Joint Effort: CBD and Your Skin

CBD is everywhere, but what does it actually do for your skin? We sit down with Adam Friedman, MD—dermatologist, chair, and translational researcher—to break down the real science. We clear up CBD vs THC confusion, map how the endocannabinoid system works in keratinocytes, sebocytes, immune cells, and nerves, and explain how CBD influences redness, itch, oil production, and inflammation. We also walk through the legal landscape, why cosmetics are the most realistic path forward, and how to spot mislabeling or contamination when choosing products.

Then we get into the data. You’ll hear about research showing CBD can reduce sebum and calm the inflammasome in acne, early evidence for atopic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, and a controlled human study where topical CBD reduced UVA-induced DNA damage linked to photoaging. We talk through delivery systems like nanotechnology, safety myths, when to avoid CBD, and what a good certificate of analysis should include. If you care about acne control, skin longevity, or smarter routines, this episode gives you a grounded, hype-free guide to CBD in dermatology.