Member-only story
Which Is Worse or Better: Wrinkles or Potential Brain Changes?
The scourge of wrinkles has led to the development of many wrinkle-eliminating beauty products, but their safety is coming into question.
In our never-ending quest for eternal youth and optimal brain function, we frequently debate the age-old question of which is worse: wrinkles or potential brain changes. Studies are now looking at how products that restrict our ability to make facial expressions have a resulting change in brain activity. Is it dangerous? The question of danger never entered the studies I saw, but they absolutely showed brain activity change on fMRI. But, as research scientists state in their papers, they need more research on the matter. Two crucial components of our general well-being are our physical appearance and our cognitive capacity.
Science has not been left out of the equation since we have the facial feedback hypothesis, which shows there is emotion and brain activity associated with facial expressions. One study indicated: “Botulinum toxin, facial fillers, resurfacing, and other cosmetic procedures may change facial emotional expressions. While the net effect on emotional state is difficult to quantify, it seems possible that the emotional benefits of toxin injections may outweigh the costs.”
