CBG: The New Star of Cannabis Dermatology?

Published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2022), a clinical and in vitro study on cannabigerol (CBG) points to new therapeutic possibilities for dermatology. While CBD has been widely studied, CBG emerges as a promising compound, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties relevant to skin health.

CBG, a direct precursor of CBD and THC, is found in minimal amounts in Cannabis sativa but can now be produced by yeast fermentation with a very high degree of purity and sustainability. And the results are, to say the least, impressive.

-  It regulates more skin genes than CBD itself.
-  Reduces oxidative stress in human fibroblasts with performance superior to vitamin C.
-  Powerfully inhibits inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha.
-  And the best part: in a clinical study with 20 volunteers, the serum with 0.1% CBG reduced redness and transepidermal water loss with visibly superior results to the placebo.

The authors' conclusion? "The broad range of CBG activities [...] demonstrates its strong potential as a safe and effective topical ingredient."

The modulation of cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha positions CBG as a relevant candidate for managing chronic inflammatory dermatoses. These cytokines are strongly involved in the pathophysiology of diseases such as:
 

-  Psoriasis
-  Atopic dermatitis
-  Hidradenitis suppurativa
-  Cutaneous lupus
-  Inflammatory rosacea

Moreover, CBG's immunomodulatory role may benefit conditions associated with dysfunctional microbiomes, such as acne and folliculitis.

In the aesthetic field, its antioxidant and soothing profile suggests applications in:

-  Reducing redness and hypersensitivities
-  Managing skin aging
-  Supporting reactive skin post-procedures
-  Enhancing regenerative actives

CBG is not just an anti-inflammatory. It is a multitasking bioactive with antioxidant, regenerative, and soothing properties. And it can be even more potent when combined with:
 

-  Niacinamide, for skin barrier balance
-  Hyaluronic acid, for strategic hydration
-  Resveratrol or CoQ10, to double anti-aging protection
-  Biomimetic peptides, for regeneration and collagen stimulation
 

There is no doubt that we are witnessing a subtle alignment between what the skin expresses and what science is beginning to uncover.
 

Source: Martin et al. "Cannabigerol Is a Novel, Well-Tolerated Cannabinoid with Activity in a Skin Inflammation Clinical Model", *J Drugs Dermatol*, 2022.