Mechanism of action of spicules | Neurological breakthroughs in dermatology

The spicules used in cosmetics are obtained by refining the natural silica structure, and have a needle shape with sharp ends on both sides or only one end, causing slight irritation when applied to the skin. It is known that spicules penetrate the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and form microscopic channels. These microscopic channels increase the permeability of the skin, helping the effective ingredients in cosmetics to be absorbed deep into the skin. After a certain period of time after being attached to the skin, spicules naturally fall off or are removed through washing.

There are various types of nerve receptors on the skin that can sense touch, pressure, temperature, pain, and so on. The microscopic pressure and penetration of the spikule can stimulate the mechano-receptor that can sense mechanical stimulation, and the noceceptor that can sense pain. In fact, the tingling you feel when you use cosmetics that contain spikule is most likely the sensation caused by the activation of these nerve receptors. Studies on similar mechanical stimulations have shown that Cowhage's spikule, known as the so-called 'wedgehog', for example, can activate certain nerve fibers, C-fibers and CMHs, which can cause itching and stabbing pain or burning sensation. The sensory signals activated by the spikule are transmitted through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, namely, the spinal cord and brain. The sensory cortex of the brain recognizes these signals and feels the sensation of tingling. In addition, the microscopic wounds caused by spikule can induce the skin's natural healing response.

During this healing process, various neuropeptides released from the skin can regulate inflammatory responses and affect cell growth and immune responses. Spicule stimulation can induce the activation of growth factors, such as EGF, that promote skin cell regeneration and increase collagen and elastin production. In this way, it can be understood that spicules stimulate the skin nervous system to induce sensation, while at the same time activating the skin's self-regeneration ability through neurological pathways and promoting the absorption of effective ingredients, thereby producing skin improvement effects.

There are various types of nerve receptors on the skin that can sense touch, pressure, temperature, pain, and so on. The microscopic pressure and penetration of the spikule can stimulate the mechano-receptor that can sense mechanical stimulation, and the noceceptor that can sense pain. In fact, the tingling you feel when you use cosmetics that contain spikule is most likely the sensation caused by the activation of these nerve receptors. Studies on similar mechanical stimulations have shown that Cowhage's spikule, known as the so-called 'wedgehog', for example, can activate certain nerve fibers, C-fibers and CMHs, which can cause itching and stabbing pain or burning sensation. The sensory signals activated by the spikule are transmitted through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, namely, the spinal cord and brain. The sensory cortex of the brain recognizes these signals and feels the sensation of tingling. In addition, the microscopic wounds caused by spikule can induce the skin's natural healing response.

During this healing process, various neuropeptides released from the skin can regulate inflammatory responses and affect cell growth and immune responses. Spicule stimulation can induce the activation of growth factors, such as EGF, that promote skin cell regeneration and increase collagen and elastin production. In this way, it can be understood that spicules stimulate the skin nervous system to induce sensation, while at the same time activating the skin's self-regeneration ability through neurological pathways and promoting the absorption of effective ingredients, thereby producing skin improvement effects.

Neuroscientific Mechanisms of Spicules

Activation of various neural receptors

Active compound delivery capability