Our skin is the largest organ in our body and is vital in protecting us from external factors like sunlight, pollutants, and infection. Just like other organs in our body, our skin also has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS) that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. In recent years, CBD and CBG have become popular ingredients in skincare products due to their positive impact on the skin’s ECS. In this article, we will look closer at the skin’s ECS and how it works to keep our skin healthy. We will also explore the benefits of CBD, CBG, and other botanicals in maintaining healthy skin.
Understanding the Skin’s Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids throughout the body, including the skin. It regulates our physiological & cognitive processes like pain, inflammation, immune system function, and stress response. When the skin experiences an injury, infection, or inflammation, it triggers the release of endocannabinoids, which bind with the ECS receptors in the skin cells, initiating a cascade of events that help restore normal cell function. CBD interacts with these receptors, supporting the skin’s ECS and promoting better skin health.
The skin has a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for maintaining balance in the skin. These receptors are in
the epidermis, hair follicles, and sweat glands regulate inflammation, pain, and other skin functions.
There are two primary types of cannabinoid receptors in the skin:
CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system and brain, while CB2 receptors are in immune cells and peripheral tissues like the skin. When these receptors bind with endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), they signal a response that helps maintain balance and healthy function in the skin and the body.
CBD and CBG’s Positive Impact on the Skin
CBD and CBG interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin, leading to various health benefits. For example, CBD helps regulate sebum production, improving the skin barrier function by reducing transepidermal water loss.
They have a potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation and redness in the skin, making them effective in treating conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. CBD also has antimicrobial properties, which makes it an excellent ingredient for skincare products that help fight against bacterial skin infections. It also helps to soothe the skin, making it an effective ingredient for products that help reduce stress and anxiety, like facial oils and balms.
Other Botanicals and Their Benefits for the Skin
Turmeric- is another powerful botanical known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its active ingredient, curcumin, helps reduce inflammation by suppressing various pro-inflammatory cytokines. Turmeric can be used topically or orally and can potentially help improve skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, and skin aging.
Lavender- is a popular essential oil known for its calming effect and soothing properties. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress and help promote sleep. Lavender can also help soothe the skin by reducing inflammation and healing minor skin irritations.
Arnica- has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It can help reduce pain, swelling, and bruising, making it an excellent option for post-workout recovery or people struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other inflammatory conditions.
Calendula- also known as marigold, is a vibrant orange flower rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula has been used in various skin care formulations to soothe and moisturize the skin and help reduce skin inflammation, irritation, and redness.
Cayenne pepper- contains capsaicin and has potent pain-relieving properties. When applied topically, cayenne pepper can help reduce muscle or joint pain, and it is also known to stimulate blood circulation and have a warming effect on the skin.
Skin-nourishing butter- like mango, shea, and jojoba oil are also excellent options for people with dry or sensitive skin. These oils are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that help moisturize, protect, and nourish the skin. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them great options for people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Citrus essential oils- like bergamot and orange, have astringent properties that help tighten and tone the skin.
Infusing Botanicals into Carrier Oils for Optimal Effectiveness
Botanicals are often infused into carrier oils like MCT, sweet almond, and jojoba oils to boost the effectiveness of CBD and botanicals. These carrier oils can help moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin, making it more resilient to environmental stressors.
Jojoba oil- is rich in vitamins A, E, and D and antioxidants, which help promote healthy skin.
Sweet almond oil- is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe irritated skin.
MCT oil- is a highly absorbable oil that helps improve the bioavailability of CBD and botanicals, making them more effective in promoting skin health.
The skin’s endocannabinoid system is vital in maintaining skin health. CBD and other botanicals help to positively affect the skin through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. Incorporating CBD and botanicals into skincare products can provide various benefits for the skin, such as reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and improving overall skin health. By understanding the skin’s endocannabinoid system and its interaction with various compounds, we can make informed decisions about our skincare routine and naturally promote healthier, more radiant skin.
So, make sure to check the ingredients on your skincare products and try incorporating Nature’s Therapy CBD topicals into your skincare routine today!
Always Consult with a healthcare professional before using any new botanical or supplement. Lastly, always listen to your body and care for yourself.
References:
- Tóth, K. F., & Géczy, T. (2018). The endocannabinoid system in rabbit conjunctiva and its role in inflammation. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, 10(2), 31-39.
- Oláh, A., Markovics, A., Szabó-Papp, J., Szabó, P. T., Stott, C., Zouboulis, C. C., … & Bíró, T. (2016). Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrheic skin and acne treatment. Experimental dermatology, 25(9), 701-707.
- Vaes, R. B., van der Geest, R. J., Lodewick, T. M., Maessen, F. J., & Blanckaert, N. (1985). Anti-inflammatory activity of arnica preparations after gastrointestinal passage. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 25(10), 1004-1007.
