Cannabidiol, more frequently referred to simply as CBD, has gone from a fringe medicinal component to a full-blown industry seemingly overnight. Most Americans hadn’t heard of CBD a few years ago. Today, we are being bombarded with new CBD products ranging from anti-anxiety treatments to pain relief to dermatological products. With products coming out of the woodwork, it can be difficult to know what products are legitimate and what products either do nothing or may even be detrimental. 

 

With all of this in mind, we ask the question: can CBD be a useful tool in the world of aesthetic dermatology? We will attempt to answer this question by defining cannabidiol (CBD), exploring the current usage of CBD for dermatology, and how CBD can be leveraged into effective aesthetic dermatology areas.

 

**Note, as of the writing of this article, SCALE 2020 has not been postponed or canceled. We are carefully monitoring ongoing events including recommendations/guidance from the US CDC and the World Health Organization.**

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol is a component of cannabis. Unlike medical marijuana, which is derived from the marijuana plant, CBD is derived from the hemp plant (a close relative of the marijuana plant). A key question posed by many inquisitive minds comes down to whether or not CBD is psychoactive. In other words, can CBD oil get you high? The answer to that question is more complex than one might initially think. 

 

The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana for recreational use is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC will give the user the feeling of achieving a traditional high. CBD products do not contain THC by default (though some may by design). Users of CBD products do not typically feel a high sensation, though they may experience a feeling of relaxation or other mental effects.

 

CBD Products for Your Skin

Anyone in the dermatological fields or just anyone with a cabinet full of skincare products knows that skincare companies will try to sell us just about anything. Recent commercially available, bizarre skincare products have included snail slime cream, crystal rock deodorant, and yogurt masks. CBD products might not be as wild as putting snail slime on your face, but they are certainly new for lots of people. So what makes CBD a good ingredient for skincare?

 

The best answer generally stems from the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. Inflammation is the root cause (or at least a symptom) of many common skin conditions including acne and psoriasis. Scientific studies into the anti-inflammatory power of CBD oil have shown promise. Based on initial research, there is certainly reason to believe that dermatological products with CBD as an ingredient might be effective for curbing skin inflammation. 

Can CBD be used for Aesthetic Dermatology?

CBD has been touted as a cure for everything from treating panic attacks to killing cancer cells. In reality, scientific evidence primarily supports CBD as a treatment for certain forms of epilepsy, chronic pain, and issues with anxiety. All of this is to say that CBD may be effective for aesthetic dermatology, but there is certainly more research that needs to be done before any link between CBD products and improved skin conditions is made. With this giant grain of salt, here are some ways in which CBD may be applicable in aesthetic dermatology:

 

 

• As an anti-inflammatory: as we stated above, the most well-supported skincare claim of CBD comes down to fighting inflammation. This potentially makes CBD a key ingredient for common skincare products and acute treatments for common skin conditions.

• To reduce excess oil production: while less well studied, CBD proponents also tout the ingredient’s ability to reduce excess sebum production, therefore creating a healthier skin balance and reducing problems associated with acne.

• As topical pain relief: CBD has been shown to offer pain relief in certain capacities as a topical ingredient. This might be useful for aesthetic dermatologists for treating certain skin conditions or as relief after other dermatological procedures. 

• As a moisturizer: most oils do offer some moisturizing power. CBD oil has been sold as a moisturizer and as an anti-aging product. These claims are less well researched and require further research to prove or disprove. 

 

 

Learn More About the Latest Advances in Dermatology at SCALE 2020!

This July 22-25th, join us at the world-famous Music City Convention Center in downtown Nashville for SCALE 2020! The annual Symposium for Cosmetic Advances & Laser Education is bigger and better than ever. We are proud to present a wide range of exhibitors and sponsors who will be discussing topics ranging from robotic dermatological surgeries to acne to non-invasive cosmetic procedures. 

 

Register now to reserve your spot to the premier multidisciplinary meeting for aesthetic medicine, surgery, and dermatology in the United States.

 

2020 Exhibitors & Sponsors

Elite sponsors: Allergan & Galderma

Platinum sponsors: Body by BTL, Crown Aesthetics, Cynosure, Merz Aesthetics, Ortho Dermatologics, Solta Medical

Gold sponsors: AbbVie, Crystal Clear, DefenAge, Evolus, SkinCeuticals, Sun Pharma