Once you look at the list of potential benefits coming with cannabidiol, better known under the acronym CBD, it becomes clear why it has gained such popularity recently. As numerous studies suggest, CBD can help with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress, sleep disorders, and more.
On top of that, CBD is also believed to have beneficial effects on your skin, although much more in-depth research is required to confirm it hundred percent. Still, current studies show a lot of promise when it comes to CBD in skincare. And this is exactly what this guide focuses on. Whether you’re here to learn more about CBD or think about using CBD topicals on your skin, the following article will provide you with all the information you seek.
Quick Introduction to CBD
Before we get to the bottom of the article and talk about the potential benefits of CBD on skin, a good idea is to first explain what CBD is. In essence, it’s one of the many cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD, along with its more famous sibling THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is the most common and well-researched cannabinoid, which is the reason for its growing popularity.
CBD itself is derived from the hemp plant, contrary to THC, which comes from marijuana plants. Both are variants of the cannabis plant, with the most significant difference being the amount of the mentioned compounds. Long story short, the hemp plant is richer in CBD, with marijuana being richer in THC.
As for the beneficial properties of CBD, more research is needed to confirm its exact effects on the human body. Recent studies suggest, though, that CBD might come with numerous benefits, helping with such issues as:
- Chronic pain and inflammation
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety and stress
- PTSD
- Migraine
- Epilepsy and seizures
However, there’s still a lot to learn about CBD. One thing for certain is that we still don’t know the full potential of the miraculous cannabis plant.
CBD in Skincare
Over the past few years, the skincare market has been flooded with CBD products. Every cosmetic store is full of CBD creams, lotions, balms, face masks, oils, and shampoos. And while more research is needed, it seems that CBD and skincare are a match made in heaven. And as we learn more and more about CBD and its properties, it’s more than likely that the range of CBD products, including skincare ones, is only going to grow, becoming even more accessible.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Skin
Now, while there isn’t enough in-depth research on how CBD can benefit our skin, the 2014 study found that CBD can be beneficial for numerous skin conditions, including acne and eczema. It can also help with skin moisturization, hydration, and even skin aging processes.
Explaining this in more detail, studies suggest that using CBD on the skin can help with:
Acne
CBD oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These can work a treat when dealing with acne, providing much-needed relief and reducing redness, pain, and swelling associated with the condition.
Now, although more research is needed, several studies have confirmed the soothing effects CBD provides when applied to the skin. It can also reduce excessive sebum production, which is an oily substance often responsible for acne. This means that not only can CBD treat acne-related inflammation, it can also prevent it. As mentioned, though, more proof is required to confirm that.
Dryness and Itching
As covered, CBD oil can soothe skin, reducing irritation. This is the perfect news for people with sensitive skin who need to deal with conditions like dryness and itching on a regular basis. Also, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil can help reduce triggers for dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Aging and Wrinkles
According to the 2017 study, CBD oil is also supposed to have antioxidant properties, which can help decrease the visible signs of aging. That’s because antioxidants in CBD counteract free-radical damage and reduce inflammation, diminishing skin issues like skin dullness or wrinkles. If you’re looking for a way to slow the skin aging process, CBD topicals might be your best shot.
Skin Hydration and Oil Production
As briefly mentioned, CBD has a soothing effect on the skin due. Its moisturizing properties work brilliantly when dealing with dryness, and it can revive the skin, keeping it smooth and hydrated. CBD can also help regulate oil production, reducing the mentioned excessive sebum production.
How Does CBD Interact With Skin?
CBD, like other cannabinoids, interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS controls homeostasis throughout the body, regulates various internal systems, and ensures they work correctly.
It does that through endocannabinoids, which are small molecules that attach themselves to the ECS receptors and activate them to fix any irregularities within the body. Now, because cannabinoids have a very similar structure to endocannabinoids, the ECS can interact with them very easily. This is why cannabinoids such as THC and CBD provide us with their properties.
Like endocannabinoids, cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant can attach to the ECS receptors found throughout the human body. CBD does it too, stimulating the receptors to produce more endocannabinoids and work more efficiently.
