Cellular Goods, a UK-based wellness company and supplier of lab-made cannabinoids, has released a white paper that explores the benefits of cannabinoids—cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), in particular—in preventing signs of aging, including skin inflammation and UV-induced wrinkles and fine lines. To date vitamin C, retinoids and exfoliating acids have dominated the anti-aging market but according to the company, they are also known to cause irritation and sensitivity; thus, alternatives are sought.
The differentiated dose-response suggests less may sometimes be more, which is an important consideration in the context of cannabinoid product development."
Lipid Peroxidation
To assess the effects of cannabinoids against lipid peroxidation, a study utilizing 3D cultured human epidermal skin tissues pre-treated with test materials was carried out. 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) formation served as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and was measured from tissue lysates following exposure to UVB radiation. Ascorbic acid was used as a positive control. CBD (0.5%), CBG (0.75%; 1.0%) and combinations thereof (0.25% CBD + 0.25% CBG; 0.375% CBD + 0.375% CBG) provided statistically significant inhibition (p < 0.05), compared with the UVB- exposed vehicle control.
Additionally, 0.5% CBD was more effective than CBG; although a dose-dependent increase in activity for CBG was observed. Based on this data, it was concluded that both CBD and CBG protected against significant UVB-induced lipid peroxidation in 3D skin tissue models. Furthermore, the differentiated dose-response suggests less may sometimes be more, which is an important consideration in the context of cannabinoid product development.
See related: Combining Retinol with CBD for Skin Quality Improvement
Inflammation
In terms of anti-inflammatory effects, CBG, CBD and select combinations were evaluated in another study using pre-treated 3D cultured human epidermal skin tissues, whereby IL-8 formation was quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 24 hr post-UVB irradiation and incubation with test materials. Clobestasol propionate was the positive control.
UVB irradiation produced a significant increase in IL-8 release in culture media and clobetasol propionate showed a complete decrease (100%) in IL-8. In addition, all cannabinoid treatments demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect over the vehicle control that was comparable (i.e., > 100%) to the positive control. Based on this data, it was concluded that both CBD and CBG protect against significant UVB-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-8) release associated with photoaging and inflammaging.
See also: Global CBD Skin Care Market to Reach $3.4B by 2026
Conclusions
From these findings, the company concluded CBG, CBD and their blends can inhibit inflammation and lipid peroxidation caused by UVB radiation. Further, by testing on cultured human tissues and at commercially relevant cannabinoid concentrations, the results can provide material insights into the modality and utility of cannabinoids to maintain skin health and prevent signs of aging caused by UV exposure and inflammation.
According to Cellular Goods, the results also complement findings published by Willow Biosciences Inc. indicating these cannabinoids can counteract the well-established aging effects of UV exposure and inflammation equally and in some cases more effectively than vitamin C. Their tolerability and combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties therefore make these cannabinoids compelling ingredients that provide multiple mechanisms against extrinsic aging factors.
Products based on these ingredients also have been proven suitable for sensitive skin, Cellular Goods reports, thereby confirming that unlike ingredients such as vitamin C, cannabinoids can be used without causing irritation. The Cannabinoid Face Serum is reportedly the UK’s first CBG-powered serum to prevent the signs of aging caused by UV-light exposure and inflammation; it is part of the Cellular Goods’ Look Better product range.
See related: CBD, Microbiome and Personalization Take the Stage at SCC Scientific Meeting
