine

• a naturally occurring chemical
• a neuromodulator that plays a significant role in alertness and is involved in the body’s fight or flight response
• its role is in helping mobilize the body and brain into taking action in times of danger or stress
• levels of this neuromodulator are usually lowest during sleep and highest during times of stress

Histamine

• an organic compound that acts as a neuromodulator in the brain and spinal cord
• it contributes to allergic reactions and is produced as part of the immune system’s response to pathogens

Dopamine

• commonly known as the feel-good neuromodulator, is involved in reward, motivation, and additions
• several types of addictive drugs increase levels of this neuromodulator in the brain
• this chemical messenger also plays an essential role in the coordination of body movements

Serotonin

• a hormone and neuromodulator, it plays a vital role in regulating and modulating mood, sleep, anxiety, sexuality, and appetite
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are kinds of antidepressant medication typically prescribed to treat anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and panic disorders. SSRIs work in balancing serotonin levels because it blocks serotonin reuptake in the brain, helping improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Purines

Adenosine

• this neuromodulator is a naturally occurring chemical that acts as a neuromodulator inside the brain and is also involved in the suppression of arousal and improving sleep

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

• considered to be life’s energy currency
• acts as a neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems
•  significantly affects sensory transduction, autonomic control, and communication with glial cells
• studies recommend it may also have a part in some neurological problems such as pain, trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders

Gasotransmitters

Nitric oxide

• this compound plays a significant part in affecting smooth muscles through their relaxation, allowing blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow going to specific body parts

Carbon monoxide

• Odorless and colorless gas can be toxic and potentially fatal when people get exposed to high levels of this substance. But it is also produced naturally by the body, where it acts as a neuromodulator that helps modulate the body’s inflammatory response.

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine

• this chemical is the only neuromodulator in its class
• it is found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and it is the primary neuromodulator associated with motor neurons
• it is a significant component in muscle movements as well as memory and learning

Final Thoughts on Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators not only play a crucial role in neural communication and influence everything in our bodies. Nowadays, from involuntary movements to learning to mood, it is widely used in the cosmetic industry as an innovative way of removing facial lines and wrinkles from younger-looking skin. This complex and highly interconnected help define the new age of science and cosmetology. Neuromodulators act in unique ways, but be cautious because they can also be affected by diseases, drugs, or even the most straightforward actions from other chemical messengers. Neuromodulators transmit the new dawn of skin rejuvenation.

Do you want to also experience neuromodulators towards your facial lines and wrinkles? Don’t worry. Our awesome friends at Aesthetically Savy can help you start your skin rejuvenation journey. Visit them now! https://aestheticallysavy.com/