We have all seen how the skincare industry has changed during the last few years. This is because scientists constantly improve their formulas and explore new ingredients that can bring changes into this space. Among the most natural ingredients that are now in high demand is CBD – one of many cannabinoids found and extracted from hemp plants. And if we look carefully, hemp and CBD can now be found in almost any type of skincare product, like lip balms, creams, lotions, sunscreen products and more.
Therefore, people may have a question: why has CBD become so popular and is it worth adding to the skincare ritual? But the answer will depend on your specific needs and the skin issues you want to solve. Even though there is much anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD is beneficial to the skin, more scientific research is needed to make any claims.
Contents
What is CBD, and How Does it Work?
First of all, let’s learn the definition of CBD and its working mechanism. CBD (or cannabidiol) is a famous cannabinoid that is naturally present in industrial hemp strains. Even though CBD is often confused with its chemical cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is safe and non-addictive. It is extracted from industrial hemp, which is high in CBD and low in THC, while the opposite is true for marijuana.
CBD is believed to work with the inner endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is found in our bodies and contains specific receptors. Once applied to the skin, CBD influences those receptors. Since ECS plays a key role in keeping most vital bodily functions in check, CBD helps maintain homeostasis for healthy skin and improved wellbeing.
How To Use CBD For Skin
There are several ways to use CBD for skin, such as topicals like a CBD face cream, balm or serum, edibles or tinctures. Choosing the best option for you can depend on what is easiest for your lifestyle, what flavours you hope to experience or how fast you want to feel CBD’s effects. Whatever your reasoning for incorporating CBD oil for skin into your routine, there is an option waiting out there for you.
Skin Issues You Can Solve With CBD
Might Help Fight Inflammation
One of the most well-reported benefits of CBD is controlling inflammation. Our bodies have two CBD receptors known as CB1 and CB2. When CBD products are applied to the skin, CBD indirectly interferes with these receptors and may help turn down the inflammatory response. Researchers believe it can happen by “decreasing the interleukins, which are chemicals that act as the immune system’s fire alarm that calls the emergency department. And CBD may reduce the loudness of that fire alarm.
For most severe skin conditions, doctors recommend using steroid creams, which are designed specifically as anti-inflammatory medicines. And even though these creams are safe for most people, some don’t want or can’t use them in any scenario.
This is where CBD creams may not be so effective but are still a more natural solution for such issues. Since steroid creams usually come with some side effects when used for too long, CBD represents a safe solution. However, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider prior to using any new products.
Might Help Lessen Redness From Sunburns
One of the most loved uses of CBD is sunscreen. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the effects of sunburn, like redness. Even though there are many guidelines on how to use sunscreen properly, most people still forget to apply it to some vital areas which may cause sunburn.
This is why applying CBD-infused SPF is thought to provide more general absorption and temper the reaction of sunburned spots, according to dermatologists.
May Nourish Skin
Some types of CBD have a perfect balance of plant elements and nutrients that are vital for our skin. They may help nourish and moisturise your skin, which helps in stopping peeling skin, rough patches and cuts. Since most modern moisturisers usually inhibit our natural production of oil, CBD oil is believed to interact with the skin glands to regulate the production of oil.
May Prevent Water Loss
Being an antioxidant, CBD may help in reducing visible signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles and skin dullness. As an extra bonus, the essential fatty acids found in Omega 6 and Omega 3 from hemp plants in CBD skin care products may help stimulate the production of collagen, thereby preventing excessive water loss as well as keeping your skin hydrated.
How to Choose CBD Skin Care Product?
First of all, there are three main types of CBD – full-, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. They differ by cannabinoid content. Full-spectrum contains all plant elements, like cannabinoids, terpenes, oils and safe traces of THC (less than 0.2%). Broad-spectrum also contains all these elements except for THC. CBD isolate is the purest type which is made up of 99.9% CBD and comes in crystalline or powder form. So when you want to purchase a CBD skin care product, you should consider what types of CBD the product contains according to your personal needs and preferences.
Whether it is a glow oil, lotion or cream, we also recommend you check other ingredients, so some products may contain chemicals and artificial additives that may damage your skin. Always look for products that have been tested by a third-party laboratory and have available Certificate of Analysis (COA) that shows you the exact ratio of all cannabinoids and THC levels. It is also worth noting that CBD should come from non-GMO industrial hemp strains, which should be highlighted on the product label or company’s website.
Bottom Line
CBD has become a trendy wellness ingredient during the last few years. However, it only recently appeared in almost any skin care product. This is all because scientists found out that CBD might be beneficial to the skin due to several reasons we described here.
However, it is vital to note that more scientific research is required to make or support any of those claims. You should also discuss the use of CBD products with your dermatologist in advance.
