Joint Effort: CBD and Your Skin with Dr. Adam Friedman

🌿 Can CBD actually improve your skin—or is it just hype?

In this episode of Derm-It Trotter! Don’t Swear About Skincare, host Dr. Shannon C. Trotter sits down with Dr. Adam Friedman, professor, chair, and leading translational researcher, to unpack the real science behind CBD in dermatology. From acne to inflammation to photoaging, we explore how this non-intoxicating molecule interacts with your skin and where clinical evidence is finally catching up to curiosity.

Dr. Friedman clears up the confusion between CBD and THC, breaking down how the endocannabinoid system influences skin cells, immune balance, and nerve signaling. You’ll learn how CBD can calm redness and itch, balance oil production, and even reduce UVA-induced DNA damage—making it a promising complement to sunscreen and retinoids.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

How the endocannabinoid system works within skin cells.

CBD’s effect on vanilloid receptors, PPARs, and G-protein–coupled receptors that regulate inflammation and repair.

Why legal confusion (Farm Bill, FDA guidance) limits CBD’s use in supplements—but leaves room for cosmetics.

Evidence that CBD can help with acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

How nanotechnology delivery systems boost topical CBD absorption.

A checklist for choosing safe CBD products—from certificates of analysis to GMP manufacturing.

When to avoid CBD (e.g., pregnancy and breastfeeding) and how to use it safely.

👨‍⚕️ About Dr. Adam Friedman:
Dr. Friedman is a board-certified dermatologist, professor, and researcher known for his work on cutaneous immunology and cannabinoid science. His research bridges lab findings with clinical care, helping patients make evidence-based skincare choices.

📌 If you’re curious about how CBD fits into acne control, barrier repair, or sun defense, this conversation separates fact from fiction—and gives you tools to evaluate products with confidence.

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