IPSA study shows mind-calming effect of self-touch during skincare

Cosmetics brand, IPSA Co., Ltd focuses on the potential of daily skincare not only to benefit skin healthy but the mind as well. IPSA believes that addressing both the skin and mind is important for bringing out each person's beauty. To promote the methods and importance of correct skincare, it communicates personalized skincare methods based on consultation and develops products that support it. Based on surveys on the skin and mind, as well as neurological research conducted by Shiseido Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Metropolitan University, IPSA discovered that self-touch during skincare calms the mind and provides a sense of security.

Survey data on the skin and mind  The company conducted a survey on the impact of mental burdens such as stress on the skin, targeting 700 Japanese men and women aged between their 10s and 60s.

Research on the skin and mind  Research using neurological methods revealed the positive effects for individuals of touching their own skin (self-touch).

Technology to measure the condition of brain activities applied  The company objectively assessed and examined the effects of self-touch based on neurological research (*1). In the experiment, it measured changes in the brain of subjects when they touched the back of their left hand with simple and soft movements, using fMRI (*2).

(*1) Joint research by Shiseido and Tokyo Metropolitan University; Kikuchi Y, Shirato M, Machida A, et al. "The Neural Basis of Self-Touch in a Pain-Free Situation" Neuropsychiatry (London) (2018) 8(1), 186-196, 201

(*2) Functional magnetic resonance imaging

Impact of self-touch on the brain  In the fMRI measurement, the company observed that self-touch on the skin reduces activity in parts of the brain related to attention and alertness to the external world and the activation of sympathetic nerves, as well as the part where the center for raising blood pressure is located. This result suggests that self-touch during skincare, etc. calms sympathetic nerves and alleviates external attention and alertness, increasing the sense of security.

Images showing how brain reacts

In March 2024, the company also launched Suhada Chaya, a special website in Japan that reveals the relationship between the skin and mind through interviews with top artists, actors, models, and culinary experts. The website helps its visitors take care of their skin and mind and provides tips to beautify themselves in their own way by learning how experts in different fields take care of their skin and mind.

Products

Medicated lotion that forms an artificial layer of moisture with moisturizing ingredients on the skin surface, improving skin texture, and keeping the skin supple and dewy. IPSA's original moisturizing ingredient, Aqua Presenter III* forms an artificial layer of moisture that retains moisturizing ingredients on the skin surface, and moisturizes the skin based on the level of dryness, trapping moisture and keeping the skin hydrated. Hydration helps improve the skin's moisture balance and makes the skin less prone to oiliness, while active ingredients prevent roughness and adult acne. Alcohol (ethanol)-free.

*Aqua Presenter III (moisturizing ingredient): Sodium Acetylhyaluronate, Polyoxyethylene (14), Polyoxypropylene (7) Dimethyl ether, Polyoxyethylene (17) Polyoxypropylene (4) Dimethyl ether, 2-methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine-butyl methacrylate copolymer

- IPSA Essence Lotion Ultimate 150 mL for deep moisture and resilience of skin

Formulated with a desert plant extract (*1) and AMINO5IN composed of amino acids, this rich lotion deeply moisturizes the skin and leaves it glowing with clarity and resilience to bring out the skin's beauty potential to the maximum (*2). Alcohol (ethanol)-free and paraben-free.

(*1) Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Extract, Glycerin (resilient and moisturizing ingredient)

(*2) At IPSA

- IPSA ME (Quasi-drug) Eight types to choose from based on each person's skin condition skin vibrancy and resilience

- IPSA ME Sensitive Four hypoallergenic types for sensitive skin to make skin moist and healthy.

- IPSA ME Ultimate e (Quasi-drug) Four ultimate* types for superior* skin with deep moisture, high-quality resilience, and radiant clarity.

*Ultimate/superior: At IPSA