Hemp is a real treasure trove of health-promoting and therapeutic activities. However, can hemp also affect the condition of our skin? Of course it can. It's all due to the remarkable action of the endocannabinoid system in our body - it's thanks to it that our receptors respond so well to cannabinoid substances.
The cannabinoid system and the skin
The endocannabinoid system seems to play a special role in skin and all skin ailments. ECS receptors, named CB1 and CB2 are spread throughout the human body, including on the skin - so both the natural endocannabinoids produced by the body and cannabinoids from cannabis can affect the condition of our skin. According to scientists, the endocannabinoid system has a multi-level effect on the skin:
- regulation of certain cells
- reduction or exacerbation inflammation
- effect on hair growth
- sebum production
Sebum
Regulating sebum production is one particularly important function in acne treatment, as overproduction of sebum may be one of the main causes leading to acne. Some studies show that endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, which stimulate CB1, can both increase sebum production at low levels and decrease it at higher levels. Other studies evaluating whether endocannabinoids can aid in the treatment acne have shown that overproduction of sebum can also be inhibited by stimulating CB2 receptors.
Inflammatory conditions
Another of the causes leading to or exacerbating acne is inflammation. Some researchers have noted that manipulation of CB2 receptors can both exacerbate and inhibit inflammatory responses in the skin. This could mean that appropriate manipulation of CB2 receptors is an effective strategy for combating inflammation.
Pain
In the context of acne treatment, it is worth recalling that the endocannabinoid system is able to regulate the perception of pain at all stages of its processing. By activating CB1 receptors, the perception of pain can be lowered by inhibiting the signals that reach the body. It turns out that stimulating CB1 receptors can even modify the emotional component of experiencing pain and suffering. This can be an extremely helpful strategy for dealing with acne pain - both physical and emotional. This is especially true once we understand that non-physical external factors, such as stress, are also responsible for acne formation. Stress can exacerbate acne conditions, and these can affect higher levels of stress as a reaction. It's a vicious cycle.
Hemp and acne
Extensive research into the effects of the endocannabinoid system on acne treatment shows that cannabinoids can potentially help reduce acne formation and, in some cases, cure it completely. To get a better understanding of how cannabis may affect acne, it's worth taking a look at what researchers are saying about it. The current state of research on the effects of cannabis for treatment While acne is not satisfactory, with important clinical studies still lacking, there is already evidence to support the theory. Among other things, it has been proven that cannabinoids can reduce inflammation and itching of the skin, which is one of the most troublesome symptoms accompanying acne.
Effect of cannabinoids on acne
How specifically cannabinoids work In the fight against acne? For example, THC, the most common and abundant cannabinoid in the plant, was able to reduce inflammation in both animal and human models when applied topically to the skin. It helped both reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
In addition to cannabinoids, hemp also contains terpenes. These are the chemicals responsible for the smell and taste of hemp, as well as some of its medicinal effects. Individual terpenes may contribute to hemp's anti-acne properties:
- the terpene limonene (which is also found in citrus fruits) and pinene (which is also found in pine needles), have been shown to inhibit propionibacterium, a key pathogen in acne.
- linalool (a terpene also found in lavender), is able to help by providing anti-inflammatory effects.
If applied topically, they may provide additional support for treatment acne - but more research is needed to learn the best and most effective ways to use these terpenes.
Stress
The ability of hemp to relieve stress and anxiety may be a key factor in suppressing the occurrence of acne. As is well known, cannabinoids are used to effectively combat stress, and this is one of the main reasons why people choose to take hemp-derived substances such as medical marijuana. In studies on hemp and stress, researchers have even found that hemp consumption can blunt stress responses when stressful stimuli are present. It should be noted, however, that in the case of hemp varieties THC best relieves stress Using low doses of the substance. High doses of THC often make people feel more stressed. This may be due to a potential biphasic activities of hemp, where a substance (such as THC) can have the opposite effect - depending on the dose taken.
CBD and acne
Studies have shown that one of the main Cannabinoids helpful in the fight against acne can be CBD. It turns out that CBD can help reduce sebum production - one of the main causes of acne.
CBD also reduces skin inflammation and helps relieve pain. Since it is able to absorb directly into the skin, it can prove to be an excellent topical preparation for acne reduction. Additionally, CBD can help in reducing stress when taken in edible or inhaled form. In one study of CBD, researchers gave some participants with social anxiety CBD before public speaking, and others a placebo.
People who used CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort when they did - suggesting that CBD is also able to suppress anxiety and stress reactions. Eliminating stress simultaneously means eliminating one of the triggers of acne lesions.
