CBD and Skincare: Does it Work?

Last Updated on January 25, 2023 by Jamie

Whether it’s candles, cocktails, clothing, or chocolates, CBD is in everything, and everywhere you can possibly imagine.

And recently, it has managed to take the beauty and skincare industry by storm. From creams and lip balms to moisturisers and sunscreen, an array of these hemp-infused products is available in stores worldwide. But the question is: Does CBD Works? And is it safe to slather on your skin?

Read our blog post to find the answers and the boons of this buzzy ingredient for your skin.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a substance obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its famous cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not get its users high. In fact, it can potentially help those in recovery by alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

With roots in South Asia, Cannabidiol is said to be first used around 750 B.C for medicinal reasons. Currently, it is advertised as a multi-purpose ingredient with unlimited health benefits. These benefits include:

• Offsetting depression and anxiety
• Treating epilepsy syndromes
• Alleviating PTSD symptoms
• Helping with opioid addiction
• Reducing the symptoms of sclerosis
• Relieving muscle and joint pain
• Lowering diabetic complications
• Protecting against neurodegenerative disorders 
• Inhibiting the symptoms of arthritis

But exactly how does CBD cause these effects?

As stated in this article, CBD interacts with your brain and body through the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The ECS also controls multiple biological functions, including mood, pain, pleasure, sleep, fertility, appetite, and memory. And whenever something goes wrong in your body, it releases natural cannabinoids to restore the body’s balance.

CBD stimulates the ECS to release endocannabinoids and simultaneously slows down their breakdown by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme. This results in the endocannabinoids staying longer in your body and showing their positive effects.

Besides, CBD also operates through multiple other molecular pathways, affecting the immune system and other receptors in the skin and the brain.  All in all, it is a versatile compound that is necessary for overall health and well-being.

Is CBD Safe for the Skin?

As mentioned above, Cannabidiol is an excellent natural remedy to treat health conditions and mental disorders. But did you know that it can also offer an array of benefits for your skin?

From hydrating your skin and keeping it young to treating skin conditions like eczema, CBD can make you feel good from head to toe.

It is generally safe for your skin and has a promising safety profile, allowing people to use it without fear. However, sometimes it can cause a few side effects such as:

• Skin rash or irritation
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Mild Nausea
• Constipation
• Dry Mouth

It is important to know that CBD itself does not cause any bad reactions. Instead, other product ingredients such as additives, dyes, or fragrances are the reason behind these adverse effects.

In addition, it is best to avoid CBD products if you are sensitive to any ingredients or are taking certain medications. For example, sedatives and antidepressants are two medications that can interact with CBD and lead to adverse reactions.

Whatever the reason is, we advise consulting a health professional before using CBD and its products.

The Benefits of CBD for the Skin

You might have heard people attribute CBD’s vogue to its “do anything” reputation. Many turn to CBD in hopes of treating several ailments, including insomnia, pain conditions, anxiety, and now- skin problems.

Take a look at your skincare supplies, and you are sure to find CBD written somewhere. Manufacturers add CBD to their products to enhance their effects and give them a boost. This chemical is found in a range of beauty products because of its versatility.

These are some of the best-known benefits of CBD for the skin:

Helps with psoriasis and eczema

One touted function of CBD is reducing inflammation. When applied topically, CBD can interact with cannabinoid receptors to stop the inflammatory response.

It does this by blocking the interleukins which are responsible for intensifying inflammation. Increased inflammation is accompanied by itching, redness and other skin diseases, including psoriasis and eczema. And this is where CBD shows up.

Several studies prove the effectiveness of CBD in treating skin inflammatory conditions. As shown in this study, a specific CBD ointment helped improve scarring, eczema, and psoriasis through its anti-inflammatory action.

A Perfect Solution for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is another inflammatory skin condition characterised by redness, pimples and scars. Many factors can trigger acne, but applying anything that reduces inflammation can help prevent it.

Numerous studies have illustrated the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD and how it can calm reactive skin.

Research also indicates that CBD can decrease excess oil (sebum) production and balance skin’s oil flow, preventing breakouts.

Some studies also state that this anti-acne action of CBD is due to its potential to kill Gram-positive bacteria, which are a significant cause of acne.

However, despite such auspicious news, more conclusive human research is needed to confirm these claims.

Prevents Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Since CBD comes from a plant, it is no wonder it possesses antioxidant properties. These antioxidants lend CBD its anti-ageing nature. By combatting free-radical damage and lowering inflammation, CBD products visibly diminish problems like wrinkles, ruddy skin tone, and skin dullness.

Of course, the market is filled with plenty of other antioxidants that promise the same windfalls, so CBD is not the “best” or only antioxidant to seek out. Instead, it is among many to consider. You can even combine it with other such ingredients for faster and better results.

