A new review of 19 peer-reviewed studies finds that cannabidiol (CBD) may help protect skin cells from some of the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.
The review, published September 17 in Archives of Dermatological Research, examined research into CBD’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell-protective properties and how those effects could potentially be used in products designed to reduce UV-related skin damage.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Henry Ford Health and other institutions examined 19 peer-reviewed studies, including nine laboratory studies, three animal studies, one human clinical study, four reviews and two mixed-method investigations.
Across the research, CBD was found to reduce reactive oxygen species and free radicals, limit lipid oxidation and activate cellular antioxidant pathways. Researchers also found evidence that CBD can reduce inflammatory responses triggered by UV exposure.
One mechanism involves nuclear factor kappa B, or NFκB, a signaling pathway involved in inflammation. UV radiation can activate the pathway, while several studies reviewed by researchers found that CBD suppressed it.
CBD was also associated with activation of Nrf2, a protein that regulates the body’s cellular antioxidant response, and PPARγ, which can help regulate inflammation.
The researchers found additional evidence that CBD may influence melanogenesis, the process through which melanocytes produce melanin. Because melanin naturally absorbs and scatters ultraviolet radiation, researchers said this mechanism could potentially contribute to protection against UV-related cellular damage.
The review also highlighted a small human clinical trial involving 19 participants. In that study, nanoparticle-encapsulated CBD cream was applied before exposure to ultraviolet-A radiation. CBD-treated skin showed reductions in several measures associated with UV damage, including epidermal thickening and markers of DNA damage.
The authors said the evidence supports investigating CBD as a potential additional ingredient that could help address biological damage occurring after UV exposure.
“Available findings support investigation of CBD as a possible adjunctive, nonfilter component of future photoprotective formulations rather than as a sunscreen active or substitute for established broad-spectrum filters,” researchers said.
Researchers said larger clinical trials are needed to determine whether CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects translate into meaningful protection for people, as well as to evaluate long-term safety, dosing, stability and interactions with established sunscreen ingredients.
They concluded that CBD’s potential role in sunscreen and other photoprotective products remains uncertain but warrants further study, particularly as researchers investigate new approaches to reducing UV-related skin damage and potentially lowering skin cancer risk.
