Beauty begins the moment one decides to embrace their inside and outside characteristics. Decisions are more difficult when feelings of discomfort get in the way, especially physical discomfort. Both surface level and deep pain distract from the lifelong journey of seeking beauty. Identifying how to use ingredients such as capsaicin in topical skin care treatments can help clients address pain immediately. 

FORM & FUNCTION

As it irritates most tissues, the natural function of capsaicin is to deter mammals, including humans, organically limiting their interaction. For example, as a food spice, it is used sparingly but can bring pleasure and euphoric effects which drive its consumers to delight; this is a result of an endorphins release.  

In plants where it is present, capsaicin is considered structural, meaning it is in the internal membrane of the fruits of the chili pepper plants and is more of an irritant and neurotoxin. (For many, this may not be considered desirable.) In other words, the actual seeds do not produce the equally loved and dreaded capsaicin; rather, the inner wall of the chili pepper plant where the seeds are attached is where capsaicin is predominately found, making proper extraction for skin care formulations critical.