Recent studies have shown that adding CBD to retinol-based anti-aging formulas achieves extraordinary results, as cannabidiol cancels out the adverse effects associated with the continued use of retinol. We tell you all about it in this article.

Retinol, a recognized anti-aging agent

One of the few topical treatments for which there is strong clinical evidence of efficacy in reducing the signs of aging is retinol. The anti-aging effects of retinol are manifested by promoting keratinocyte proliferation, strengthening the epidermis and increasing collagen. Thus, it achieves a decrease in the depth of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, retinol can indirectly diminish the skin's antioxidant effects, leaving it prone to reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage and associated oxidative stress, which can accelerate skin aging processes, causing:

• Depigmentation.
• Reduced skin barrier function.
• Laxity.
• Uneven texture. 

On the other hand, adverse skin reactions, such as redness, dryness, peeling or burning, are frequent and may occur with long-term treatment.

Retinol combined with CBD

A recent study evaluated the performance of water-soluble cannabidiol (CBD) with 0.2% retinol as a combination product and revealed that the resulting formula combats intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors by increasing skin renewal produced by retinol, while being protected by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of CBD. Thus, the combination of both components improves both the efficacy and tolerability of this anti-aging treatment.

The study yielded striking results in terms of improved skin quality. Specifically, the major results were: 

• Decreased visible pores.
• Improvement of dehydration.
• Attenuation of skin surface roughness.
• Reduction of static and dynamic wrinkles.

This pilot study demonstrated that a novel formulation of retinol, peptides and antioxidants combined with water-soluble CBD increases overall skin quality and leads to positive patient outcomes. The negative effects of long-term retinol use (erythema, itching, flaking and redness) were found to be counteracted by CBD, significantly improving treatment outcome.

Anecdotally, the improvements observed for the combination of retinol and water-soluble CBD are better than for either product alone and separately, resulting in a masterful formula for the treatment of skin aging.

100% of patients in this study who reported "severe" dehydration at baseline reported "none" at the end of the study, indicating that CBD combats the irritation characteristic of retinol topicals, providing considerable benefit to patient tolerability and an indirect improvement in efficacy by increasing the likelihood of adherence.

CBD, anti-aging active ingredient

Through the combined effects of promoting cell proliferation and reducing oxidative stress, CBD, combined with retinol, works synergistically to combat the signs of aging. While the mechanism of action of CBD on the skin has yet to be fully unraveled, its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties are well recognized, among many other therapeutic benefits.

The addition of CBD oil can potentially restore the antioxidant effects inhibited by retinol while allowing the retention of skin-strengthening properties. 

This CBD activity is in addition to independent mechanisms, including modulation of the human endocannabinoid system, which is linked to anti-aging effects through its role in maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity, as well as optimal sebum production.

Clinical studies on topical CBD

Although research on CBD oil as a topical agent is still developing, with this and other studies it has been shown to decrease inflammation and improve therapeutic outcomes for severe inflammatory skin diseases. 

Although the finding resulting from this and other studies is more than promising, further, larger, controlled studies will be needed to understand the effects of CBD-associated retinol.

CBD and Melatonin anti-aging creams

At Phexia, the antiaging creams combine CBD with Melatonin, another powerful antiaging agent whose full potential as a skin rejuvenating treatment is just beginning to be discovered.

If you want to know more about how CBD and Melatonin act on our skin, visit our blog and take a look at our CBD and Melatonin cosmetics; if you try them, you won't be disappointed. 

Youth, our top-selling anti-aging product, contains bakuchiol, the plant-based alternative to retinol. This active ingredient helps reverse the signs of photoaging, such as wrinkles and loss of firmness, just like retinol but without the side effects. In addition, this ingredient increases our skin's ability to adapt to damaging external environmental factors, improving skin barrier function and inhibiting collagen loss.

If you have any doubts about which product is best for your skin's needs, contact us at wecare@phexia.com.