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The endocannabinoid system in our skin

Endocannabinoid-systemet i vÄr hud - Floranie Skincare
The endocannabinoid system in our skin


Warning! This is a complex post that is only suitable for you who love to "nerd yourself down" in the functions of the skin 😉.

The skin is an extremely complex organ that consists of a variety of components that work together to function. It's B.la. a mixture of skin cells, bacteria, viruses, fungi, protista and archaea. In addition, our skin produces something called endocannabinoids - Anandamides and 2-AG. These endocannabinoids are produced by the skin when needed and control the skin cells of the epidermis, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands.This means that the skin's endocannabinoids have a direct impact on the health of the skin.

Our body also has two different receptors that regulate our endocannabinoid system (ECS) by cooperating with our endocannabinoids. These two receptors are called CB1 and CB2.In many places in our human body there is only one of these receptors.But... Our skin cells contain, uniquely enough, both CB1 and CB2.

Endocannabinoids Fas effect for the skin cells in the epidermis.
In short, it can be said that both CB1 and CB2 in the skin cells regulate the skin's natural function as a barrier against external factors. This through Proliferation (Cell proliferation is the process by which a cell grows and divides to produce two daughter cells. Cell proliferation leads to an exponential increase in cell number and is therefore a rapid mechanism for tissue growth."). In addition, the endocannabinoids reduce the risk of inflammation in the skin. In a simpler way, it can be said that the function of endocannabinoids is primarily to strengthen the barrier function of the epidermis.

The role of the endocannabinoid system (EUS) in skin immune function is to constantly control the activity of the skin's immune and inflammatory systems. This happens in two different ways:
1. Endocannabinoids provide anti-inflammatory effects.
2.The skin's ECS prevents activation of the immune system when it is not really needed.

ECS function of hair follicles
Our hair follicles exhibit a life cycle of growth, regression and resting phases. When the hair follicle's CB1 receptors are activated, cell division ceases. This results in stunted hair growth and a longer regression phase, also known as catagen. Controlling ECS ​​activity in the hair follicle may hold therapeutic promise for hair growth disorders, such as unwanted hair growth or baldness.

ECS function for the skin's sebaceous glands
Having a good cannabinoid function is also the key to a well-functioning function of the skin's sebaceous glands. When endocannabinoids or their receptors are not produced or function properly, the glands cannot secrete enough sebum. This leads to our skin barrier being weakened, which increases the risk of pathogens (evil microbes) taking over certain parts of the skin. If the endocannabinoid function of the sebaceous glands is in balance, it contributes to homeostasis and thus healthy skin.

ECS function for the sweat glands
ECS is also found in our sweat glands. Although researchers have now determined that both CB1 and CB2 receptors regulate the life cycle of sweat gland cells, more research is needed to clarify how endocannabinoids affect their function in e.g.ex sweat production.

ECS function in skin conditions 
A deficiency of endocannabinoids and/or a dysfunctional ECS is thought to contribute to a variety of skin problems. When it comes to skin conditions, more research is needed to accurately determine the role of ECS in a variety of skin conditions. However, it can be concluded that a non-functioning ECS ​​likely contributes to the development of very common skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, inflammation and eczema.

In summary, more research is required to fully understand the function of ECS and cannabinoids for our skin health. However, what can already be established is that this system is directly linked to how our skin feels in both the short and long term. ECS is something that all skin care manufacturers must take into account in the future.


Sources:
Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System - https://www.mdpicom/1420-3049/24/5/918/htm
TRP Channel Cannabinoid Receptors in Skin Sensation, Homeostasis, and Inflammation - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4240254/
Atalay S, et al. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.ncbi.nlm.you h.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/

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