When I was a teenager in the 1960’s I had severe acne. While I tried all the recommended creams marketed to teenagers on TV shows like “American Band Stand” nothing really worked. Doctors suggested other drying topicals and even sitting under a sun lamp to dry up the inflammation, which as we now know has increased my risk of skin cancer. Like most teens, this hugely impacted my sense of attractiveness, physical appearance, and social status in our high school culture.
I was remembering this experience when two years ago my 16-year-old grandson began having acne outbreaks. At that time, I had been teaching a community education class “Cannabis and Your Health” for three years and came across some compelling research on the use of cannabis topicals to successfully treat acne. Hoping to spare him some of the emotional trauma I experienced, and future skin cancer risk, I talked with him and his mother about trying a Cannabidiol (CBD) infused topical. Cannabidiol is an active ingredient in cannabis that is derived directly from the hemp plant, but it does have a psychoactive effect.
It worked, and what follows is an explanation as to why.
Not only does CBD help to reduce erythema (redness) associated with acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but it has also been shown to decrease the skin’s production of sebum, or oil.
“A study in 2014 found that CBD prevented human sebocytes, the cells that create sebum, from producing too much of the oil. The study also found that CBD oil triggers anti-inflammatory reactions in cells and prevents cytokines, known acne-triggers, from activating. Daily CBD Oil tincture taken orally can also reduce flare-ups and has added benefits of improving digestion, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.”
This is just one of many examples of the science behind the development of various cannabis-infused topicals. Lotions, salves, oils, sprays, and transdermal patches are being used for localized pain relief and inflammation, along with other potential benefits: to provide relief from psoriasis, dermatitis, and itching. We are still learning how topical preparations have different benefits depending on the way they are processed and the ingredients that are used.
For example, one study involving 25 children and 18 adults with atopic dermatitis (eczema) treated the skin with a combination of a palmitoylethanolamide cream and a topical corticosteroid. Participants who were treated with the PEA/corticosteroid combination saw a faster reduction of itching, dryness, and redness, as well as a longer period of time before their next flare-up, compared with a control group treated with a regular moisturizer and corticosteroids.
Terpenes added to cannabis can boost the effect of the CBD or CBD/THC topical. Some common terpenes for skin conditions are: alpha-caryophyllene, pinene, eucalyptol, myrcene (analgesic and antimutagenic).
Note: If you don’t know how you might react to the terpenes or additives in a new skincare product (and terpenes have been known to cause skin irritations in some people with highly sensitive skin), it’s advisable to test a new terpene-infused cream or serum on a small patch of skin before rubbing it all over your face.
Join me for our Live Zoom Monthly Educational Series Wednesday, May 26, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm where we discuss cannabis topicals.
RSVP here: https://www.cannabispatientspnw.org/upcoming-events
Below are links to more information:
Cannabis for Skin Treatment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CRFsTNlc80
Cannabis oil cures skin cancer complete, start to finish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=theltA8r9eI
CBD Oil For Acne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3Yw3dtj6Pc
Cannabis for Psoriasis https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320086.php
Cannabis and Skin Care
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