CBD and its dermatological benefits: Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis

CBD and its dermatological benefits: a topic that’s been around for a while! Indeed, the cannabidiol molecule has several areas in which it appears to be effective. Many of these topics have already been discussed here. In this article, we’ll focus on the skin to explore the potential benefits of this compound and understand its dermatological applications. To illustrate this, we’ll examine three well-known skin conditions: Acne, Eczema, and Psoriasis. CBD and Acne: Acne is a skin condition that occurs when sebum and dead skin cells clog hair follicles. It primarily affects teenagers and young adults. Its symptoms can vary from person to person, so a medical diagnosis is necessary. However, overall, you will notice details such as: non-inflamed blackheads, pustules, or large, red, tender bumps. Furthermore, conventional treatments include over-the-counter creams and cleansers, as well as prescription antibiotics. Alongside these, it would be interesting to study the potential contribution of CBD. In this regard, a study* was conducted in 2014 by the French National Center for Biotechnology Information (CNIB). Indeed, it starts from a very specific premise: “The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates several physiological processes, including the growth and differentiation of skin cells. Here, we explored the effects of the main non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis.” sativa, (-) – cannabidiol (CBD), on the function of the human sebaceous gland and determined that CBD behaves as a very effective sebostatic agent. Therefore, the question was whether, by acting on this endocannabinoid system, CBD could help treat acne. Along the way, the researchers made some findings, which we present here.

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“Administering CBD to cultured human sebocytes and to cultured human skin organs inhibited the lipogenic actions of various compounds, including arachidonic acid and a combination of linoleic acid and testosterone, and suppressed sebocyte proliferation via activation of the transient receptor potential (TRPV4) ion-vanilloid-4 ion.” » __________2 –

“CBD also exhibited complex anti-inflammatory actions that were coupled with the dependent upregulation of the adenosine receptor A2a of dribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) and the inhibition of NF-κB signaling.” These findings led them to the following conclusion: “Collectively, our results suggest that, due to its combined lipostatic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris.”

However, despite this apparent potential, Dr. Zeichner** still cautions that, “There is a big difference between laboratory activity and the actual efficacy of a drug.” Therefore, further research on this topic is needed. He adds: “A topical product must be formulated in a way that allows the active ingredient to be stable and penetrate the skin to reach its target. Many drugs that showed great potential ended up failing in clinical trials because they didn’t work in real patients despite promising preclinical data.”On the other hand, he acknowledges that CBD could help relieve acne, in a different way. Specifically, by reducing stress, which is very often a contributing factor to acne. Along these lines, dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian explains that “Oral versions of CBD can potentially interact with other oral medications. They should be ingested with caution, and only after consulting your doctor.”

CBD and Eczema

Following the discussion on acne above, let’s now talk about another skin-related problem: eczema. Also called dermatitis, it refers to inflammation of the skin. There are several types of this condition. In this article, we present the most common ones. For more information, we recommend contacting your local health authorities. These include, among others: Contact dermatitis: A skin rash caused by contact with a substance. It is primarily characterized by redness wherever the skin has come into contact with the irritant.Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition that causes scaly, red patches, mainly on the scalp. It is generally characterized by scaly plaques and red skin. It can also lead to the appearance of stubborn dandruff.Nummular eczema

Coin-shaped rash or lesions. Characterized by the appearance of a rash or coin-shaped lesions on the skin, sometimes after an injury.

Varicose eczema (Stasis dermatitis): Inflammation of the skin on the lower legs caused by fluid retention. It is primarily characterized by skin discoloration on the ankles and shins, itching, thickening of the skin, and open sores (ulcers).Atopic dermatitis (Infantile dermatitis): Inflammation of the skin, accompanied by itching. Its main characteristic is redness, usually located on the arms and behind the knees, although it can appear anywhere.Dermatitis herpetiformis (Duhring-Brocq disease): A chronic, highly itchy rash consisting of bumps and blisters. Its main characteristic: an intermittent skin rash.

Indeed, after a medical diagnosis, patients with a form of eczema are generally prescribed steroid creams as treatment. However, in some cases, this doesn’t work. They are thus forced to try alternative solutions. Among these is CBD. In this regard, could the cannabidiol molecule really help relieve a form of eczema? Let’s see what the scientists say.

In fact, the Journal of Experimental Dermatology*** published a review on this topic. In it, the authors argue that there are therapeutic possibilities for using cannabinoids to treat skin diseases. Along these lines, they emphasize that CBD oil can help soothe several skin conditions.Eczema included. According to them, the immunosuppressive properties of cannabinoids are the basis for this. They add that these properties help treat inflammatory skin problems and alleviate the resulting pain.

CBD and PsoriasisLet’s continue our exploration of skin-related problems. As a reminder, we’ve already discussed acne and eczema. In this section, let’s focus on psoriasis.Psoriasis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of skin cells, forming dry, itchy patches. Some scientists believe it to be an immune system disorder. They add that it can be triggered by an infection, stress, or cold weather. Treatment primarily aims to remove skin scales and stop the excessive production of psoriatic skin cells. To achieve this, phototherapy, topical ointments, and medications are used. Which ones could contain the

1. CBD that interests us in this article.
2. Indeed, many people believe that conventional treatments don’t work for psoriasis. This is why they prefer not to use them. Moreover, this is what Dr. Robert Dellavalle, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, says.
3. “There is a large segment of the population that doesn’t like using steroids, even if they are topical steroids applied to their skin. CBD could be an alternative, a natural product for them.”
4. He is leading research at the University of Colorado**** on the potential of CBD and cannabinoids in general for treating this skin condition. Alongside him are other researchers such as Jessica S. Mounessa, BS, Julia A. Siegel, BA, and Cory A. Dunnick, MD. He notes that 8 of the 21 patients who applied a cannabinoid cream twice a day for three weeks completely eliminated severe itching or pruritus. Therefore, the cream may have reduced the dry skin that caused the itching. According to him, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids (such as CBD) are the driving force behind this result. However, he also clarifies that:
5. “These are topical cannabinoids with little or no psychotropic effect that can be used for skin conditions.”
6. Further research should be conducted on this case. This would allow for a scientifically approved CBD solution to be offered to people who haven’t found relief with conventional treatments. However, Dr. Robert Dellavalle remains optimistic about the future and is actively raising awareness, while also encouraging others to do the same. He states:

“These diseases cause many problems for people and have a direct impact on their quality of life.” “Treatments are currently being purchased online, and we need to educate dermatologists and patients about their potential uses.”

References: *ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25061872**refinery29.com/2018/04/197507/cbd-acne-benefits

***onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1600-0625

****onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1600-0625