How bacteria can affect your skin — and what cannabinoids can do about it

In many instances, bacteria is beneficial for us, particularly for our gut health. Scientists are learning more each day about the importance of our microbiome, which essentially is the community of microorganisms that live in our stomach and digestive tracts. Growing evidence is revealing that our microbiome can improve digestion, support our immune system, and even regulate our mood and cognitive function. (This is why consuming gut-friendly foods containing strains of ‘friendly bacteria’, such as yoghurt or probiotic drinks, are so helpful.)

In terms of our skin, we each have a variety of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacterial microorganisms present at all times. And that ‘good’ bacteria works to keep the ‘bad’ bacteria in-check.

If ‘bad’ bacteria gets out of hand, it can attack our immune systems and put our system — and skin — on the defence. When our system identifies harmful bacteria, it naturally leaps into action thanks to our immune system, which can sometimes result in an uncomfortable and painful response. Similarly, when our immune system is weakened or if we disrupt the natural balance of bacteria found in or on our body, either with antibiotics or skin-stripping skincare products, then our natural systems can become overwhelmed and impacted by bacterial overgrowth.

When bacteria comes into contact with a broken area of skin (like a cut or active blemish) it often results in an inflammatory response. This response is typically accompanied by redness, warmth and irritation — or worse, infection.

Bacteria multiplies incredibly quickly, which is why it's so important that our immune system and skin can defend themselves against it. But if they can’t, we can support them with antibacterial products, including skincare.

Comprised of powerhouse ingredients, Cellular Goods skincare is specially formulated with cannabinoids, which are renowned for their inherently antibacterial properties. By topically applying cannabinoids to your complexion, you can protect your skin from blemish-causing bacteria. Cannabinoids combat blemishes through two distinct mechanisms.They can both reduce inflammation caused by C. acnes and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Through these mechanisms, cannabinoids can tackle blemish-related issues without drying your skin or compromising your skin barrier, both of which can slow down the healing process and lead to hyperpigmentation, even after your blemish has disappeared. CBG in particular has been shown to work against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, including gram negative and gram positive strains like E. coli.

Because bacteria and inflammation are linked to acne, blemishes, redness and uneven skin tone — cannabinoids can provide a multifaceted approach to optimizing skin health.

References:

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• Mounessa JS, Siegel JA, Dunnick CA, Dellavalle RP. The role of cannabinoids in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Jul;77(1):188-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.056. Epub 2017 Apr 14. PMID: 28416341. PubMed
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