When scientists were researching tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the early ’90s, they were able to identify the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, memory, and other essential functions and processes. It’s a sophisticated cell-signaling system in the body that works even when one doesn’t use cannabis.
To understand how topical cannabidiol (CBD) products work, keep in mind that the skin has ECS receptors. By interacting with these receptors, topical CBD preparations can provide relief from symptoms of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, etc.
That said, let’s talk about the skin benefits of CBD products, how to use them, and what to know when buying CBD-infused skincare products.
Table of Contents
From Acne to Wrinkles: All About the Skin Benefits of CBD
While a lot of research still needs to be done, this is what scientists know about CBD’s skin benefits so far:
Acne
When oil and dead skin cells build up and plug hair follicles, whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples form. Though it’s most common among teenagers, acne can affect people of all ages.
Other causes of acne include excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. Breakouts could also happen because of hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications.
One way CBD skincare products help with acne is through CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. Not only can CBD help reduce swelling associated with inflammatory acne, but it can also decrease redness. Topical CBD products can also help reduce breakouts by regulating oil production. CBD’s skin benefits are it cure acne.
Dryness
Does your skin feel drier than usual when you soak in hot water? What about when the weather’s too hot or cold?
It’s normal to feel dryness sometimes, especially when there’s low moisture in the air. Using harsh soaps can also strip off moisture from your skin.
To combat dryness, you need to use hydrating products like CBD Care Garden moisturizer. Don’t forget that CBD oil is naturally moisturizing. It’s one of the skin benefits of CBD. It can help seal in moisture, preventing chapping and flaking.
Another CBD product to consider is a nourishing CBD shower gel or skin cleanser. Instead of bar soap, which can be high pH, gentle CBD cleansers will not disrupt your skin’s natural pH (between 4.7 and 5.75). They won’t damage its moisture barrier either.
Eczema
Characterized by patches of skin becoming itchy, inflamed, cracked, and rough, eczema affects over 10% of the US population. There are different types of eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most common kind. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin.
Since CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help relieve eczema symptoms. CBD also has anti-itch and pain-relieving effects. Altogether, these properties make CBD useful for patients who suffer from sleep loss because of severe itching and irritation. Those are CBD’s skin benefits.
For eczema patients who have broken skin caused by frequent scratching, CBD also acts as an anti-microbial. Since breaks in the skin are prone to infections, doctors will sometimes prescribe antibiotics to eczema sufferers. If you have atopic dermatitis, you can use CBD to help heal infected skin areas.
Psoriasis
Psoriatic patients have skin cells that multiply at an abnormally fast rate. Now, these cells build up into bumpy red patches with a scaly appearance.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but most experts believe it has something to do with the immune system. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for it. But some treatments can help reduce symptoms, such as steroid creams, moisturizers, and retinoids.
A 2007 study showed that CBD and other cannabinoids could slow down skin cells’ growth and division. Together with CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, this effect makes CBD-infused products a promising treatment for psoriasis. Those are CBD’s skin benefits.
Rosacea
Often confused with acne, rosacea is a condition where the face becomes super flushed. Aside from redness, rosacea also causes small blood vessels on the nose and face to swell.
It’s also common for rosacea patients to get red bumps that may sometimes contain pus. Like acne, treatment involves good skincare and prescription drugs when needed.
Using CBD topicals can help soothe rosacea symptoms, thanks to CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities. Those are CBD’s skin benefits. Tip: When shopping for CBD products for rosacea, look for a cream or balm with other ingredients such as chamomile, oatmeal, and raw honey to get more skin-calming benefits.
Wrinkles
Are you using different anti-aging products? Do you want to simplify your skincare routine?
While CBD can help treat specific skin conditions, anyone can use CBD facial products for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. With its antioxidant properties, CBD can combat skin damage caused by pollution and sun exposure. CBD is also rich in fatty acids, which provide extra moisture and help plump up the skin. Those are CBD’s skin benefits.
How to Use CBD Skincare Products
You can use CBD skincare products daily or as directed by your doctor. If you like layering products, remember that the order should be from thinnest to thickest.
That means if you’re using a CBD facial serum with a thick consistency, it should go last in your routine. There’s no need to wait before application if you’re using products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. CBD plays well with these actives.
If you can find an all-in-one product with all these ingredients, you’re in luck. You don’t have to buy separate moisturizers, oils, essences, facial masks, etc.
Just be sure to avoid products with alcohol, as this could trigger inflammatory conditions like acne.
Some Tips to Remember When Buying CBD
Should you buy full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate skincare products?
It depends on your preference. Some CBD fans feel CBD isolate skincare lines are less likely to clog their pores since they’re getting CBD in its purest form.
On the other hand, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum fans like products with other compounds. These include terpenes, flavonoids, trace amounts of THC, and so on.
Regardless of what formulation you like, the most important thing to check is its quality. With so many CBD skin benefits products to choose from, go for those that have a Certificate of Analysis. This way, you can be sure that they contain the right amount of CBD as stated in their labels.
Is CBD Right for You?
Now that you know some of CBD’s skin benefits, are you thinking about trying CBD skincare products?
If you still have questions, don’t worry. We have tons of CBD articles you can check out. We also have other health and fitness articles that might interest you, so don’t hesitate to stick around and browse our site.