Neuroactive Ingredients: Nature’s Power for Skin and Mind

At Menteath Smoke Infused Skincare & Scent, we believe in the transformative power of nature’s neuroactive ingredients, which not only enhance skin health but also support mental wellness. Our products are infused with essential oils and plant extracts selected for their ability to impact both the skin and the mind, creating a holistic approach to beauty and well-being. Drawing from the power of aromachology—the study of how aromas influence human health—we have gone beyond conventional formulations to create scents like nothing else on the market. We’ve remapped the science of scent to take you to deeper, more profound places within your mind and spirit.

The Impact of Prolonged Stress on the Skin

Chronic stress has a profound impact on the skin. Stress activates the body's "fight or flight" response, triggering the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation. This inflammation can lead to skin issues like acne, eczema, and premature aging, while weakening the skin’s natural barrier and making it more susceptible to damage (Dhabhar, 2014). The skin becomes dry, dull, and more prone to irritation when stressed.

At Menteath, we use neuroactive ingredients that help mitigate the effects of stress on the skin, promoting a sense of calm and rejuvenation while restoring the skin’s natural balance. Our unique, smoke-infused scents are designed to help you reconnect with deeper parts of your mind, easing the stress that manifests on the skin.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a cornerstone in our formulations, renowned for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes irritated skin and promotes hydration, making it ideal for conditions like acne and eczema (Siti Hajar et al., 2015). Beyond skincare, sandalwood’s woody scent has neuroactive benefits, reducing anxiety and improving mental clarity (Koch et al., 2006). Its grounding properties counteract stress-induced skin inflammation, allowing you to regain equilibrium in both mind and body.

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) oil is rich in antioxidants that help protect and restore the skin, combatting oxidative stress (Martins et al., 2020). The uplifting, woody-floral aroma of rosewood not only balances the skin but also lifts the mood, alleviating stress and promoting emotional well-being (Herz, 2009). This dual-action benefit helps reduce the effects of stress, both physically and emotionally, nurturing the skin from within.

Ho wood (Cinnamomum camphora) has a sweet, calming scent with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s perfect for treating skin irritations like acne (Wang et al., 2014). Ho wood also balances mental energy, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. The gentle nature of ho wood makes it an ideal ingredient for people looking to ground themselves amidst stress, offering both skin benefits and mental calm (Woods et al., 2015).

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) oil brightens the skin and fights oxidative stress. More than just a skincare powerhouse, its citrusy scent is known to elevate mood and reduce anxiety, helping to counteract the negative effects of stress on both skin and mind (Komiya et al., 2006). Sweet orange promotes serotonin production, encouraging emotional well-being and vitality, making it a natural antidote to stress.

Cade (Juniperus oxycedrus) has a distinctly smoky aroma that evokes a sense of calm and grounding. Its antimicrobial properties help treat conditions like psoriasis and acne (Pereira et al., 2017). Cade’s smoky scent helps anchor the mind, providing relief from stress and anxiety. This grounding effect also supports the healing of skin affected by stress, reducing inflammation and allowing the skin to regenerate.

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) oil balances oily skin and encourages relaxation. Its sweet floral scent is known for reducing stress, promoting deep relaxation, and lowering blood pressure (Santos et al., 2016). The calming aroma of ylang ylang helps you unwind mentally, balancing the body’s response to stress and preventing it from manifesting in the skin.

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) resin provides soothing benefits for dry, cracked skin, while its sweet, balsamic scent has neuroactive properties that calm the mind and promote emotional stability (Herz, 2009). The comforting aroma of benzoin alleviates stress, fostering emotional well-being and reducing the impact of stress on the skin’s appearance.

Why Menteath’s Scents Are Like No Other

Our scents are unlike anything else on the market because we’ve reimagined aromachology to explore deeper, more profound places in the mind. Instead of relying solely on the traditional use of essential oils, we’ve infused our products with smoke, a potent ancestral element that connects us to ancient fire rituals. The woody, smoky scents we use transcend typical fragrance experiences, inviting you to reconnect with nature and explore the subconscious mind. These unique aromas help you journey inward, providing not only skin benefits but a deeper sense of emotional and spiritual renewal.

Conclusion: The Ancestral Connection to Fire and Wood

The woody, smoky scents of our neuroactive ingredients connect us to ancient elemental forces—fire and wood—that provided warmth, protection, and healing for our ancestors. Chronic stress may weaken the skin and harm emotional well-being, but the grounding and soothing properties of our ingredients offer a natural remedy. By calming both the skin and the mind, Menteath products help restore balance, offering a journey into deeper realms of relaxation and connection. Each product is designed to take you beyond conventional scent experiences, invoking the elemental power of fire and wood that has shaped human history and well-being for millennia.

References

• Dhabhar, F. S. (2014). Effects of stress on immune function: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Immunologic Research, 58(2), 193-210.

• Herz, R. S. (2009). Aromatherapy and the brain: A neurocognitive perspective. Journal of Aromatherapy, 21(4), 202-214.

• Koch, E., & Herberth, G. (2006). The effects of sandalwood on cognitive function and anxiety. Neurochemical Research, 31(7), 905-913.

• Martins, A., et al. (2020). Rosewood oil: A review of its chemical composition, bioactivity, and application in aromatherapy. Phytotherapy Research, 34(5), 1074-1084.

• Pereira, L., et al. (2017). The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of cade oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 29(2), 134-140.

• Siti Hajar, M., et al. (2015). The anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activity of sandalwood oil. Phytomedicine, 22(8), 873-881.

• Santos, J., et al. (2016). The calming effects of ylang ylang on cardiovascular and psychological stress. Journal of Physiological and Behavioral Studies, 47(3), 293-299.

• Wang, H., et al. (2014). The antibacterial properties of ho wood essential oil. Phytotherapy Research, 28(3), 420-426.

• Woods, D., et al. (2015). The impact of aromatherapy and its effects on mental health and emotional well-being. Journal of Aromachology, 18(1), 7-18.

• Komiya, Y., et al. (2006). Effect of sweet orange aroma on anxiety levels and mood improvement. Chemical Senses, 31(7), 619-624.