The so-called “Love Hormone”
Although it may seem like magic when we first fall in love, the reality is that our own hormones and physiology are playing a significant part behind the scenes. Oxytocin, often known as the “Love Hormone” or the “Attachment Hormone,” is a complicated and interesting hormone that is created by the hypothalamus (the deep brain) and secreted by the pituitary gland. It is sometimes referred to as the “Love Hormone” or the “Attachment Hormone.” This hormone’s significance in the labour and delivery process as well as nursing has been the subject of extensive research. Oxytocin is a hormone that is released into a mother’s brain during breastfeeding, which also has the effect of inducing labour. In this way, oxytocin assists in the bonding process between a new mother and her infant; in this stage, mothers experience an intense feeling of maternal love and a sense of responsibility for their offspring. Mothers who had a high oxytocin impact were protective of their young and took care of them so that their offspring would have a greater chance of surviving the harsh environment in which they were born. On the other hand, mothers who did not feel linked to their young did not protect and care for their kids, which resulted in those newborns dying and their genetic pool not being passed down to future generations. This may have been caused by low levels of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is and always has been an essential hormone for human existence.
The production of this hormone can also be stimulated by the act of hugging friends or making eye contact with other people. When it comes to sexual activity, the hormone oxytocin is secreted, and its levels in the blood increase, between partners who have been together for a significant amount of time.
According to a number of studies, both women and men see an increase in their levels of this hormone after they have an orgasmic experience. Because of this, many people report experiencing feelings of “love” or “affection” after engaging in sexual activity. It was vital for oxytocin to have a role in the formation of this relationship between two persons who were mating because, from an evolutionary standpoint, a pair who mated needed to be able to potentially depend on one other and maybe raise a kid together.
It is essential to keep in mind that oxytocin does not function well on its own. There is a combination of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, that work together to facilitate the formation of connections with the people in our environment. These hormones also play a role in the regulation of our mood, making us experience more pleasure and positivity. Oxytocin is more engaged in bonding and long-term connection, but dopamine is involved in the rush that comes with new love since it is the pleasure chemical that is released during the early stages of a new romantic relationship.
The Effect of Oxytocin on the Health of the Skin
Oxytocin, once created, has the ability to influence both our feelings and, consequently, the health of our skin. Oxytocin has the ability to make us feel more calm, which in turn lowers our levels of stress and anxiety. The management of stress is essential for maintaining good skin since a number of skin diseases, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, can worsen when exposed to high levels of stress. Oxytocin makes us feel less anxious, which in turn can reduce the amounts of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. Oxytocin levels are at an all-time high in a woman’s body after giving birth; this is the hormone responsible for the postpartum glow.
Oxytocin not only helps the skin recover, but it also strengthens our immune system, which in turn helps to minimise inflammatory causes. This physiological action also contributes to an improvement in the appearance of our skin. Acne may be reduced by reducing inflammation, which also reduces the severity of inflammatory skin problems. Oxytocin has a beneficial influence on our skin that is more indirect than direct, yet it is still rather substantial.
Increasing the Amount of Oxytocin in Your System
Hugging, caressing, kissing, and sexual contact are all great methods to boost oxytocin production. However, if you want your body to make even more of this “happy hormone,” there are other things you can do as well. Other strategies to raise your levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin include engaging in activities such as yoga or meditation, listening to music, having a massage, stroking your dog, doing acts of kindness, and spending quality time with those you care about.
Our bodies are remarkable mechanisms that have developed through time to allow us to feel a wide range of emotions. These emotions play an important role in our ability to stay alive and help us advance toward a more sustainable way of life. Oxytocin is known as the “glow hormone” since it is responsible for making us feel connected to others, bringing out our humanity, and ultimately making our skin more attractive.