By adding CBD to the base 0.2% retinol solution, Aforé by Dr. Few's new CR Emulsion improved global skin quality, including static and dynamic wrinkles, without the harsh side effects of traditional retinol solutions.

Combining a retinol and cannabidiol (CBD) in topical skincare maintains retinol’s anti-aging properties with reduced side effects, a new study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal shows.

“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,” says Dr. Julius Few, a plastic surgeon in Chicago, in a news release.

 The CR Emulsion combines solubilized CBD and retinol, along with other botanicals. Retinol improves cellular turnover and decreases the depth of fine lines and wrinkles while solubilized, medical-grade CBD counteracts irritating effects, like redness or peeling/

 “Importantly, the CBD used in this study is water soluble,” shares Dr. 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 percent would recommend the product to others. Importantly, the tolerability of CR Emulsion was excellent.

 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.”