Over the last few years, holistic skin treatments sourced from plants have gained popularity for several reasons, including gentler formulations for sensitive skin and consumers seeking cleaner, less pharmacological ingredients.
As part of that growth, CBD has become one of the hottest ingredients in the world of beauty and skincare. If all this buzz has you CBD-curious, or perhaps even a little confused, read on to learn about what CBD is and how it may benefit your skin.
What is CBD and What is it Not?
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of the primary active ingredients of cannabis plants, such as marijuana and hemp. The other is its better-known sibling, THC.
Both CBD and THC (cannabinoids) bind with receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) which regulates and balances vital bodily functions such as metabolism, inflammation, mood, sleep and more. THC can overpower your body’s ECS which may result in feelings of euphoria or paranoia. But CBD forms a more gentle bond with your ECS, mimicking the natural endocannabinoids that your body produces and can aid in treating pain, insomnia, anxiety and inflammation without any psychoactive properties.
How does CBD affect your skin?
Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? It is designed to protect the rest of you from external environmental stressors such as germs and extreme temperatures. As CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it stands to reason that CBD would be highly beneficial for treating skin concerns.
The National Library of Medicine suggests that CBD helps treat skin conditions such as:
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the USA, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. When CBD is applied topically, it has been shown to inhibit oil production which can help prevent acne that appears due to excess oil and bacteria. And if that doesn’t intrigue you, a recent study found that CBD may also be beneficial in reducing redness and appearance of acne scars.
Eczema and Rosacea
CBD has also become known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, meaning skincare products infused with high-quality CBD can aid in soothing dry, red, itchy or flaky skin and reduce triggers of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. This magic ingredient has calming effects inside and out!
Anti-Aging
As CBD is plant-derived, it contains powerful antioxidants that can help lessen the visible signs of aging on your skin. By counteracting free-radical damage and reducing inflammation, CBD-based anti-aging products can improve skin texture by smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines to make your skin appear more youthful.
How to choose the right CBD product?
When choosing a CBD-based skincare product, an essential factor to consider is the quality of the product. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that over 60% of online CBD products are mislabeled, so be sure to verify a product’s COA (Certificate of Analysis) before you spend your hard-earned dollars. And be sure to select the products with other ingredients that match your skin type, oily, normal/combination or dry.
References:
- Aad.org. 2022. Skin conditions by the numbers. [online] Available at: <https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers>
- Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, Marcu JP, Hyke T, Vandrey R. Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online. JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909
- Stonewall, Jackson 2019. Dermascope
- Grinspoon, MD, P., 2022. Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't - Harvard Health. [online] Harvard Health. Available at: <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476>
- Palmieri, B., Laurino, C. & Vadalà, M., 2022. A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. [ebook] Modena. Available at: <https://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/2019/170/2/05_PALMIERI-VADALA.pdf>
- Tabassum, N., & Hamdani, M. (2014). Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 8(15), 52-60. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.125531