Cannabigerol (CBG) Shows Promise as Excellent Skin Moisturizer
Moisturizing skin is important to general health because it reduces the chances of developing certain skin conditions. There are situations that make keeping skin moist and supple more challenging, like aging and cold weather. There are also health conditions that lead to excessively dry skin. Finding the right moisturizer is challenging, but research is indicating there may be a new approach to relieving dry skin that resists many of the moisturizers in the market. It is cannabigerol (CBG) which is an antioxidant obtained from the hemp plant.
CBG is the precursor to cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, meaning it converts into a variety of cannabinoids as the plant matures, like THC and CBD. Since it morphs into other cannabinoids, CBG is only found in very young hemp plants in small quantities.
Limited research to date has found that CBG may have antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. A 2016 study of non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids found CBG can moisturize dry skin, reducing skin water loss and irritation and redness. The Canadian biotechnology company Willow Biosciences, Inc. conducted a clinical study with the results published in the magazine Molecules. The study found that CBG applied topically reduced skin redness. It also improved the skin’s barrier function, thus reducing moisture loss. The publishing of Willow’s in vitro clinical research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal is the first type of study on CBG to be peer-reviewed.
CBG can be taken orally or topically. CEO and Founder of the skincare company SAINT JANE, Casey Georgeson, says,
“CBG functions similarly to other cannabinoids and is renowned for its potent calming and anti-inflammatory benefits, but studies have demonstrated CBG’s other potential therapeutic abilities for the heart, appetite and mood. It’s an antioxidant and nutrient-rich skincare superhero with antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it’s been shown to help appetite and gastrointestinal disorders.”
The biggest drawback to CBG is the fact it is not found in large quantities in the cannabis plant. This currently makes it more expensive to extract compared to cannabinoids like CBD. The higher cost of extraction and the limited availability increases the cost of products. Perhaps in the future, hemp plant farmers and cannabinoid producers will develop new ways to lower the cost.
It is notable that clinical research projects continue to demonstrate the powerful benefits of various cannabinoids. A lot more research is needed, but already CBG looks very promising for helping to maintain healthy skin.
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