Welcome to Now Trending. Here’s what’s new in the world of natural health!
Can neurocosmetics really lift your mood?
Neurocosmetics are the new frontier, where skin care meets brain care. The idea is that certain skincare products not only give you that dewy, hydrated skin we all crave, but can also help your mental well-being by influencing mood, stress levels, and emotional balance.
The pitch: slather on a luxurious serum and get an actual mood boost (and maybe even a little cognitive clarity)!
Neurocosmetics interact with the skin’s neurosensory system to influence both mind and body. They often contain ingredients like peptides or adaptogens said to influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine.
Some studies hint that certain compounds (think lavender, bergamot, niacinamide) can affect mood via skin-brain pathways. Neurocosmetics tap into this by using topicals to alleviate the skin’s stress-related responses.
Whether the serotonin boost comes from the ingredients or from a feel-good self-care routine, the benefits are worth embracing.
Juçara berry, açai’s buzzier new cousin
Move over, açai—there’s a new purple berry in town! The juçara berry (pronounced zhoo-sah-rah) is the new superfruit, winning fans for its dense hit of anthocyanins; vitamins C and E; and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.
Nutritionally, it holds its own against açai and blueberries, with some studies pointing to stronger antioxidant effects along with 20 to 30 percent fiber content.
Early research suggests that juçara fruit may help reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular function, and could be effective in reducing body fat. While most studies are still in the promising but preliminary stage, this is an up and comer you will want to keep your eye on.
The tastiest way to get your fix is blended into juices, smoothies, or ice cream, or tossed over yogurt. Pro tip: make sure you’re buying sustainably sourced juçara, as overharvesting can threaten its native Atlantic Forest.
Your brain’s happy list: dopamine menu magic
A dopamine menu is a personalized checklist of activities that make you feel good. It could include that first cup of coffee, a quick walk, chatting with a friend, or blasting a great song—the list is as individual as you are.
Originally created to help people with ADHD, dopamine menus are getting popular as a low-key mental health hack for anyone feeling blah. We can all forget to find the joy—this is the reminder.
Research shows that small, regular hits of pleasure can help balance your brain’s reward system and boost motivation, helping with stress or low moods. While more evidence is needed to confirm that it helps with anxiety and depression, it’s a gentle tool that certainly can’t hurt.
Keep your menu small, specific, personal, and enjoyable, not unattainable. It’s not magic, but for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a funk (so, all of us), it’s a daily nudge towards your happy place.
Ditch fast fixes and try slow bloom method
Forget overnight transformations—the slow bloom method is having a moment. This approach leans into slow, incremental growth, delaying short-term wins for long-term benefits.
Studies on delayed gratification show that steady, intentional progress reduces stress, builds self-worth, and is protective against burnout. In practice, this means picking one goal, sticking with it, and celebrating any progress (no matter how un-Instagrammable).
Whether you’re learning a new skill or just trying to drink more water, this approach is about patience, not perfection. If you’re not sure where to start, try tracking one small habit for a week—nothing fancy, just a sticky note or a reminder on your phone.
The key is consistency, not intensity. Remember that progress isn’t about the end goal; noticing your effort, even when it’s messy, is what keeps you going. So, give yourself credit for every step, and let the results unfold at their own pace. Your nervous system will thank you.
This article was originally published in the October 2025 issue of delicious living magazine.
