Why Oxytocin Makes You Love You

A Love Letter to the Love Hormone

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that is associated with empathy, trust, sexual activity and relationship building. 

As a result, it is often referred to as the “love hormone”.

And while it’s especially important for pair bonding, and elevating our “attachment” to others, it also plays a significant role in the way we feel about ourselves.

When oxytocin is released, we feel a surge of positive emotion. 

Research suggests that this impacts social behaviors related to relaxation, trust, and overall psychological stability. 

And when it’s released into certain parts of the brain, the hormone is proven to decrease stress and anxiety levels.

Because of the overwhelmingly positive benefits of oxytocin, many are now looking to incorporate it into everyday products, including skincare. 

As we all know, stress management is key to healthy skin.  In addition to lowering stress hormone levels, oxytocin also promotes skin healing and boosts immunity, helping to reduce inflammatory factors. 

This makes our skin look better overall, and ensures that we love the way we look in the mirror. 

If you’ve ever heard the term “pregnancy glow”, you have oxytocin to thank, as oxytocin levels are extremely high during and after birth. The hormonal shifts cause skin to look brighter, and gives the skin extra volume.

But, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to achieve the oxytocin glow without getting pregnant.

Oxytocin is naturally produced in the body, but for those who want more of this “love drug”, cuddling, hugging, and kissing can help. 

Additionally, meditation, massage, performing acts of kindness, spending quality time with loved ones, and even petting a dog can increase levels of this happy hormone. 

Lastly, there are many products coming to market that have shown to stimulate reactions in the skin which create more oxytocin. Look for products that contain CanniBiota, like Lumiara’s line of skincare products.