Say Goodbye to Harsh Chemicals: Introducing Microbial Harmony for Clear Skin
For decades, antibiotics have been the go-to for acne, but concerns are rising about their impact on the skin’s delicate ecosystem. The good news is, researchers are exploring innovative approaches that target the root cause of acne – an imbalanced skin microbiome – while minimizing harm to beneficial bacteria.
Restoring Balance: The Rise of Microbiome-Friendly Treatments
Leading dermatologists like Dr. Brigitte Dréno, head of the Department of Dermatology at Nantes University Hospital, are paving the way for a new wave of acne treatments. These therapies focus on restoring a healthy balance of microorganisms on the skin. Imagine your skin as a garden – you wouldn’t want to spray everything with harsh chemicals and kill all the good plants, right? Similarly, these treatments aim to nurture good bacteria while targeting the “weeds” that contribute to acne. [1] Some potential options include prebiotics, bacteriophages, or innovative dermocosmetic products. [2]
The search for effective, natural acne solutions has led researchers to explore exciting new ingredients like CBD, CBG and Bakuchiol. These plant-based compounds are gaining attention not just for their anti-inflammatory properties but also for their unique interactions with the skin microbiome.
CBD: A Double Whammy Against Acne
Cannabidiol’s Effects on Cutibacterium acnes and Its Derived Extracellular Vesicles. The study highlights that CBD inhibits the inflammatory response induced by extracellular vesicles from Cutibacterium acnes (CEVs) in keratinocytes. This is significant because C. acnes plays a central role in the development of acne through its inflammatory by-products. [3]
General Effects on Microbial Interactions in Acne Vulgaris. CBD can affect the skin microbiome and modulate skin flora. CBD has been found to exhibit antimicrobial properties against C. acnes, which might help in balancing the skin microbiota and reducing bacterial colonization that contributes to acne development. [4]
By tackling both inflammation and bacterial imbalances, CBD emerges as a promising candidate for next-generation acne treatments.
CBG: A Powerful Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Ally
Similar to CBD, CBG shows a two-pronged approach against acne. In the study exploring the effects of cannabigerol (CBG) on skin health, researchers utilized in vitro assays to evaluate CBG’s antibacterial properties against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and other harmful skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. [5]
The results demonstrated that CBG has strong antibacterial activity, it effectively inhibits the growth of both C. acnes and Staphylococcus aureus, showing its potential as an antibacterial agent. Additionally, CBG significantly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial exposure, highlighting its anti-inflammatory properties. [5]
These findings illustrate CBG’s dual action as both an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, making it a valuable contender in the fight against acne and other bacterial skin conditions.
Bakuchiol: A Gentle Giant in the Microbiome-Friendly Skincare Revolution
Bakuchiol has broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal property. A comparison of antimicrobial activity between different substances against various microorganisms, Bakuchiol shows noteworthy antimicrobial properties.
Bakuchiol, as a skincare ingredient, exhibits superior antimicrobial properties when compared to other agents like Retinol and Salicylic acid, particularly against specific skin-related microorganisms. The data suggests Bakuchiol’s impressive efficacy against P. acnes with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of only 1.5 µg/mL, surpassing Retinol and competing closely with Benzoyl Peroxide, a well-known acne-fighting ingredient. Additionally, its potency is evident with a low MIC against Staphylococcus aureus, a microorganism not addressed by Retinol or Salicylic acid in the tested parameters. While Benzoyl Peroxide shows a stronger activity against this bacteria, Bakuchiol’s broader spectrum of action, including its activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, suggests a distinct advantage in maintaining skin health. Moreover, its effectiveness against Candida albicans, a common yeast that can cause skin issues, with an MIC equal to that for P. acnes, places Bakuchiol as a versatile antimicrobial component in skincare formulations. Despite Salicylic acid’s superior action against P. acnes (indicated by an MIC greater than 100 µg/mL), Bakuchiol’s results, especially considering its gentler profile and potential for less irritation, render it an ingredient of great interest for both preventative and treatment-focused skincare solutions.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Acne Treatment
The future of acne treatment is shifting towards a more holistic approach. By focusing on restoring the skin’s natural microbiome and utilizing the power of natural ingredients like CBD, CBG and Bakuchiol, we can look forward to a future with more effective and gentler acne solutions. Research in this area is ongoing, and further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and safety of these new approaches. However, the initial findings are certainly promising, offering hope for a brighter future for acne sufferers.
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Reference
- Dréno, B., Dagnelie, M. A., Khammari, A., & Corvec, S. (2020). The Skin Microbiome: A New Actor in Inflammatory Acne. American journal of clinical dermatology, 21(Suppl 1), 18–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-020-00531-1
- Dreno, B., Dekio, I., Baldwin, H., Demessant, A. L., Dagnelie, M. A., Khammari, A., & Corvec, S. (2024). Acne microbiome: From phyla to phylotypes. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 38(4), 657–664. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.19540
- Jiang, Z., Jin, S., Fan, X., Cao, K., Liu, Y., Wang, X., Ma, Y., & Xiang, L. (2022). Cannabidiol Inhibits Inflammation Induced by Cutibacterium acnes-Derived Extracellular Vesicles via Activation of CB2 Receptor in Keratinocytes. Journal of inflammation research, 15, 4573–4583. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S374692
- Ferreira I, Lopes CM, Amaral MH. (2024). Treatment Advances for Acne Vulgaris: The Scientific Role of Cannabinoids. Cosmetics. 11(1):22. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11010022
- Perez, E., Fernandez, J. R., Fitzgerald, C., Rouzard, K., Tamura, M., & Savile, C. (2022). In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(2), 491. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020491
- Chaudhuri, R. K., & Marchio, F. (2011). Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected skin. Cosmetics & Toiletries, 126(7), 502-510.
