New research published in Pharmaceuticals suggests that CBD could make an excellent addition to certain skin products given its anti-ageing and antioxidant effects, as well as potential to hasten wound healing processes.
“CBD exhibits many promising qualities for use in creating topical cosmetic products such as sun protection lotion, hair conditioner and wound healers”, states this research, noting how low concentrations were not toxic to cells when exposed to them for short-term treatments.
Researchers from Prince of Songkla University and National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand published a new study which concluded that CBD appeared to influence multiple skin processes, making it “an appealing natural ingredient for the creation of cosmetic products”.
Researchers noted their aim was to assess both the safety and potential bioactivities of CBD by studying its anti-ageing and wound healing activities at a cellular level. A three-person team examined CBD’s impact on two specific cell types–fibroblasts and keratinocytes–and found low concentrations did not induce cytotoxcicity while significantly increasing growth for both types.
“Our results demonstrate that CBD at low concentrations is safe to be applied topically and promotes both keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation,” reported researchers from University College Cork in Ireland.
“These results support our findings that CBD may possess the ability to induce cell proliferation and enhance certain cell activities over the long term,” notes the paper. As such, we suggest using CBD at concentrations between 0.625-2.5ug/mL in skin applications without risk of negative outcomes.
This study measured CBD exposure over 24 hours; however, its authors suggest future investigations examine longer applications (48 and 72 hour periods) in order to more precisely ascertain any delayed effects.
Researchers reported that CBD’s antioxidant effects appeared to counteract oxidative stress at a cellular level, which otherwise damages cell components and disrupts their functions.
Concerning wound healing, the study’s results suggested “that CBD affects gene expression during all phases of wound healing, further supporting its potential use as a therapy agent in skin repair and anti-ageing applications.
Future studies should employ 3-D skin models as well as human skin “to better understand skin processes after CBD application and to ascertain safety and activities for an extended period.” According to their three-author team, their study employed only single layer cells (which might not represent reality as accurately) which did not reflect complexity of actual skin layer structures.
“Ensuring the safety of CBD should always be our number-one concern when using it in cosmetic products,” according to their team, who suggested conducting more experiments and studies, such as genotoxicity tests; since CBD activates mediators necessary for angiogenesis that could influence cancer cell proliferation.
Another potential risk outlined by this research study involves degradation of CBD. This can occur under exposure to light, extreme temperatures or environments with both high- and low-pH levels.
“To maintain the stability and reduce degradation in cosmetic products containing CBD, they should be protected from light and oxygen, stored at low temperatures, and prepared with neutral pH,” according to its advice.
This study adds evidence of CBD’s effectiveness against certain skin conditions.
Recently, university researchers in India and Thailand published a joint research article showing how cannabis oil with CBD may aid skin wound healing by offering “promising benefits,” although further optimizing product formulation may be required for maximum benefit.
This study focused specifically on how cannabis oil could lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or chemicals which play an integral part in wound development by inducing cell and tissue damage, during wound healing. As explained, “reactive oxygen species play an integral part of wound development by contributing to cell and tissue injury,” leading to faster healing times overall.
“Rising ROS levels may hamper wound healing by exacerbating inflammation and cell damage,” according to research published in Pharmaceutics journal. To combat such effects, CBD’s antioxidant properties act to provide more conducive conditions for tissue regeneration.
Another paper published last July in Journal of American Academy of Dermatology revealed that using CBD lotion on skin appeared to lower risk from UV radiation exposure, according to researchers at George Washington University, Northwestern University, University of Miami and Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research. Out of those using the cannabis cream only 21 had less damage compared with its control group that received a placebo; 47 reported similar damage while 11 experienced better outcomes from taking their CBD cream versus taking an inactive placebo control option.
Studies on cannabis’ benefits extend well beyond human applications. One research article published last year in Frontiers in Veterinary Science concluded that marijuana may provide an “effective, viable” treatment option for dogs suffering from common skin ailments that present adverse side effects from traditional steroids treatments such as corticosteroid drugs.
That study demonstrated the benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil treatment on a dog suffering from discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), an autoimmune condition characterized by hair loss and redness that leads to lesions on its victims. Treatment typically requires corticosteroids or medications with serious potential risks to liver health – however full spectrum CBD may offer relief without straining its liver further.
A veterinarian prescribed full spectrum oil with a 2:1 THC:CBD ratio to be taken orally at first one drop daily for three days and gradually increasing it until an optimal dose for symptom control was identified.
Within weeks, the dog experienced significant improvements in both dermatology and liver function, according to the study. Furthermore, his owner noticed an improvement in behavior shortly after discontinuing prednisolone medication and shortly before receiving cannabis oil oil for use as treatment.
FDA Seek Veterinarian Input on Use of CBD And Cannabis Products In Animals
CBD May Be Beneficial in Sunscreen, Haircare and Wound Healing Products – Study Shows | MEDCAN24
