CBD for Acne Treatment

By Liran Baram, PhD

 

What is acne?

Acne is among the most common dermatological conditions worldwide.  Though it is most common among teenagers, it affects people of all ages. The main symptoms of acne are whitehead and blackhead comedones, or pimples usually on the face, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Acne commonly results in scarring and hyperpigmentation and, depending on its severity, causes profound negative psychological and social effects on the quality of life of patients.

Acne is a skin condition characterized by excessive sebum production that occurs when sebum and keratinous material shed from the skin clog up a pore and trigger bacterial colonization.

Acne has a multifactorial etiology involving genetic, hormonal, immunological and environmental factors (such as UV radiation, diet, cosmetics, smoking and stress).

 

How CBD works on acne?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has multiple effects on the skin functions and as such play a role in acne. The ECS was found to modulate sebum production in human sebaceous gland as well as stress and inflammation of the skin. Thus, CBD as a modulator of the ECS might affect acne manifestations.

Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that CBD reduced sebum production by sebum-producing skin cells. In addition, various studies showed that CBD possess a general as well as dermal anti-inflammatory effects which would be desired in the treatment of acne.

CBD treatment holds additional advantages in acne as it might reduce stress and provide pain relief.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

This content is intended only for informational purpose and by no means replace for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a medical professional if you are taking other drugs to rule out unwanted interactions and side effects.

References:

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4. Sheriff T, Lin MJ, Dubin D, Khorasani H. The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology. J Dermatolog Treat. 2020 Dec;31(8):839-845.
5. Oláh A, Tóth BI, Borbíró I, et al., Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest. 2014 Sep;124(9):3713-24.

6. Palmieri B, Laurino C, Vadalà M. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. Clin Ter. 2019 Mar-Apr;170(2):e93-e99.