Epidermal Endocannabinoid System (EES) and its Cosmetic Application

Abstract

Recently, cannabis, or its major constituent cannabidiol (CBD), has emerged as an attractive cosmetic ingredient. Initiated as a basic investigation of the physiological roles of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands, endocannabinoids’ diverse potential benefits have been proposed for using cannabinoid receptor modulating compounds in skin health. Improvement in skin barrier functions, alleviating inflammatory responses, and the relief of itching sensations are some commonly expected therapeutic benefits, which have been supported by many in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. While hemp seed oils or hemp extracts might be used for the cosmetic formulation, the potential for contamination with a psychoactive cannabinoid, such as 9-THC, should be carefully checked. Instead of using hemp-derived ingredients, the use of cannabinomimetics, synthetic ligands on cannabinoid receptors, or entourage compounds (which modulate intracellular synthesis and the degradation of endocannabinoids), have been tried. In this review, a brief introduction of the epidermal endocannabinoid system (EES) and its physiological roles will be followed by a review of the cosmetic and dermatologic application of cannabinomimetics and entourage compounds. The practical application of newly developed endocannabinomimetics will be discussed as well.

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis in Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

“…They significantly affect neuro-immuno-endocrine regulation of skin functioning and preserving its homeostasis [ 52 , 53 ]. It seems crucial that the ECS takes part in the coordination of the inflammatory response in the skin [ 9 , 47 , 49 , 52 , 54 , 55 ]. Functioning of the complex immunological protective barrier relies on the cooperation of different immune cells—such as macrophages, mast cells, T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and Langerhans cells—together with keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and other cells present in the skin.…”

“…Research undeniably shows active participation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in inflammatory skin disorders, although the functions of cannabinoids are not limited to the classic receptor path [ 26 , 47 , 49 , 54 , 66 ]. Topical application of THC effectively improves allergic contact dermatitis both in wild-type mice and the CB1 and CB2 receptor-deficient groups [ 26 ].…”

Cannabidiol – characteristic and application in cosmetology and dermatology

“…The bestknown functions of ECS are related to the modulation of the central nervous system and the body's immune functions. Scientifi c research indicates the key role of ECS is in maintaining homeostasis and the skin's protective barrier [8].…”

A Rapid and Sensitive Method for the Determination of Cannabidiol in Cosmetic Products by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

“…CBD also exerts anti-inflammatory actions that, combined with its lipostatic and antiproliferative effects, make it a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris, since it counteracts the multiple pathogenic factors of acne: sebum overproduction, sebocyte overproliferation, and inflammation [1]. Moreover, CBD is a powerful antioxidant that helps counteract oxidative cell damage generated by free radicals by helping to decrease the visible signs of skin aging [2], and it is mainly for this reason that it is becoming one of the star ingredients of the cosmetic sector in recent years [3,4].…”