A Single-Center Study Evaluating the Effects of a Novel Retinol and Cannabidiol Combination Topical on Facial Skin

Abstract

Background: While retinol is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it is associated with irritating effects. However, when combined with water soluble cannabidiol (CBD; CR Topical), CBD may act to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigating irritation from retinol and further improving the skin's appearance through independent anti-aging mechanisms.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of CR-Topical for improving facial skin.

Methods: In this prospective, single-center pilot study, 9 female patients and one male patient aged 20 to 53 years who presented with facial skin imperfections (visible pores, dehydration, roughness, and/or static/dynamic wrinkles) applied CR-Topical to the entire face once daily for 42 days. Outcomes were measured on days 1, 21, and 42 using the Global Ranking Scale (GRS) with Comprehensive Skin Analysis by the patient and senior investigator as well as by a blinded reviewer (board-certified plastic surgeon). Dynamic videos and static imagery were taken before and after treatment, and patient satisfaction surveys were completed.

Results: Global improvement across all 13 domains was observed, with the greatest mean differences for visible pores (2.0; 95% CI, 1.5-2.5), dehydration (2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-2.6), surface roughness (1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4), static wrinkles (1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5), and dynamic wrinkles (1.6; 95% CI, 0.8-2.3). Patient satisfaction (100%) and willingness to recommend the product to others (90%) were high, and tolerability of CR-Topical was excellent.

Conclusions: CR-Topical is effective at improving global skin quality, including static and dynamic wrinkles. This study also used 4-dimensional analysis in the evaluation, a novel and developing method.

© 2022 The Aesthetic Society.

Figures

Figure 1.

Global Ranking Scale and Comprehensive Skin Analysis. Scale adapted from Jain et al..

Figure 2.

Facial skin appearance across domains at baseline (blue) and Day 42 (teal).

Figure 3.

Mean change among domains from baseline for the Global Ranking Scale (teal circles) and Skin Quality domains (blue circles) with 95% CIs (navy blue bars).

Figure 4.

Patient satisfaction and functional outcomes measured using the patient survey.

Figure 5.

A 20-year-old male (A-E) at baseline with facial skin characterized by active acne blemishes, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation; and (F-J) after 42 days of nightly application of CR-Topical. Note the significant decrease in the intensity of acne-related hyperpigmentation and the appearance of inflammation. Additionally, the facial skin is more hydrated, indicated by the more even distribution of light.

Figure 6.

A 53-year-old female (A-E) at baseline with facial skin characterized by excessive global fine lines and lentigines; and (F-J) after 42 days of nightly application of CR-Topical. Note the shallow depths of the fine wrinkles in the running vertically on the cheek and horizontally in the crow’s feet region. Additionally, the highly pigmented lentigines brought on by excessive sun or age have lightened significantly.

Figure 7.

Representative close up images of the 20-year-old male shown in Figure 5 (A) at baseline and (B) after 42 days of nightly applications of CR Topical; and the 53-year-old female shown in Figure 6 (C) at baseline and (D) after 42 days of nightly application of CR Topical.