Healing
After an injury such as a burn, a wound from a fall or a surgical procedure, the skin will show marks as it rebuilds itself: scars. And when it comes to healing, we are not all equal. In this article, we will explain the different types of scars and how the skin repairs itself. We will also look at what research is exploring about CBD (cannabidiol) and the endocannabinoid system of the skin, cautiously and without promises.
The different phases of healing
When the skin suffers trauma, it repairs itself more or less quickly depending on the extent of the injury, and it keeps a more or less significant and visible trace of it as a reminder. This is the scar.
Supported by the immune system, injured skin goes through several stages to rebuild itself:
First stage: The primary scar
- 1. The inflammatory or debridement phase: It begins between the 12th and 24th hour, lasts 3 to 4 days, and causes an inflammatory reaction characterized by swelling (edema), redness (erythema) and pain, with an increase in local temperature. At first, the skin eliminates debris and any bacteria that may still remain in the wound. This process can be helped by cleaning the injury with a mild soap and applying an antiseptic.
- 2. The tissue repair phase: The small blood clot that formed during the first phase becomes a scab. The skin begins to repair itself and heal. Cells called fibroblasts produce large quantities of collagen, elastin and other elements needed to repair the skin. This phase takes place from the 4th to the 15th day.
- 3. The epithelialization phase: The wound slowly closes, new pink and fragile skin gradually appears and covers the whole injury. The scar is now formed.
Second stage: Maturation
Once the first stage of healing is complete, around the 25th day, the scar remodels itself. Little by little, it becomes more supple, smoother and soft to the touch. Healing is final after 6 months to a year.
Normally, after 5 to 6 months, the scar should be supple and painless to the touch. But healing disorders can occur and give an unsightly final appearance. That is why it is strongly recommended to moisturize the new skin well and not to expose it to the sun without protection.
CBD and healing
The wound healing process can take more or less time depending on the severity of the injuries. Sometimes marks, unwelcome reminders of the injuries, can persist. Good healing starts with simple care: cleaning the wound, protecting it, moisturizing the new skin and shielding it from the sun. Let's look at what we know about CBD in this area.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule derived from industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa). Hemp has been used by humans for thousands of years, for its fibers, its seeds and in traditional medicine. CBD belongs to the cannabinoid family. Another very well-known cannabinoid is THC, whose consumption is prohibited because of its psychotropic effects when it binds to certain receptors in the brain. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychotropic and is not classified as a narcotic in France. Researchers are interested in its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered in the late 1980s and early 1990s, during studies on the effects of THC on the body. These studies led to the discovery of a large network of receptors spread throughout the human body: the endocannabinoid system. Today we know that this system plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis, that is, the ability of an organism to keep itself in good working order, to be healthy. To do this, the endocannabinoid system helps regulate many functions, such as appetite, inflammation or pain.
CBD and the ECS
CBD and the other cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is also present in the skin. Here are the leads being studied in connection with healing, most often in the laboratory or in animals; they do not allow any conclusion to be drawn in humans:
Inflammation
Research is looking at the action of CBD on inflammation.
- In vivo studies in animals have looked at the action of CBD on inflammation (MECHA, et al. 2013, KOZELA et al. 2013, BUCCELLATO et al. 2011, RIBEIRO et al. 2012)
- In 2016, a study observed an increase in the cytokine IL-10 in the subjects studied (KOZELA et al.).
Pain
The pain and irritation resulting from injuries can be unpleasant. Researchers are exploring the link between CBD (cannabidiol) and pain, but no study allows it to be considered a painkiller: if you are in pain, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Immune system
The immune system comes into action every time a wound requires its rapid intervention. The interactions of CBD with the endocannabinoid system and immunity are being studied, without any effect on healing having been demonstrated.
CBD products and the skin
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) has made it possible to develop all kinds of CBD products. For the skin, it is cosmetics (creams and balms) that are concerned: they can nourish and moisturize, but cannot claim any effect on healing. CBD foodstuffs, such as oils to swallow or gummies, are not authorized in the European Union.
Precautions to know
Our safety advice:
Never apply a cosmetic, with or without CBD, to an open wound, a burn or a recent scar: a wound should be cleaned and protected with suitable products recommended by a pharmacist. Once the skin has closed, a balm can help it stay supple; first do a test on a small area, as the essential oils it sometimes contains can be irritating. Do not give CBD products to a child. A deep wound, an extensive burn or a scar that becomes infected requires a doctor. CBD is not a medicine: if you have a health problem, ask a doctor for advice.
