Applying CBD-infused lotion to the skin appears to be tied to a lower risk of damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to a first-of-its-kind study.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology this month, aimed to investigate whether the known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cannabidiol could mitigate the skin aging and cancer risks linked to sun exposure, particularly from ultraviolet-A (UVA) radiation.
Researchers from George Washington University, Northwestern University, the University of Miami, and the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research collaborated on this study. Given that UV rays contribute to photoaging and photocarcinogenesis by generating inflammation and oxidative damage, the researchers aimed to determine if CBD could offer protective benefits.
Twenty healthy volunteers aged 23-64 participated in the experiment. Initially, baseline data were collected. Participants were then given either a CBD-infused cream or a placebo to apply to a small portion of their buttocks twice daily for two weeks. Following this period, the treated skin areas received minimal targeted UVA irradiation. After 24 hours, biopsies were taken to analyze indicators of skin damage such as epidermal hyperplasia.
“This trial is the first to identify the UV-protective capacity of CBD-containing topicals in humans,” the study authors stated.
The study found that 21% of those who used the CBD cream exhibited less damage compared to the control group that received a placebo. Another 47% showed comparable damage, while 11% had better results after using the placebo rather than the CBD lotion.
It’s important to note that the placebo used was not a conventional sunscreen. The study’s purpose was not to suggest CBD lotion as a replacement for sunscreen but to highlight CBD’s potential as an additional tool for sun protection.
“This work highlights the protective potential of CBD against UVA-induced DNA and mtDNA damage,” the study authors said. “We demonstrated nCBD-treated samples had less profound UV-related epidermal hyperplasia, a reduction in UVA-associated increase in premutagenic marker OGG1, and a reduction of two major UVA-induced mtDNA deletions associated with skin photoaging.”
The authors emphasized that this study is pioneering in demonstrating the efficacy of topical CBD in decreasing UVA premutagenic and photoaging markers in humans. They stressed the importance of identifying novel compounds to counteract UVA-mediated oxidative stress, cutaneous damage, and photoimmunosuppression.
“nCBD’s reduction of two deletions proposed as biomarkers for UV exposure, photoaging, and cancer risk is extremely promising,” they noted.
The study’s limitations include a relatively small sample size and the fact that only individuals with fair skin complexions participated. Future research is needed to determine whether CBD may have similar effects on people with darker skin tones.
While this study is the first to explore the relationship between cannabis and UVA risk, other recent research has found that non-intoxicating cannabinoids can serve as viable treatment options for conditions like common skin diseases in dogs, especially when conventional steroid therapies cause adverse side effects.
Additionally, new studies are investigating the therapeutic potential of lesser-known cannabinoids, with some showing promising anticancer effects on blood cancer.
In May, industry-backed research into the potential anti-anxiety effects of cannabidiol found that an oral CBD solution effectively treated mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality, with no serious adverse events observed.
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