Reduces Inflammation from Sunburns

One of the newest benefits of CBD in skin care is its use in sunscreens. Its anti-inflammatory properties help minimise the effects of sunburn. CBD also increases the absorption of SPF into the skin and tempers the reaction of sunburned areas.

Keeps Your Skin Hydrated

Your skin needs adequate water to function properly. And not getting enough hydration can cause it to become dry, tight, and flaky, and hence, less resilient at its job. Dehydrated skin is also vulnerable to infections and premature ageing.

Flakiness, dullness, and roughness are hallmarks of skin that have not been sufficiently nourished. Studies have shown that CBD can act as a moisturising agent and prevent water loss, therefore, keeping your skin soft and supple.

Keeps Fungal Infections at Bay

A persistently warm and moist skin can lure fungus towards it. These fungal infections can soon spread from your skin and infect your body.

CBD oil has been observed to possess antifungal properties. It can augment the effects of caryophyllene oxide, an antifungal that hinders fungal growth in plants and humans. Some studies also propose antibacterial properties of CBD, particularly in inhibiting staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria responsible for causing bone, skin, and heart valve infections.

How to Use CBD on the Skin

Now that you know the benefits of CBD for the skin, you might be wondering how to use it. From drinkables and edibles to rub-on products, there are endless ways to incorporate CBD in your skin care.

Depending on your needs and ease, you can choose a suitable route for your CBD supplements. Here are a few options you can consider.

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CBD Capsules

Like other capsules, CBD capsules are soft gels filled with cannabinoids. Usually, these are swallowed whole, but if you are unable to tackle this challenge, you can try other similar products, such as chewable CBD tablets.

Along with CBD, these capsules often include other ingredients to provide additional benefits or to uplift the ones provided by CBD.

One reason behind the popularity of CBD capsules is that they come with stated doses, therefore telling you exactly how much CBD you are intaking.

CBD Oil & Tinctures

If you hear someone talking about CBD oil, there is a good possibility that they are referring to tinctures. Sure, the word sounds outdated, but it is for a reason: tinctures have been used since ancient Egyptian times, and for thousands of years.

Unlike capsules, CBD oils and tinctures are easy to take. Just put two drops under your tongue, and you are good to go. Plus, they come in different flavours and potencies to provide you with lots of options when searching for a CBD supplement.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals can be of two types: those intended to enhance your complexion or nourish your skin (like face creams) and those designed to support an active lifestyle (such as balms and gels).

These topicals show their effect by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors on your skin and showing their effects.

However, calculating the dose with CBD topicals can be quite tricky (how much is in a pea-sized amount? And, exactly what size is pea-sized?) But, one big advantage of these products is that you can apply them directly to the affected area. They also comprise other ingredients, such as menthol, to show faster results.

How to Find the Best CBD Products

With such a great variety to choose from, finding the right CBD product can be challenging.

Here are some tips to assist you in your lookout:

• Always go for a brand that you trust. It may require some trial and error to find the best brand, but it is certainly better than sticking to a mediocre one.  
• It is better to consider a company whose main focus is CBD rather than a beauty brand with only a handful of CBD products. Since CBD-oriented products are more likely to give better results.
• Review the ingredients list to make sure that CBD is present in the product. You can even look for other ingredients, such as shea or coconut oil, for added benefits for your skin.
• Look for the total cannabidiol content on the product to help you with accurate dosing.  
• You can even ask the company for third-party certification of the product’s purity to determine if it is legitimate.
• Ask the brand about its source of CBD, as well as their growing conditions and checking measures.
• Ensure the suitability of packaging. Clear bottles are a straight no since they can expose CBD to air and light, reducing its effectiveness.
• Browse through the company’s website, online reviews and ratings.
• Ask for a sample or a trial size.
• Look at the feel, texture, and smell of the product. After all, no one wants to apply a smelly, unappealing product on their skin.

Once you have ticked the above checkboxes, you will find yourself with a CBD product that is the right match for you!

Steps to Take Before Trying it out

Once you have selected your desired product, you should take care of a few things before trying it out.

The secret to promising results of any product lies in its time and dosing. Therefore, it is essential to find the proper dose of CBD for the condition you are using it for.

And secondly, if you are using CBD supplements for specific skin treatment, we advise you to consult a dermatologist to avoid any risks or side effects.

Once you have conversed with your doctor and taken proper measures, you are ready to reap the benefits of CBD!

Conclusion

Bottom line, Cannabidiol or CBD, is one of the heavy hitters in the beauty and skincare domain. With its use in skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and other potential health-promoting benefits, CBD indeed is worth all the hype.

You can either apply it directly on your skin or consume it in capsules or oils to maintain the pristine condition of your skin.