Cannabidiol as a Novel Therapeutic for Skin Treatments

Júlia Scherer Santos¹, Luana de Oliveira Costa¹, Monique de Rezende Evangelista², Laura Diogo Fernandes², Eduarda Barbosa Scaldini Teixeira², Ester Marques Rosa², Fabricio Felippe dos Santos³, Maurilio de Souza Cazarim^1,2* & Thaís Nogueira Barradas^1,2

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
²BscPharm, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
³Pharmaceutical Science Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dr. Maurilio de Souza Cazarim, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & BscPharm, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil.

Keywords: Cannabidiol; Endocannabinoid System; Psoriasis; Acne; Skin Aging

Abstract

Cannabinoids display potential therapeutic applications. Regarding cannabidiol (CBD) to skin application, it shows an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Therefore, it has potential application in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and in antiaging skin. CBD modulates several receptors of the endocannabinoid system of the skin (ECS) which is are found all over skin components such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and sebaceous glands. In this review, CBD applications to skin treatments as well as the proposed mechanisms of action of CBD were described. The reports evaluated CBD effects alone or associated with other ingredient, in vitro or in vivo assays. The clinical trials, although incipient, showed the potential applications of CBD. Moreover, modulation of transient receptors potential channels family is believed to be related to its anti-acne, anti-atopic dermatitis and anti-aging properties. On the other hand, the anti-psoriasis activity is probably related to modulation of G protein-coupled receptor 55 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. The use of CBD for skin disorders is promising. Nonetheless, further research and a better understanding of CBD mechanisms of action are required.

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