CBD cream has been found to have the unique ability to prevent and repair damage caused by ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation from the sun, according to a groundbreaking study. While sunscreens and protective measures are helpful, they are not foolproof in preventing skin damage from UVA exposure. That’s why researchers in dermatology have turned to cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential solution.
A study conducted by dermatologist Adam Friedman and his colleagues, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, revealed that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could mitigate the effects of UVA exposure. UVA radiation is particularly dangerous because it doesn’t cause immediate burning like UVB radiation and can penetrate deeper into the skin, causing accelerated aging and damage to collagen and elastin.
In the study, 19 participants with different skin types applied a nano-CBD cream formulated for the skin or a vehicle cream to random areas of their buttocks twice daily for 14 days. These areas were then exposed to UVA radiation. The researchers observed that participants who used the CBD cream had less observable redness and reduced thickening of the epidermis compared to those who used the vehicle cream. The CBD-treated skin also showed less oxidized DNA modification and a lower incidence of specific DNA damage caused by UVA exposure.
It’s important to note that CBD cream is not intended to replace sunscreen. Instead, it is meant to prevent or repair damage caused by the sun. The sun breaks down the skin and inhibits collagen rebuilding, but CBD may be able to regulate this damage by having a biological effect on the skin, similar to our own endocannabinoid system. In practical terms, using CBD cream to protect against UVA rays could be incorporated into a daily skincare routine, similar to using a moisturizer.
While this study focused on the effects of CBD cream on UVA exposure, Friedman believes that CBD could have broader applications for overall skin health. He suggests that dermatologists should continue to explore the benefits of CBD for the skin and its potential in addressing unmet needs in medical dermatology.
This groundbreaking research opens up a new area of investigation, and Friedman hopes that it will fuel future studies in the field of CBD and skincare. The results are promising and offer hope for those looking for additional ways to protect and repair their skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