As for CBD in skincare, it’s said that the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, has a dense network of ECS receptors, both CB1 and CB2. When applied to the skin, CBD can then interact with these receptors, triggering its medicinal properties on the skin.
How to Use CBD Oil in Skincare?
There are numerous CBD products dedicated to skincare, which we’ll discuss in a moment. However, it’s also possible to use pure CBD oil, both orally and on the skin. When using CBD oil orally, place a few drops under the tongue, hold it for a moment (up to one minute), and swallow it. The dosage will depend on the person, so it’s best to start with smaller dosages and increase them as your body adjusts to CBD effects.
CBD Skincare Products
The current market is full of different CBD skincare products. From CBD creams to lotions, every person can find something for themselves and take advantage of the potential medicinal benefits of CBD.
Now, before we get through the most common CBD topicals, you should also know that they may come in different types of CBD – isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum. These are distinguished by their cannabinoid content, with some containing other compounds than just CBD. In short:
- CBD isolate products contain only pure and clean CBD extracted from the hemp plant;
- Full-spectrum CBD products are high in CBD, but they can also contain small traces of THC (around 0.2% or more);
- Broad-spectrum CBD products include not only CBD but also other cannabinoids besides THC.
With that out of the way, let’s go through the common CBD topicals available on the market:
CBD Cream
By far the most common type of CBD topical, you can now find CBD creams in practically every cosmetic store. Typically, CBD creams contain broad-spectrum CBD, taking advantage of numerous cannabinoids and their potential benefits for the skin. Using CBD creams might help with several conditions, including arthritis, inflammation, or jaw pain. To use CBD cream, apply it directly to the affected area, just like you’d use an ordinary cream. Once applied, it should provide relief quickly.
CBD Lotion
While CBD creams are typically used to treat skin problems, CBD lotions can keep your skin in the best condition possible. Lotions take advantage of the moisturizing properties of CBD, helping keep the skin healthy and restore damaged skin. In other words, they work like a standard hydrating lotion with added CBD benefits, such as reducing inflammation or fighting wrinkles and aging.
CBD Salve
CBD salve is becoming popular among athletes, who use it for its anti-inflammatory and muscle pain relief properties. CBD balms are great when dealing with local pain, offering quick relief. To use CBD salve, take a small amount of it into the fingers and apply it to the desired area.
How to Find the Best CBD Skincare Product?
As covered, there are tons of CBD skincare products available. However, with so many brands, it’s vital to do some research before starting your journey with CBD topicals. To ensure you pick the right and reliable product for your needs, consider the following:
- CBD potency. Always pick products that contain information regarding the exact amount of CBD in them. If the manufacturer doesn’t specify how much CBD is in the product, it’s likely it doesn’t contain enough CBD to be of any significance.
- Certificate of Analysis. It’s always best to trust companies that provide access to their Certificate of Analysis. It contains third-party test results that confirm CBD topicals or edibles are pure and potent.
Ingredients. Some manufacturers tend to add harmful ingredients to their CBD skincare products, such as alcohol or artificial fragrances. They can have severe effects on your skin, so be sure you read labels thoroughly before the purchase and buy only natural CBD products.
Final Word on CBD in Skincare
CBD is said to have numerous medicinal properties. Many of them are associated with skin, which is why we’ve seen such a rise in the popularity of CBD skincare products. And with store shelves laden with all kinds of CBD topicals, you might be wondering whether it’s a good idea to use them for your needs. Is CBD good for your skin, though? A straightforward answer would be yes, but it’s not that simple.
First of all, there’s much more research required to confirm all the potential medicinal benefits of CBD. And while current studies are more than promising, there’s still a lot more to learn. Secondly, your skin might not react to CBD products as you would like. Keep in mind that every person is different, and their body may interact differently with specific compounds. That’s why, before you try CBD, you should always consult your doctor first. If they allow you to use CBD, then you’re good to go and start your journey with this wonderful compound.
Disclaimer
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.
