CBD in cosmetics

Acne - Peyravian et al. (2022)

In the US, acne is the most common skin condition, affecting approximately 85% of 12- to 24-year-olds. Overall, acne is the eighth most common disease, affecting about 9.4% of the world's population.

Many people find acne very distressing. It can negatively impact self-esteem, social interactions, and quality of life.

Acne involves, among other things, inflammatory processes. CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Initial scientific studies suggest that CBD could also help with acne.

Research into acne-like symptoms has shown that the use of CBD can reduce inflammation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β.

CBD proved to be well-tolerated and safe in this context. Overall, the therapeutic effect of CBD on acne seems plausible, but has not been proven.

Peyravian, N., Deo, S., Daunert, S., & Jimenez, JJ (2022). The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Acne. Journal of Inflammation Research, 15, 2795-2801. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S355489

Baswan et al. (2020)

The endocannabinoid system influences the condition of the skin. Corresponding receptors are found at various locations in the skin.

The endocannabinoid system appears to be central to homeostasis and the protective function of the skin. Dysregulation can be associated with acne, hair growth, hair loss, atopic dermatitis, itching, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, and other disorders.

CBD, as initial animal and laboratory studies imply, can be absorbed through the skin, interact with the receptors of this system, and is therefore associated with various skin disorders and cosmetic aspects.

Initial evidence suggests that CBD could be used to treat various skin conditions such as inflammation, eczema, itching, and psoriasis. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, and its effectiveness has not been definitively proven.

Keratinocytes make up a large proportion of the cell types in the human epidermis and are highly sensitive to stressors that can provoke cell damage and chronic inflammation in the long term, thus promoting skin disorders and skin aging.

Animal studies have suggested that CBD could indirectly promote the restoration of these critical cells. One study showed that CBD can also penetrate human keratinocytes and thus counteract the oxidative stress response. Furthermore, CBD was shown to contribute to the protection of membrane integrity.

Among other things, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, altered immune responses, damaged skin barrier function and imbalance of the microbiome can lead to skin inflammation.

Various disorders, such as atopic dermatitis or acne, can be characterized by these inflammatory processes in the skin. The extent of inflammation also plays a major role in wound healing.

One of the main functions of CBD is to reduce inflammation, which is why it is discussed, investigated and partly suggested by evidence that CBD could help alleviate these inflammation-related skin disorders.

CBD also appears to have antibacterial properties in certain ways, which could make it suitable for treating skin rashes or for oral hygiene, for example.

It is also discussed that low doses of CBD could have a positive effect on hair growth, while higher doses could inhibit it.

Hair follicles also contain endocannabinoid receptors.

All of the aforementioned applications could potentially be addressed by CBD; however, this potential cannot be confirmed or quantified due to a lack of clinical studies. Research in this area is still in its early stages.

Baswan, SM, Klosner, AE, Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927-942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411