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 endocannabinoids - Anandamides and 2-AG (read more about these in a previous blog post).

These endocannabinoids are produced by the skin when needed and control cells in the epidermis, hair follicles and sweat glands. This means that the skin's cannabinoids have a direct impact on the health of the skin.

Our body has two different receptors that regulate our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) by cooperating with our endocannabinoids. The names of these two receptors are 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.

The effect of endocannabinoids on 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.”) or apoptosis (a programmed cell death is a way for cells in organisms to commit suicide in a controlled manner without harming their surroundings, unlike the more chaotic necrosis).) In addition, the endocannabinoids reduce the risk of inflammation in the skin.

You can say in a simpler way that the function of the endocannabinoids is primarily to strengthen the barrier function of the epidermis.

 The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) 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 produce anti-inflammatory effects.
2. The ECS of the skin prevents activation of the immune system when it is not really needed.

ECS function of hair follicles
Hair follicles exhibit a lifelong 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 sebaceous glands of the skin

Having a good endocannabinoid 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 sebaceous glands cannot secrete enough high-quality sebum. This leads to a weakening of our skin barrier, which increases the risk of pathogens (evil microbes) taking over certain parts of the skin. If the cannabinoid function of the sebaceous glands is in balance, it contributes to homeostasis and thus healthy skin.

ECS function of 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

Endocannabinoid deficiency and/or a dysfunctional ECS are believed to contribute to a variety of diseases. 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 cannabinoid function 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 phytocannabinoids 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.

http://www.phytecs.com/tour-the-ecs/the-ecs-in-skin/