Skin on Drugs: Psychotropic Compounds in Cutaneous Biology
M. Fernández‐guarino, Nicolás Yagüe-septién, Laura Marín-ochoa, María Luisa Hernández‐bule, Stefano Bacci, Ana Banzo, Daniel Peña-jiménez
International Journal of Molecular Sciences June 26, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms27135808 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSeveral psychoactive compounds produce biological effects on the skin through neurochemical and immune pathways. Topical cannabinoids like THC show anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and anti-aging properties. The antidepressant fluoxetine regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes, promotes wound healing and cell regeneration, and may benefit allergic skin conditions. Psychedelics that activate serotonin receptors (5-HTR) can influence cellular aging and immune modulation; 5-HT receptor agonists prevent UV-induced photocarcinogenesis, and psilocybin reduces aging markers in human fibroblasts. Psilocin may alleviate acute itch via the kynurenine pathway. These findings bridge neuropharmacology and dermatology for new therapeutic strategies.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Fluoxetine Neurochemical Neuropharmacology |
| Key finding | Psychoactive compounds including cannabinoids, antidepressants, and psychedelics exert significant biological effects on skin through neurochemical and immunomodulatory pathways, suggesting novel dermatological therapeutic strategies. |
Abstract
Recent evidence reveals that several psychotropic compounds exert significant biological effects on the skin through neurochemical and immunomodulatory pathways. Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) show potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and anti-aging properties when applied topically, and may hold therapeutic potential. Antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine (Prozac), have been shown to regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes, suggesting benefits applied in allergic pathologies. Additionally, fluoxetine promotes wound healing and cell regeneration, indicating broader dermatological applications. Psychedelics, acting as serotonin receptor agonists (5-HTR), may influence cellular aging and immune modulation via the serotonergic system. Studies report that 5-HT receptor agonists can prevent UV-induced photocarcinogenesis, while psilocybin has been observed to reduce aging markers in human fibroblasts. Furthermore, recent data suggests that psilocin may alleviate acute itch involving the kynurenine pathway. These findings highlight the emerging relevance of psychoactive compounds in cutaneous biology, bridging neuropharmacology and dermatology toward novel therapeutic strategies.