CBD OIL FOR SKIN

Just as the endocannabinoid network facilitates homeostasis in various systems of the body, these same receptors are found in cutaneous cells. They maintain the immune competence of the skin as well as the proper and well-balanced proliferation, differentiation, and survival of skin cells. The disruption of this delicate balance might facilitate the development of multiple pathological conditions and diseases of the skin (e.g., acne, seborrhea, allergic dermatitis, itch and pain, psoriasis, hair growth disorders, systemic sclerosis, and cancer).

Cannabinoids are well-known for their role in regulating inflammation, and it appears that this role may be key to their ability to treat eczema and psoriasis. A 2006 study reported that highly concentrated cannabinoid-based creams were effective for itching. When applied topically, compounds in cannabis bind to cell receptors in the skin’s immune cells and treat allergic reactions on the skin—because cannabinoids are immunosuppressant, they dampen the overactive immune response causing the inflammatory rash. The skin has the highest amount and concentration of CB2 receptors in the body. 

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease also characterized in part by epidermal keratinocyte hyper proliferation. Cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and have inhibitory effects on a number of tumorigenic cell lines, some of which are mediated via cannabinoid receptors. Researchers in a 2007 study concluded, “Our results show that cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and therefore support a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis.”

CBD appears to treat acne by inducing sebocyte apoptosis, and a number of other terpenes present in cannabis may offer complementary activity. Limonene has been shown to inhibit Propionibacterium acnes (at a potency higher than that of triclosan). Pinene also inhibits P. acnes, and linalool suppresses inflammation in response to acne. Authors of a 2014 study concluded that “findings suggest that due to the combined lipostatic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris.”