Study: CBD Protects Human Skin From Air Pollution Damage

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

February 20, 2026

A study in Biomolecules from Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency and Chulalongkorn University tested CBD's protective effects on human skin exposed to particulate matter (PM) air pollution using full-thickness samples. PM exposure for 48 hours increased inflammation (IL-6, MMP-1, COX-2), oxidative stress, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation, and reduced barrier/structural proteins (procollagen I, fibrillin, filaggrin), accelerating aging and weakening defenses. CBD treatment reversed these: lowering inflammatory/oxidative markers, reducing AhR activation, and restoring key proteins without significantly affecting unstressed skin. Mechanisms include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions targeting pollution-induced damage pathways. Results suggest CBD shields skin at the molecular level from environmental toxins, supporting its potential in anti-pollution skincare to combat inflammation, oxidative stress, and barrier disruption for better skin health amid urban air quality issues.