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There are several ways to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine. Many people like to use it as a tincture, but topical applications are just as popular. CBD-infused lotions and balms have been on the market for years– and now more than ever, we’re learning about what exactly topical CBD can do for the skin. 

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most cutting-edge research on CBD for skincare and see exactly how CBD interacts with our cutaneous cannabinoid system. 

The Cutaneous Cannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is one of the most important parts of the human body. This system of receptors is found in virtually every body system and location. The cannabinoid receptors found in the skin make up the cutaneous cannabinoid system. There are numerous types of cannabinoid receptors found in skin, and studying this system has found that it is directly linked to skin disorders such as dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, eczema, and more. A comprehensive recent literature review identifies even more potential skin issues that can be addressed by CBD. Let’s take a look at some of the major conditions that recent studies have looked at.

CBD for Acne

Forget about the old myth that acne is caused by a dirty face or by eating chocolate. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged due to increased oil (sebum) production. Oil production may increase with hormonal changes, bacterial infections, or as a result of skin that is too dry. CBD can decrease the amount of sebum produced by your skin’s glands, which can help prevent acne in the first place.

 A 2016 review of cannabis’s medical properties found that cannabinoids had both antifungal and antibacterial properties, which could reduce the appearance of acne due to infection. A 2022 study has shown that both CBD and hemp seed extracts are effective at reducing acne-related skin discomfort and discoloration when applied topically.

CBD for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. It is caused by an accelerated skin cell turnover process, leading to the buildup of skin cells on the surface. There has been evidence since 2007 that CBD can help reduce inflammation and cell turnover, both of which play a major role in the painful symptoms of psoriasis. 

In more recent research, CBD was found to influence immune system responses by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. CBD can also inhibit the proliferation of certain skin cells and promote cell differentiation, which can help restore a more balanced and normal skin cell cycle.

CBD for Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. It is triggered by a number of factors, both environmental and genetic, and can vary in severity. Because eczema is linked to inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD make it a likely agent to address this condition. 

In 2017, it was discovered that the cutaneous cannabinoid system plays an important role in the appearance and severity of eczema, and that this system can have a major impact on regulating the condition. Another recent study found that CBD is antimicrobial, with some data showing it works well to kill Staphylococcus aureus. Staph infections are a major concern for people with eczema, as it can trigger flares and other complications. 

CBD for Wound Healing

CBD has several properties that can help with wound healing. In addition to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties discussed above, a study in 2022 found that direct application of CBD to a wound encouraged healing. Another study in 2020 found that the interaction of CBD with cannabinoid receptors at wound edges improved long-term healing outcomes. This is due to the way CBD limits the production of over-active keratinocytes– the cells that produce new skin cells. CBD also is an agonist for the CB2R receptor in wound beds, which means that its presence can help regulate the inflammatory microenvironment by reducing the amount of pro-inflammatory triggers. 

CBD for Skin Fibrosis and Scarring

Both skin fibrosis and scarring involve texture changes to your skin.Skin fibrosis is a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of fibrous tissue in the skin, leading to areas of less flexibility and reduced elasticity. Scarring can cause similar changes, but is the result of a wound, lesion, or other disease symptom. 

A recent literature review cross-referenced CBD studies on wound healing to determine whether or not it could play an active role in the reduction of skin fibrosis. CBD was found to decrease scarring from both eczema and psoriasis. In another study, it was found to decrease acne scarring, too. 

CBD for Sun Damage

Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause oxidative stress on our skin, making it age faster. This leads to cosmetic changes like wrinkles and fine lines, but it also leads to long-term damage to the skin itself. A 2021 study found that CBD reduced many of the effects of  UV damage. It reduced inflammation, controlled protein biosynthesis, and safeguarded proteins from damage caused by UV radiation. These findings suggest that CBD, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, could be beneficial in shielding skin cells from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The study also found that CBD helped preserve the healthy lipids found in skin tissue.

Another 2021 study, this time a rodent trial, found that CBD was effective as a preventative measure against cellular damage due to UV exposure.  This study looked at how CBD affected the metabolism of skin cells exposed to UVA/UVB radiation. The results showed that both the radiation and CBD treatment altered the expression of proteins related to inflammation and cell death. The CBD treatment helped to mitigate these changes and maintain the normal functioning of the skin cells, suggesting that it could be a protective measure against the negative effects of UV radiation on the skin.

How To Use CBD for Skin Care

If you want to use CBD for any kind of skin condition, the best product is a topical application. A great option for beginners is our 750 MG CBD Balm, which contains a moderate concentration of CBD. This balm can be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. 

For those seeking a stronger application, we also offer a 1200 MG CBD Balm, which has a higher concentration of CBD. Both balms have been found to be effective in reducing skin inflammation and relieving pain in the skin. However, if you’re new to CBD, starting with the lower dose may be sufficient and allow you to gauge its effectiveness for your specific needs.

At Myriam’s Hemp, , we want to provide you with the information you need to make choices about your own health. We know that you have many options for relief, and we believe that you deserve to explore them fully. Contact us today if you have any questions about our premium hemp products.

References

• A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars
• Anandamide Suppresses Proinflammatory T Cell Responses In Vitro through Type-1 
• Anti-inflammation and gingival wound healing activities of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa (hemp) extract and cannabidiol: An in vitro study
• Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes
• Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria 
• Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated mTOR Inhibition in Human Keratinocytes
• Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System
• Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential therapeutic value in the treatment of psoriasis
• Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules – PMC
• Cutaneous endocannabinoid system: Does it have a role on skin wound healing bearing fibrosis? 
• The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Acne 
• The ECS in Skin – Phytecs
• The Effect of Cannabidiol on UV-Induced Changes in Intracellular Signaling of 3D-Cultured Skin Keratinocytes
• The Endocannabinoid System and Its Role in Eczematous Dermatoses
• The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for integumentary wound management
• Therapeutic application of cannabidiol on UVA and UVB irradiated rat skin. A proteomic study
• Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders