Dude, where’s my sebum?

A global research group of scientists have recently completed research which suggests that cannabis-like substances may hold the key to healthy skin.

Researchers from Hungry, Germany, and the United Kingdom have presented a paper which will be published in the October issue of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) journal that suggests that the human body produces endocannabinoid compounds that resemble the active ingredient in marijuana, THC.

Not only are they similar but they also play an important role in the maintenance of good looking skin.

“Just as THC is believed to protect the marijuana plant from pathogens, our own cannabinoids may be necessary for us to maintain healthy skin,” said researcher Gerald Weissmann.

The team of scientists said “endocannabinoids” are important in regulating lipid production and may therefore be useful in the management of problems such as acne and dry skin that are associated with sebaceous gland dysfunction. They hailed the paper as the first evidence that human sebocytes use an endogenous cannabinoid signaling system for the control of lipid production and death.

“Our preclinical data encourage one to explore whether endocannabinoid system-acting agents can be exploited in the management of common skin disorders,” said Tamás Biró, a senior scientist involved in the research. “It is also suggested that these agents can be efficiently applied locally to the skin in the form of a cream.”

As well as potentially leading to new drugs that treat skin conditions ranging from acne to dry skin, and even skin-related tumors, this study could lead to a greater use of hemp oil in cosmetic products.

Cannabis has already made its mark in the cosmetics industry especially as the natural and organic markets light up. Oil derived from the hemp plant is increasingly being used for its moisturizing properties in creams, cosmetics and deodorants. While it has traditionally been used only by artisan bath and cosmetics manufacturers, large corporations like Burt’s Bees have recently introduced hemp oil products.