Sensory neurons play a critical role in cutaneous inflammation by releasing neuropeptides and cytokines, which can influence the skin’s stress response. La Mer’s lead scientist, Jaime Emmetsberger PhD, presented pioneering research regarding this role at Neuroscience 2024 in Chicago. The event takes place through October 9. Organized by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), Neuroscience 2024 is the world’s largest gathering of scientists and physicians dedicated to advancing the understanding of the brain and nervous system.

Emmetsberger presented her latest findings on the complex relationship between the skin’s sensory neurons and the regulation of neurocutaneous inflammatory signals through endocannabinoid pathways. The study explores the bidirectional communication between skin cells and sensory neurons, uncovering feedback mechanisms that may intensify inflammation. The endocannabinoid system partly regulates this intricate crosstalk, a key factor in maintaining skin homeostasis, which offers new insights into inflammation in skin, according to Emmetsberger.

“Presenting at Neuroscience 2024 is a significant milestone in my career,” said Emmetsberger, a neuroscientist and fellow at Estée Lauder Companies. “It’s a privilege to share research that connects skin science with neuroscience. The skin, often called the ‘third brain,’ not only recalls past immune responses, especially those related to emotional stress, but also functions with independent intelligence comparable to the central nervous system. To truly understand skin homeostasis, it’s essential to consider how the nervous system contributes to cellular communication within the skin.”

According to ELC, Emmetsberger’s work is a significant advancement in understanding the interaction between the skin and the nervous system. Her research helps unravel the mechanisms that govern neurocutaneous communication to balance skin and lays the groundwork for developing precise and effective skincare innovation. 

About La Mer’s Max Huber Research Labs

Max Huber Research Labs is known for its expertise in fermentation and its unique use of physics to unlock the potential of energy into transformative skin benefits. It began when Max Huber, a physicist, suffered skin damage following a lab accident. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, he introduced Miracle Broth. It is said to energize skin’s renewal, lock in essential hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Since Huber’s discovery, Max Huber Research Labs continues studying the power of Miracle Broth. With constant testing under new conditions, Max Huber Research Labs finds new forms and delivery systems for Miracle Broth, combining it with ongoing experiments in fermentation that embrace La Mer’s artisanal time-intensive proprietary biofermentation process to unlock its incredible potency.

About Dr. Jaime Emmetsberger

Emmetsberger is the lead researcher for La Mer’s Max Huber Research Labs. A molecular neuroscientist by training, Emmetsberger’s research primarily centers on neurocutaneous biology such as skin sensation, neurocutaneous signaling, cutaneous neuromodulation, and the impact of cellular senescence on skin aging.

Emmetsberger received her PhD in molecular and cellular pharmacology at Stony Brook University, where she investigated the immunological and proteolytic events triggered by central nervous system trauma, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship researching the effects of schizophrenia risk genes on neuronal signaling and brain development. Her contributions have been recognized through grants and fellowships, including the prestigious National Science Foundation IGERT and the Van der Kloot Award for Teaching Excellence.