CBD may be making waves as one of the most effective and reliable health-promoting supplements around, but did you know the natural compound found in cannabis plants is also great for your skin?
That’s right. Due to its unique properties, CBD is becoming a very sought after ingredient for skin care products. This article will look at how CBD affects the skin and why it’s destined to become a mainstay in the beauty industry.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabis-derived compound known as a cannabinoid. It’s one of two common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants – the other being THC, which is responsible for the high associated with cannabis.
Over the last five years or so, CBD has pretty much become the most popular health supplement, with sales outshining well-known supplements like vitamin C and vitamin D. Its popularity has grown so fast because, quite frankly, it’s so effective at improving a huge number of health disorders.
CBD has been shown to offer potent anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Thanks to its wide-ranging effects, people use it for all sorts of conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, inflammatory-related conditions, auto-immune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and more.
CBD in skin care products
Recently, the hype around CBD has extended into the beauty and skin-care industries, with companies infusing CBD into creams, lotions, balms, oils, face masks, shampoos, soaps and even bath bombs.
The premise behind this is that, thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory effects, CBD is ideal for enhancing skin health and treating common skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. It’s also postulated to help smooth wrinkles and blemishes. But does it really work?
While there isn’t much research on the matter, there is some. There is also a fare amount of anecdotal evidence suggesting its efficacy. However, needless to say, there needs to be more large-scale research to know for sure.
Reasons to use CBD in skin care
1. Treat skin disorders
CBD certainly has the potential to help with skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and other inflammatory conditions. This 2019 study – in which 20 participants with psoriasis, dermatitis or related scars used a CBD ointment twice daily for three months – found an improvement in the skins of participants in terms of inflammation and symptoms.
The researchers summarised that “the topical administration of CBD ointment, without any THC, is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative to improve the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially with an inflammatory background.”
There is also this study, which found that CBD is a “potent universal anti-acne agent, possessing a unique triple anti-acne profile”
2. Hydrate dry skin
That same 2014 study mentioned above also discusses how CBD behaves as a highly effective sebostatic agent. Put simply, that means it lubricates and waterproofs the skin, making it ideal for counteracting dry skin.
CBD may best work in treating dry skin when applied with other cannabis-derived ingredients, such as the omega-3 fatty acids found in hemp seed oil.
3. Grow new skin cells
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology published a study that found CBD helps the body increase its ability to produce new skin cells. Not only can this help to repair things like acne scars and other blemishes, it could also provide anti-aging effects to already healthy skin.
The science behind CBD and skin care
The reason CBD can be beneficial for the skin is due to the fact that cannabinoid receptors (which are part of the endocannabinoid system) are located in skin cells and other parts of the skin, such as the sebaceous glands, hair follicles, small nerves, and immune cells.
By interacting with these receptors, CBD may work to improve skin health in a number of ways, including immune regulation, epidermal growth, sebaceous glands and secretion, and irritation. For example, this 2017 study found that cannabinoids can prevent the overproduction of skin cells – a process which is thought to play a role in helping skin health.
Tips for using CBD in your skin care routine
Give it time
Some people may notice improvements in skin tone and health within a few days of introducing CBD into their skin care routine, for others it may take weeks. Therefore, it’s best to give it a fair amount of time before making any judgements whether it’s working or not.
Start small
As with any new ingredient you’re applying to your skin, apply a small amount first to test for irritation or other reaction. Reactions to CBD are uncommon but it’s always best to make sure.
Combine with other proven ingredients
CBD may help boost the effects of other skin care products, so why not try combining it. For example, activated charcoal is great for your skin and could work synergistically with CBD.
This article has been sponsored by Cannaunion, who are one of Europe’s leading CBD skincare sellers. They have a unique range of CBD skincare products, including CBD oily skin soap, CBD eye cream, and CBD anti-aging cream. Please show your support and check the out here.
