6 February 2024 | Inês Ferreira, Carla M. Lopes, Maria Helena Amaral
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting millions worldwide, requiring innovative and effective treatment strategies. Cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), have emerged as promising compounds due to their anti-acne properties, including lipostatic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated CBD's ability to modulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and inhibit bacterial proliferation, which are critical components in acne pathogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of cannabinoids as a novel and holistic approach to acne treatment, highlighting recent developments and summarizing the latest advancements in this area. The review also discusses the environmental and sustainability concerns driving the shift towards plant-based alternatives, particularly in the cannabis-derived products sector. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in skin health are explored, along with the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in dermatology. The pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and current treatments, including topical and systemic therapies, are reviewed, emphasizing the limitations and side effects of conventional treatments. Preclinical findings on the effects of cannabinoids on acne, including lipostatic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, are detailed. Clinical trials evaluating the safety and effectiveness of CBD in treating acne vulgaris are also discussed, showing promising results and suggesting the potential of cannabinoids as a safe and effective alternative for acne management.Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting millions worldwide, requiring innovative and effective treatment strategies. Cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), have emerged as promising compounds due to their anti-acne properties, including lipostatic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated CBD's ability to modulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and inhibit bacterial proliferation, which are critical components in acne pathogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of cannabinoids as a novel and holistic approach to acne treatment, highlighting recent developments and summarizing the latest advancements in this area. The review also discusses the environmental and sustainability concerns driving the shift towards plant-based alternatives, particularly in the cannabis-derived products sector. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in skin health are explored, along with the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in dermatology. The pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and current treatments, including topical and systemic therapies, are reviewed, emphasizing the limitations and side effects of conventional treatments. Preclinical findings on the effects of cannabinoids on acne, including lipostatic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, are detailed. Clinical trials evaluating the safety and effectiveness of CBD in treating acne vulgaris are also discussed, showing promising results and suggesting the potential of cannabinoids as a safe and effective alternative for acne management.