The body makes chemicals similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, to help the skin, scientists reported.

In the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, researchers said that learning more about so-called endocannabinoids could lead to drugs that treat acne, dry skin or skin tumors.

The researchers treated the cells that produce oil for the skin with endocannabinoids to make them produce more oil.

One scientists said the products could include new skin creams.

"This research shows that we may have something in common with the marijuana plant," said Dr. Gerald Weissmann. "Just as THC is believed to protect the marijuana plants from pathogens, our own cannabinoids may be necessary for us to maintain healthy skin and to protect us from pathogens."