CBD is becoming increasingly more popular due to its effectiveness with treating sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and pain management. It can also be used to treat epilepsy, arthritis, nausea, and a nearly endless list of ailments that can be affected by CBD’s interaction with our endocannabinoid system. CBD provides such an extensive list of therapeutic properties that it’s no surprise that it’s found its way into the world of skin care.
First, What is CBD?
CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties so you don’t need to worry about getting high from it or becoming intoxicated. Cannabinoids interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body and these receptors are found in nearly all of your physiological systems, including most of the different types of cells within your skin. With the long list of therapeutic properties that CBD has to offer and its ability to interact with the receptors in our skin, the benefits you can achieve from using it as a topical application are quite significant.
Used topically, the effects of CBD are localized as the molecules will not penetrate deeply enough into the skin to reach your circulatory system. This can be beneficial when treating only a specific area as you will not affect cells anywhere other than the areas you’ve targeted. Using CBD topically will not provide the the same effects as ingesting it but you can use a topical cream and an oral tincture together to achieve the full benefits of CBD.
For a more detailed breakdown, read What is CBD?
Treating Acne
There are multiple therapeutic properties of CBD that make it a powerful weapon when battling acne. The anti-inflammatory aspects of CBD can help to reduce the redness of acne and diminish the appearance of breakouts. It can also modulate the sebaceous glands in your skin which control the production of sebum. When these glands are overactive, they will produce excessive oils which can contribute to breakouts. The antibacterial properties of CBD can also prevent acne causing bacteria to build up in your skin.
One article from the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows the sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects CBD has on human sebocytes. It shows that CBD can normalize the lipid synthesis in our cells, suppress cell proliferation, and prevent the actions of pro-acne agents.
Sensitive and Irritated Skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help to soothe sensitive skin and treat many various skin irritations such as dryness, puffiness, bug bites, and sun burns. It can not only help reduce the pain and inflammation of scratches and minor abrasions but the antibacterial properties of CBD can help to prevent infections. A topical CBD cream is an excellent choice when you require both pain relief and moisture within an antibacterial salve.
Skin Conditions
Most unmedicated moisturizers can provide only superficial relief for painful skin conditions but do nothing to heal the problem. CBD can act as an immunosuppressant to combat psoriasis and prevent the overproduction of skin cells. Its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties can also provide relief for eczema, rosacea, and excessively dry and chapped skin. Not only can a topical CBD cream help to actually heal these problems but its analgesic properties can lessen pain and help to diminish the constant itching and discomfort during the healing process.
Anti-Aging Properties
The antioxidant properties of CBD are a valuable ingredient when it comes to lotions, creams, and skin care. They can correct and prevent the damage caused by free-radicals which can help heal the skin and reduce the signs of aging. Dry skin can increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but CBD’s effect on the sebaceous glands in your skin can encourage oil excretion when insufficient oil is being produced.
Topical Application of CBD
CBD topical creams and lotions should be applied to clean, dry skin so the CBD molecules will have direct access to your skin and can be fully absorbed. Depending on the severity of your condition or the results you’re hoping to achieve, a second application may be necessary once the first layer has been absorbed into the skin. Topical applications will provide localized results only as the CBD won’t penetrate the deepest layers of skin and will not enter your bloodstream.
CBD Beauty Products
With all of the new CBD beauty products popping up here and there, it’s important to understand the difference between some of the delivery methods so you know what products will best suit your needs. Lotions, creams, balms, and salves are all creamy, hydrating products that range in thickness and consistency. Lotions and creams are light enough for use on the face while balms and salves are much thicker and are better suited for extremely dry areas on the hand, feet, joints, and body.
Recently, there has been a surge of every type of CBD product hitting the market. You can get CBD infused sleeping masks, face serums, eye serums, bath bombs, lip balms, face washes, and even mascaras. Many of these products can be very helpful for certain conditions and others may do little more for some people than provide a bit of novelty. It can be intimidating when navigating your way through the oceans of brands jumping on the CBD bandwagon but don’t let that deter you. By reading labels and understanding what you’re looking for, you’ll find genuinely amazing products that can provide real results for your skin.
This article on Forbes discusses hemp and CBD as cosmeceutical ingredients, how skin conditions can be exacerbated when treated with high concentrations of chemicals, and provides some stats and suggestions for popular CBD infused skin creams.
Check the Label
Before purchasing anything labelled as a CBD infused beauty product, be sure to check the label and make sure it specifies that it actually contains CBD. Some products list the exact amount of CBD it contains which is very helpful in letting you know exactly what you’re getting and how much CBD you’re receiving with every application. While hemp seed extracts are beneficial in their own ways, some products labelled as hemp seed oil may contain little or no CBD. A product listed as full-spectrum CBD is often ideal because it will contain many of the other cannabinoids found in cannabis and they can often provide with their own unique benefits.
Your endocannabinoid system maintains homeostasis in the physiological systems that the cannabinoid receptors are present. When your skin is functioning in perfect balance, many skin disorders and discomforts should be alleviated or cleared up entirely. Some conditions may take a little time to clear up as the skin repairs itself, but prolonged use of CBD on the skin should leave you with a refreshed, glowing complexion free from itchiness, pain, and discomfort.
