A recent study shed light on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that explain how cannabidiol (CBD) promotes skin health.[1]
To explain these mechanisms, we first need to introduce terminology:
Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species can damage the skin.[1] The core factor Erythroid 2-like 2 or NRF2 is “the main regulator of antioxidant reactions”. NRF2 targets several genes that affect the antioxidant response, including heme oxygenase 1 or HMOX1, an important protective enzyme.
Still with us? Good!
NRF2 has a positive effect on the HMOX1 function, while BTB and CNC Homology 1 or BACH1 have a negative effect on HMOX1.[1]
Where does CBD fit into this picture?
Previous studies showed that CBD stimulates HMOX1 expression in different cell types. Therefore, the researchers wanted to find out whether CBD has the same effect in keratinocytes, the cells on the top layer of skin, and whether it also affects BACH1 and NRF2.
Using molecular techniques, the researchers found that CBD affects these goals in different ways by:[1]
- Stimulation of HMOX1 expression in keratinocytes
- Inhibit and dismantle BACH1
- Influencing HMOX1 levels by influencing NRF2
The researchers hypothesize that this pathway could explain CBD’s antioxidant properties, meaning that NRF2 activation could be an indirect result of its effects on BACH1.
“We have for the first time identified the main pathways that are regulated by CBD on human primary keratinocytes … which may explain some of the possible beneficial effects of CBD on the skin,” the study’s authors said.[1]
While many people are already using CBD themes for skin conditions, these results show how CBD can work on the skin Molecular level to promote skin health:
“Our validation of CBD as a BACH1 inhibitor suggests that a CBD treatment a) would protect the skin from external influences: e.g. B. from damage caused by UVA irradiation; and b) in a variety of skin diseases, e.g. In eczema or atopic dermatitis. “[1]
In an interesting and perhaps surprising side note, the scientists point out that CBD might actually do more damage as well when it comes to psoriasis. This is because the pro-proliferative effects of CBD can flow directly into the keratinocyte overgrowth that defines psoriasis – meaning that CBD may be better than others for certain skin conditions.
Credit: Aleksandar Pasaric
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-woman-s-face-2464535/
reference
- Casares L, et al. Cannabidiol induces antioxidant pathways in keratinocytes by targeting BACH1. Redox Biol. 2020; 28: 101321.