From cloth and rope to construction materials and biofuel – the uses of cannabis seem limitless. So when CBD skincare products first emerged, some people questioned how a CBD cream could improve skin health and if the introduction of these products in the market was merely a trend. However, CBD in skincare makes more and more sense when you remember that CBD is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties, amongst other things.
Does CBD really have the ability to treat and prevent acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and eczema? How can CBD be used in skincare? How effective is it? Here’s what we know.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, best known as CBD oil, is a naturally-occurring chemical compound from the cannabinoid family. For centuries, it’s been used for its healing properties. Today, since CBD topical products are not ‘dietary supplements’, the FDA has no jurisdiction so many large retailers including Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are now carrying these products on their shelves.
CBD comes in different forms; the three main types are oils, isolate, and wax. CBD can be further broken down by product types: oils, edibles, sublingual sprays, vapors, topicals, and so on. The variety of products available allows people to identify the method of use that best suits them. You can vape CBD with a vaping device or take it sublingually under the tongue. You can mix the oil with your food and beverage or consume it in the form of CBD-infused candies. And you can slather it onto your skin with CBD creams, salves, balms, and so on.
CBD topicals have been praised by professional athletes for helping them with muscle soreness and chronic pain. Some celebrities have even shared that they slather CBD on their feet to help them with high heel pain, which helps them get through the whole evening at a red carpet event. But what happens when you use CBD-infused creams and balms directly on problem skin?
The Skin Benefits of CBD Oil
We’ve known about CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties for a while now. One of the most comprehensive studies on CBD’s ability to suppress inflammatory response dates back a decade. Researchers tested several experimental models of autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Their studies showed that CBD protected the host by creating various anti-inflammatory pathways. Therefore, CBD may also be beneficial in cancers that are triggered by chronic inflammation, inhibiting tumor growth, or suppressing inflammation.
Beyond that, research has shown that CBD is also a powerful antioxidant and has more antioxidant properties than Vitamins C and E. When skin is inflamed, the skin’s rejuvenation process is disrupted. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation and limit the production of free radicals, allowing the skin to repair and even correct visible damage.
In another study, CBD was observed to have antibacterial and antifungal effects, which can help the skin combat infections. This is important in skincare as many skin problems lead to infection. Dry, scaly skin can be uncomfortable and itchy, leading people to scratch and potentially infect the skin with bacteria and dirt from under their fingernails. Those with acne may pop and pick their pimples, opening them up and exposing them to infection-causing germs.
CBD for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can limit the lifespan of those breakouts. CBD also supports the healing process, treating the problem skin and strengthening it so that future flare-ups are less likely.
Eczema is also known to be quite uncomfortable because of the itching and pain. CBD is also known for its analgesic properties. Not only will it soothe the skin and relieve the dryness, but it will help with the soreness that often comes with damaged skin.
CBD for Acne
Acne doesn’t just affect teens going through puberty. Acne can happen to anyone at any age, especially if your body is not producing the right amount of sebum. Too little sebum and you end up with dry, painful, cracking skin. Too much sebum production and follicles could become plugged, which leads to acne.
According to a study on CBD’s sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes, CBD can prevent cells from overproducing oily sebum that typically results in various forms of acne. Their research also revealed how CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties reacted, preventing the activation of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are responsible for inflammatory acne such as pimples and red pustules. Therefore, using CBD for acne will not only prevent non-inflammatory acne like blackheads and whiteheads but also stop future acne breakouts.
CBD for Aging Skin
CBD-infused anti-aging products that are full of antioxidants may give the skin’s defense mechanism a boost, enhancing its ability to regenerate.
Antioxidants not only encourage damaged skin to repair itself, but it also stimulates collagen production. Collagen is the key to youthful skin. It keeps skin plump, moisturized, and glowing. As we age, collagen production begins to slow, causing the skin to sag, lose its luster, and become dry. Because CBD has the ability to balance sebum production, it can also prevent the skin from drying, which speeds up the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
Why Full Spectrum CBD Oil is Best for Skin
CBD isolate may be CBD in its purest form; however, it’s also been stripped of the rich phyto-cannabinoids, vitamins, terpenes, flavonoids, and other active compounds of the cannabis plant. This means that Full Spectrum CBD is more potent in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties.
You don’t have to worry about the minimal THC levels in Full Spectrum CBD because using cannabinoids topically will not likely introduce CBD into the bloodstream. Your skin will simply absorb it and allow it to interact with nearby cannabinoid receptors.
At ROOT ORIGINS, we use Full Spectrum Phytocannabinoid-rich Hemp Extracts in our CBD skincare line. ROOT ORIGINS Gentle Face Cream is made with organic moringa oil, organic fruit extracts, herbal extracts, and Full Spectrum Phytocannabinoid-rich Hemp Extracts for pure, all-natural, quality skincare.
ROOT ORIGINS nutrient-rich Body Butter is made with organic shea butter, organic moringa oil vitamin E oil, and Full Spectrum Hemp Extracts (CBD) for ultra-hydrated, revived skin.
