With CBD’s popularity expected to reach a market size worth of $9.69 Billion by 2025, it’s not surprising this multi-purpose, hemp-derived substance is rising in the skincare world too. We’ve seen, read about, and witnessed the list of positive effects CBD can have on our mental health. So how can the same substance be applied as a topical solution, and work its natural wonders to plump and prime our way to healthier looking and feeling skin?
The short answer: CBD is packed full of antioxidants, and much in the same way this can be used to help fight inflammation, it can also help with the soothing and smoothing of irritated, aging, or acne-prone skin. In more clinical skin conditions (such as psoriasis and eczema), the main body of research is still limited to lab and animal studies – however, much like other areas of testing CBD’s potential, the studies are ongoing and are looking extremely promising.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
In general, whether you’re taking CBD topically or orally, this plant-based oil offers itself as a wholesome, green addition or even alternative to pharmaceutical brands in a number of different areas. CBD, in terms of a soothing remedy for the mind and body, works best when combined with a holistic approach to your overall health.
In case you’re new to this stuff: CBD or cannabidiol is a compound extracted from the hemp plant, which is lower than 0.3% THC. It’s extracted and purified in this way, so you do not experience any kind of psychoactive ‘high’ when using CBD products. CBD is more closely linked to a holistic, healthy alternative to areas such as: alleviating symptoms of pain or inflammation, PTSD, anxiety, and improving sleep.
What Does CBD in Skincare Do?
CBD is packed full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. We know why these are good for our gut health, but these hemp seed oil properties are also highly beneficial for skin, hair, and nails. Using CBD skincare as part of your topical self-care routine can help to maintain the skin’s moisture balance – by regulating oil production and hydrating without clogging pores.
A special type of omega-6 fatty acid actually performs like an inflammatory anti-agent – which means a reduction of irritation for acne-prone skin, even in some conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. As acne is often caused by an excess of oil in the skin, CBD skincare has shown to be a good remedy. One study even shows a dramatic reduction of atopic dermatitis symptoms and appearance, with the use of CBD over the course of 20 weeks.
As acne is an inflammatory condition, anything you can apply to skin to help soothe will be helpful, and likely reduce breakouts and redness. In this sense, does CBD do anything for skin? Yes. In addition to CBD’s effects on CB1 and CB2 receptors, it has been shown there is also an effect on two other receptors (named TRPV-1 and GPR55 – but that’s the real scientific stuff). Both of these are found in the skin and are found in inflammation and pain signaling. This makes CBD’s calming benefits a helpful aid to reactive skin – making it look and feel better.
A common question: can CBD be absorbed through the skin? Yes. A liberal application means that CBD skincare can reach cannabinoid receptions through pores in the skin. Despite the skin blocking most things that try to enter it. For best effects with a CBD topical, consistent application is important.
Is CBD Anti-Ageing?
Anti-aging products – or ‘pro-aging’ as brands are now characterizing – make up for the largest market share of skincare products. The demand has always been high for new solutions, but can this hemp seed plant-based oil which seems to be working its magic on other areas of the mind and body – really contribute to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?
The answer, for the most part, is yes. Here’s why: Skin damage is inevitable as we grow older. Free radicals build up over time, causing damage to cells. Aging skin therefore naturally becomes more fragile, thinner, and drier. When we add in factors such as sun damage, pollution, and stress, the search for the magic cream to plump our skin to look like our 25-year-old selves – heightens. CBD, as we know, contains powerful antioxidants that help to stop damage caused by free radicals. It also works by protecting the surface of the skin from further declination. CBD also contains linoleic and oleic acids, both contribute to skin health and longevity.
So, does CBD oil tighten skin? What’s the verdict? There are plenty of antioxidant products on the market, and CBD skincare is one of them. Furthering your topical solution with a tincture would increase the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream. Vitamin C is a strong aid to aging skin, which could be used in conjunction with the CBD oil.
Tips on choosing your CBD Skincare
A few things to keep in mind: when looking for CBD skincare products, make sure the ingredient list states ‘cannabidiol’. Even ‘hemp seed oil’ or ‘hemp seed extract’ is not the same thing. Be wary of mimics on the shelves. Many brands list the total cannabidiol content in milligrams, which can be a good clue as to whether a CBD product is legit. You can also ask the brand or check if they have evidence of a certification on the claimed level of content. Another tip: look for sealed containers. If CBD is exposed to a lot of light or air, it can become less effective. Finally: learn the difference between ‘isolate’, ‘full-spectrum’, or ‘broad-spectrum’.
- Isolate: pure CBD. No other cannabinoids.
- Broad Spectrum: No THC is detectable.
- Full Spectrum: Trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids such as CBG and antioxidant compounds.