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Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging
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Skin on Drugs: Psychotropic Compounds in Cutaneous Biology
Montserrat Fernández-Guarino1,2, Nicolás Yagüe-Septién3, Laura Marín-Ochoa3
1Dermatology Service, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Psychoactive compounds like cannabinoids, antidepressants, and psychedelics show therapeutic potential for skin conditions. These substances offer anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and wound-healing benefits, bridging neuropharmacology and dermatology.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neuropharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psychotropic compounds influence skin biology via neurochemical and immunomodulatory pathways.
- Cannabinoids (e.g., THC) exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and anti-aging effects topically.
- Antidepressants like fluoxetine regulate keratinocyte inflammation and promote skin regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dermatological applications of psychotropic compounds.
- To investigate the neurochemical and immunomodulatory effects of psychoactive substances on skin.
- To highlight novel therapeutic strategies at the intersection of neuropharmacology and dermatology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent evidence on psychotropic compounds' effects on skin.
- Analysis of studies on cannabinoids, antidepressants, and psychedelics in dermatological contexts.
- Examination of molecular pathways, including serotonergic and kynurenine pathways.
Main Results:
- Topical cannabinoids demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and anti-aging properties.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and aids wound healing.
- Psychedelics (serotonin receptor agonists) influence cellular aging, immune response, and may prevent photocarcinogenesis.
- Psilocybin reduces aging markers in fibroblasts, and psilocin may alleviate itch via the kynurenine pathway.
Conclusions:
- Psychoactive compounds possess significant therapeutic potential in dermatology.
- Neuropharmacological agents offer novel strategies for treating skin aging, inflammation, and other conditions.
- The study underscores the emerging relevance of bridging neuropharmacology and dermatology for innovative treatments.
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