With a boom in the popularity of CBD over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge range of CBD products introduced to the market. From sweet treats and alcohol to candles and toiletries, there’s a CBD product to suit every lifestyle.
Dermatologists rave about the benefits of harnessing CBD in your skincare routine. Multiple research studies have shown potential benefits for reducing puffiness and wrinkles, and even for treating eczema and psoriasis.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive chemical component of the cannabis plant. The compound interacts with the neurotransmitters and endocannabinoid system in our body in a number of ways. The primary effect that CBD has on the body is to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and to decrease inflammation. With this in mind, it’s easy to see how CBD and skincare would go hand in hand.
CBD can be mixed with oil to create a range of products such as CBD moisturising balms or lotions. These can be applied topically to reap the benefits of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, or CBD oil can be taken directly (e.g. a few drops under the tongue).
The great thing about CBD is that you can get all of the benefits of cannabis in a safe and legal manner, whilst avoiding the negative side effects of marijuana. CBD does not include THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. This means CBD products will not ‘get you high’.
How can CBD benefit your skincare routine?
With the growth of the CBD market, researchers have sought to discover how CBD oil can be used to benefit skincare. Numerous studies have shown that CBD can be used to treat scars, reduce signs of ageing, treat dryness and itching, and help with acne. Read on to find out about the different ways CBD can help with your skincare concerns…
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are widely known in the medical field, as CBD is often used to treat various diseases. Whilst many people are aware that CBD can reduce pain, most don’t know that all pain in the body originates from inflammation.
CBD reduces inflammation in the body by interacting with receptors in our cannabinoid system. Studies have shown that cannabinoid receptors are present in the skin also, which makes perfect sense considering the skin is such a large part of our central nervous system.
CBD can benefit the skin by reducing inflammation. These benefits can be experienced through taking CBD oil directly (drops under the tongue) or by putting drops in food and drink. As CBD causes a reduction of inflammation across the entire body, this will also affect the skin.
You can also use CBD to reduce inflammation through balms or lotions. Applying a CBD balm to sore muscles can help with sports recovery (without interfering with drug testing) which is why it’s favoured by professional athletes.
Acne and spots
A good skincare routine is imperative with the number of pollutants that we come into contact with on a daily basis. Many skincare brands offer products that control sebum, such as niacinamide. However, people with sensitive skin, such as acne sufferers may be concerned about applying chemicals directly to their face.
CBD is a natural product that reduces sebum release. So what is sebum and how does it cause acne and spots?
Sebum is the oily substance that is released by the skin to protect it. It is one of our body’s “natural oils” that moisturises and coats the skin to prevent bacteria from breaching our outer barriers. However, some people suffer from overproduction of sebum. When this happens, the oily substance can clog pores and cause dirt or bacteria to be trapped, which leads to spots or acne.
CBD interacts with the glands that produce sebum to control how much sebum is released. Because of this, CBD is proving to be a viable natural option for treatment of acne.
Ageing and wrinkles
CBD has been shown to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which has caught the attention of researchers in the field of ageing. The signs of ageing are caused by oxidative stress. CBD is a powerful antioxidant, so can be used to help keep you looking younger for longer.
The main signs of ageing that we try to avoid through skincare are wrinkles, fine lines, dullness and discolouration or blemishes (also referred to as ‘age spots’). All of these are caused by oxidative damage, but what does that mean?
Oxidative damage to the skin is caused by free radicals in the body. Free radicals are positively-charged atoms. These molecules accumulate over time as we go about our day, stripping our tissue of electrons and causing inflammation. This is what damages our skin and causes us to look older.
One example of the damage that oxidative stress has on the skin is by breaking down collagen and reducing elasticity. When the skin sags from reduced elasticity, we start seeing wrinkles and lines appear.
CBD stops the effects of free radicals, by joining with these molecules to neutralise them. This prevents them from causing inflammation to our skin, leading to damage in the form of visible ageing.
Incorporating CBD into your skincare routine on a daily basis can therefore help reduce the signs of ageing. Consistent use will make your skin look fuller and more plump, giving a youthful appearance.
Many women have concerns about not only their face looking older, but also visible signs of ageing on their hands. Using a CBD hand cream can help keep hands moisturised and reduce wrinkles developing over time.
Eczema and psoriasis treatment
CBD is considered a viable treatment for psoriasis and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties and effects on skin cells. Psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions that can severely impact the life of sufferers by causing uncontrollable itching and flaking.
The common treatment for eczema and psoriasis is application of corticosteroids. Patients are given medications to try to tackle the symptoms of these skin conditions. However, many people are now seeking more holistic and natural treatments for their medical problems. Corticosteroids work by impacting hormonal processes in the body, and reducing the effects of the immune system. It’s no surprise therefore that a natural treatment that doesn’t affect the immune system would be preferred.
Studies assessing the effects of CBD on patients suffering from psoriasis and eczema have shown promising results. Through applying lotion infused with CBD, patient reports and photos showed a significant improvement in the symptoms of these skin conditions. Results included increased hydration and elasticity, and a reduction in itching and visible effects.
CBD offers a safe and natural alternative to standard treatment for skin conditions. It can have a number of benefits without harsh chemicals or medication that may negatively impact the immune system. The great thing is, the lack of negative side effects mean people can try CBD as a treatment to see if it works for them, without causing harm if it doesn’t. Regardless, it is always advised that those already receiving treatment for skin conditions consult their GP prior to trying new products. For high quality and trusted CBD skincare products, the Real Cannabis Club has you covered
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