New Clinical Study on the Effects of Retinol & CBD Combination in Topical Skincare

Aforé by Dr. Few has announced the publication of what it says is the first-ever clinical study on the effects of a retinol and cannabidiol (CBD) combination in topical skincare by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
 
The novel peer-reviewed study by Dr. Few finds Aforé's new CR Emulsion effective at improving global skin quality, including static and dynamic wrinkles, without the harsh side effects of traditional retinol solutions. Adding CBD, a naturally anti-inflammatory ingredient, to the base 0.2% retinol solution, maintains the anti-aging properties, but with reduced side effects.
 
“CBD is anti-inflammatory and pro-healing in nature. I believe that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties provided by CBD are an essential component of protecting the skin and contribute to the graceful aging of any skin type,” said Dr. Few regarding his research.
 
The CR Emulsion was designed by combining ingredients which act on complementary biochemical pathways important in maintaining the skin's health and preventing aging. By combining solubilized CBD and retinol, along with other botanicals, the well-established ability of retinol to improve cellular turnover and decrease the depth of fine lines and wrinkles is maintained, while solubilized, medical-grade CBD counteracts irritating effects, like redness or peeling, that would otherwise occur.
 

“Importantly, the CBD used in this study is water soluble,” said Few. “Most often, CBD is dissolved in coconut oil or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which can clog pores or make skin look oily or dull.”
 
In this study, 10 patients applied the CR Emulsion nightly for six weeks. While patients reported improvement in every area, the greatest improvements were for visible pores, dehydration, surface roughness, static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles. All of the subjects were satisfied with the effect that CR Emulsion had on their skin and 90% would recommend the product to others. Importantly, the tolerability of CR Emulsion was excellent, noted the company.
 
The CR Emulsion study is part of a larger body of work done by Dr. Few on a concept called Four Dimensional Beauty. In addition to evaluation of aesthetic results using the industry standard of static before and after images, Dr. Few also employs videos of patients making a range of expressions to evaluate the functional impact of treatment on apparent patient confidence and openness of expression. This 4D assessment takes into account the transitions between facial expressions and the interplay of dynamic lines, texture and evenness in tone on expressiveness.
 
“The movement of our faces during communication are central to how we perceive ourselves and are perceived by others,” shares Dr. Few. “By capturing movements of the face with short videos both the treating physician and the patient have access to a more accurate reflection of what is observed in day-to-day life and an evaluation of the most relevant effects of treatment is possible.”