84 SKIN CARE


these processes suggest a biological link between nerve activity and skin structure, indirectly influencing tactile qualities such as softness and elasticity. Keratinocytes act as a frontline


sensory system of the body; in this sense, the skin is not passive but actively “reads” the environment - signals are first detected and processed in the epidermis before being relayed to peripheral sensory nerves.


The epidermis and nervous


system share a common embryological origin in the ectoderm and keratinocytes express molecules pointing to an evolutionary and functional link between the skin and brain. These mechanisms help explain why skin comfort supports emotional balance.


PCM: How strongly does the feeling of looking good in the mirror - first impressions to self and others - influence our emotional wellbeing, and how might this differ across generations or cultures? JLV: Looking in the mirror every day is like a ritual of reassurance. We subconsciously and quickly check whether our inner body notions are aligned with our outer appearance on that day. If we are tired, exhausted and our skin is dull, this can fuel the cascade of negative thoughts and make us judge ourselves, the new day and our interactions with others more harshly. If we start the day feeling fresh


and content, we will probably see this reflected in our mirror image. A positive self-image may change the filter through which we perceive, evaluate and thus experience the same environment. It is also clear and inevitable that this perception is subject to natural fluctuations. Whether or not characteristics are considered positive, pleasant and desirable also varies around the world. From the very beginning of life, our view of faces and personal wellbeing is shaped by our environment and the people around us. This influence naturally continues throughout our lives and changes with us as we grow older. Rooted in evolutionary biology,


there are some very interesting studies that suggest that, our brains are designed to judge appearances and assess a person’s credibility in the shortest possible time. It


Repeated emotional patterns leave


visible traces, such as tension lines, which persist even after the emotion


has passed. Katerina Steventon, Independent Skincare Consultancy


takes as little as 100 milliseconds of exposure to novel faces to form a first impression. The insights that arise from


this automatically controlled neurological process are individually influenced by age, origin and upbringing. What they all have in common, however, is the enormous speed with which they are formed. KS: The face is continuously exposed and scrutinised, influencing social feedback, self-esteem, psychosocial wellbeing and identity. People who perceive themselves as more attractive have higher levels of self-esteem, confidence and social ease and dissatisfaction with facial appearance leads to reduced self- worth and increased psychosocial vulnerability. These dynamics help explain why first impressions—of both self and others—carry such emotional weight. Facial attractiveness can be


understood as a form of erotic capital, rooted in evolutionary biology through cues such as symmetry, averageness, sexual dimorphism and skin quality — signals that reliably convey health, fertility and genetic fitness,


PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE March 2026


i.e. developmental stability and immunocompetence. This evolutionary framing shows as rapid, automatic judgments of adaptive markers that historically supported fertility yet their influence extends well beyond reproductive context. Erotic capital is convertible


social resource, like social or cultural capital, which affords attractive people advantages in social perception and economic success. As facial attractiveness is processed rapidly and often automatically by the brain, it is a high-value social signal and, as you mention, even a fleeting mirror impression can shape mood and confidence. Preferences for facial femininity appear relatively stable - facial attractiveness still is a biologically based, socially amplified asset that dictates social interactions and life outcomes.


PCM: When forming first impressions, how much emphasis do people place on facial skin compared with the overall presence of the face—expression, posture, and energy? JLV: Undoubtedly, this results in a complex mix of sensory


impressions, including all factors like expressions, gestures, aura and personality, contributing to our personal judgement. Nevertheless, the condition of the skin is a decisive factor in creating a good first impression, that should not be underestimated. One major parameter among


the three most important skin features for attractive skin is an even skin tone. In our study on first impressions with CLR’s active ingredient CutiGuard, it became evident that an even skin tone plays a crucial role when people are asked to choose between images of the same person with and without treatment. This effect was particularly


pronounced given the very limited time available for evaluation, which was set at just three seconds. The skin tone can be seen as a


predictor or snapshot on how you are feeling at the moment, your overall health, and internal balanced state. The refined texture of skin is mainly defined by fine lines and wrinkles, skin relief and smoothness. These attributes are an indicator


of age and as Katerina has already beautifully expressed, they also reflect, to a certain extent, our life’s journey in all its richness. Once all of these skin attributes are optimally supported and balanced, the third factor of skin properties can be addressed. This cannot really be measured; it is intangible, timeless and yet omnipresent: charisma, radiance and personality.


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