August 18, 2022 5 min read

WHAT EXACTLY DOES CBD DO TO YOUR SKIN AND BODY?

The farm bill passage, which made industrial hemp cultivation legal, has resulted in an explosion of CBD products on the market. In jurisdictions that allow the sale of CBD products, topical and oral treatments are now commonly available. It's very uncommon to see therapeutic claims supporting the hundreds of treatments now on the market, which promise to cure anything from pain to arthritis to psoriasis to cancer.

It's crucial to know the actual scientific and clinical data about CBD's effects, either orally or topically, given all of the claims for advantages of utilizing CBD products. First and foremost, cannabinoids have been found in the human body for over 60 years. The ECS (Endocannabinoid System) has been well researched since that time. Baswan et al. (2020) noted that the endocannabinoids (like CBD) interact with ECS receptors, as do CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are located in the peripheral and central neurological systems and skin cells. The ECS also contains enzymes that generate or break down cannabinoids and endocannabinoids. There are cannabinoids in the body that are known as endocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids, such as those found in cannabis and hemp, are the cannabinoids that have recently gotten the most attention.

What Is CBD?

A class of compounds known as cannabinoids, CBD is produced from the plant Cannabis Sativa and is one of several cannabinoids. Cannabis sativa has a wide variety of cannabinoids and other compounds. Hemp's prominent cannabinoid is CBD. It provides a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Illness or injury may cause a lot of inflammation in the body. One might use this method to treat a variety of illnesses. Duneman (2021) commented that CBD is neither a depressant nor a hallucinogen, meaning it doesn't change consciousness.

How Does Cannabidiol (CBD) Work?

The mechanisms by which CBD functions and the systems it influences in the body are continuously being studied. A family of molecules known as cannabinoids includes the cannabinoid CBD. Phytocannabinoid classification means that it is derived from a plant. Endocannabinoids, or natural cannabinoids, are also produced by the human body. Both types of cannabinoids activate cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system, which includes these receptors, is intricate (ECS). Among other things, the system controls the release of chemicals that interact between nerve cells (neurotransmitters). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) reacts to both phyto and endo cannabinoids. CBD can potentially have various physiological impacts by influencing the ECS. An example, homeostasis, lowering pain feeling, and minimizing the body's response to damage or inflammation are all examples.

CBD for Medical Purposes

Many uses for CBD have been proposed, some of which have been scientifically validated and others that have not been. No other CBD product has been authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Two distinctive forms of epilepsy may be used to treat adults and children. Ueberall et al. (2019) explained that CBD helps lower anxiety and chronic pain, such as back pain. Those who suffer from sleeplessness may find it helpful as well. For a variety of different health issues such as dystonia (a movement problem), Fragile X syndrome (a rare genetic illness), graft-versus-host disease (a bone marrow transplant resistance), MS, opiate withdrawal, schizophrenia, and quitting smoking, CBD products are being tested in clinical trials. CBD is used to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease; however, some research findings have advised against its use.

Dosage of CBD

Even while new studies are being conducted to determine the best dosage of CBD for various illnesses, existing data will continue to be updated. One should follow the manufacturer's recommendations while using CBD. The label should be carefully read and followed. Make sure you're just using the recommended dosage. The risk of side effects, complications, or other issues may arise if you use more. Several factors determine how much CBD a product should include. Other active substances are also taken into consideration.

The Development of Keratinocytes and CBD

At the base of the epidermis, keratinocytes constantly divide and migrate to the surface to replace the dead, cornified keratinocytes that constitute the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is a crucial barrier protecting humans from harmful bacteria, fungus, parasites, viruses, UV radiation, and water loss. The epidermis turns around every 40-45 days in a young individual. Because of a decrease in keratinocyte proliferation in the basal layer of the epidermis, we also know that this "turnover rate" is reduced as you grow older (age can cause up to a 50 percent decrease in keratinocyte mitosis). As a result, the skin gets thinner and less dense as we age. Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids have also been shown to block the transcription of genes that code for crucial keratinocyte proteins, according to a more recent scientific study. As structural systems of the epidermis, Keratin 1 and 10 and involucrin are essential. It is weakening the stratum corneum's barrier by reducing or preventing the generation of proteins essential to its average growth, strength, and barrier characteristics.

CBD inhibits Sebum Production

Using a topical CBD product may be effective in managing acne outbreaks. Human sebocytes' sebum production may be reduced by CBD, according to a study published only recently. One may treat acne with topical retinoic acid; however, CBD may give the same effect without the redness and dryness associated with that treatment.

Inhibited of Cancer Cells by CBD

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Kozela et al. (2011) noted that CBD had been shown to reduce its progression. One or both CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors seem antagonized by CBD's mode of action. However, CB2 is more critical in encouraging breast cancer development and aggressiveness than any of these receptors. Cancer cell proliferation is reduced, and apoptosis is induced by CBD's inhibition of activating these receptors (cell death).

Conclusion

The bottom line is that CBD's preliminary study seems encouraging, but further research is needed. Some disorders, such as chronic pain and insomnia, may benefit from it. There are many uses for it, necessitating caution and purchasing from trustworthy sources. Back pain and sleeplessness may be helped by various substances, of which CBD is only one.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927.

Duneman, N. (2021). Legalizing Marijuana, Psilocybin Mushrooms, And MDMA For Medical Use.

Kozela, E., Lev, N., Kaushansky, N., Eilam, R., Rimmerman, N., Levy, R., ... & Vogel, Z. (2011). Cannabidiol Inhibits Pathogenic T Cells, Decreases Spinal Microglial Activation And Ameliorates Multiple Sclerosis‐Like Disease In C57BL/6 Mice. British Journal Of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1507-1519.

Ueberall, M. A., Essner, U., & Mueller-Schwefe, G. H. (2019). Effectiveness And Tolerability Of THC: CBD Oromucosal Spray As Add-On Measure In Patients With Severe Chronic Pain: Analysis Of 12-Week Open-Label Real-World Data Provided By The German Pain E-Registry. Journal Of Pain Research, 12, 1577.