Endocannabinoids represent a class of endogenous lipid mediators (molecules that regulate cell to cell communication), that are involved in various biological processes,
Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates multiple physiological processes, including cutaneous (skin) cell growth and differentiation. Scientists explored the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), on human sebaceous gland function and determined that CBD behaves as a highly effective sebostatic agent (meaning it reduces sebum production which can benefit those with oily skin). |
Administration of CBD to cultured human sebocytes (cells that make up the sebaceous glands in skin), inhibited the lipogenic actions of various compounds, including arachidonic acid and a combination of linoleic acid and testosterone, and suppressed sebocyte proliferation.
This means that CBD reduced the rapid production of sebocytes and the compounds that make up the oils produced in our skin, and also reduced the levels of testosterone in skin cells. High testosterone levels in skin cells have been shown to enhance sebaceous gland activity and stimulate the proliferation of facial sebocytes in a significant dose-dependent manner, so the reduction of testosterone in skin cells could also benefit those with oily skin or acne.
This means that CBD reduced the rapid production of sebocytes and the compounds that make up the oils produced in our skin, and also reduced the levels of testosterone in skin cells. High testosterone levels in skin cells have been shown to enhance sebaceous gland activity and stimulate the proliferation of facial sebocytes in a significant dose-dependent manner, so the reduction of testosterone in skin cells could also benefit those with oily skin or acne.
The endocannabinoid anandamide, regulates cell growth, differentiation (the process where a cell changes from one cell type to another), and cell death; this holds true also in the skin, the largest organ of the body, which is constantly exposed to physical, chemical, bacterial, and fungal challenges. CBD increases levels of anandamide in the blood for a longer
period of time, aiding these processes.
period of time, aiding these processes.
Collectively, findings suggest that, due to the combined lipostatic, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects,
CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris.