CBD, short for cannabidiol, has numerous benefits for skin health. If you are considering using CBD for skin care, the benefits to expect include pain and inflammation relief, there is evidence that the compound has anxiolytic properties, and it exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Legally, the FDA is yet to approve cannabidiol as a treatment for health issues apart from epileptic seizures. But what does the research say, is CBD good or bad for the skin?

Medical and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD is good for the skin in that (1) its side effects are mild compared to other treatments. (2) cannabidiol is non-psychoactive -meaning it will not cause a high. (3) topical application and ingestion present zero risk of dependence or addiction.

Additionally, CBD is an anxiolytic, meaning it can help manage stress, depression, and anxiety -which are the main triggers for the majority of skin issues.  

Is CBD skin care legal?

Hemp-based CBD is legal at the federal level, meaning use and distribution are permitted. What is vital to remember is that CBD products that contain more than 0.3%THC constitute marijuana, meaning possession or distribution may constitute a state or federal offense. 

Is CBD the same as hemp oil?

CBD is different from hemp oil in that hemp oil contains little to no CBD and is an extract of hemp seed. CBD is an extract of hemp or marijuana stalks, leaves, or flowers.  The benefits are comparable in that both substances will not cause a high and exhibit the benefits listed below. 

CBD for skin: Is cannabidiol the secret to glowing skin?

What the research says: How is CBD beneficial for skin health?

As you get older, you will notice several differences in the way your skin looks and feels. Lack of proper care may cause the skin to look dull, aged, tight, inflamed, and wrinkly. Environmental factors, including the sun, contact with dirty limbs, friction, pollution, and allergens, also impact the skin.

CBD can lessen the effects of aging and the environment on the skin in the following ways. 

Cannabidiol or CBD, a non-psychoactive extract of hemp or marijuana, offers you the following benefits for the skin.

• CBD calms the skin and underlying muscles. CBD’s calming effect not only benefits the skin, but also the underlying muscles, making it useful for exercise recovery, relaxation, and relief from irritation.
• Cannabidiol is a powerful anti-inflammatory.  According to anecdotal evidence, CBD can cause pain and inflammation relief in as little as 15 minutes to an hour post-exposure. The compound achieves this effect through interactions with the endocannabinoid system. 
•  CBD can help manage or prevent acne because of its sebostatic effect. The sebostatic effect -means that it reduces sebum excretion making cannabidiol useful for persons who have oily skin. 

CBD improves skin health by alleviating itching and dryness

Itchy skin can be a symptom of allergens, dryness, stress, depression, and anxiety. The problem with continued scratching is (1) it can lead to skin injury. (2) scratching may cause or prolong skin infection. (3) scratching may cause scarring or in some individuals, keloids. 

Itchy skin is not always a sign of an external irritant or allergen, it may also be a consequence of conditions including:

• Disease. Itchy skin may be a symptom of diabetes, anemia, liver disease, or kidney disease. If your skin itches for more than two weeks or a month, affects your whole body, or is accompanied by other symptoms, including fever, weight loss, or night sweats, consider consulting with a physician.
• Environmental irritants. It is recommended that you wear protective clothing if you work in a hostile environment. Continued exposure to allergens and pollutants can exacerbate itching.
• Stress, anxiety, and depression.
•  Obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental ails may also be a trigger. 

How do I know what is causing my skin to itch?

You may change your environment, avoid using your current skin care products, and examine the itchy areas. Are there unexplained bumps? Is your skin red, dry, leathery, or has scratch marks?

If you notice any changes, it could be a sign that itching is environment related. 

CBD for skin health: Can cannabidiol relieve itchiness and dryness?

For most sufferers, itchiness is a consequence of dry skin. Meaning, the easiest way to get rid of it is to moisturize. Applying CBD oil also prevents and manages itchiness, redness, and inflammation. It can also help relieve disease-related symptoms. 

An observational study on the topical application of CBD found that 67% of test subjects who have dry or sensitive skin reported a decrease in itching within 2 weeks. 60% of test subjects who have eczema also reported improvements. 

CBD for skin health: Cannabdiol may treat or prevent bacterial and fungal infection.

Medical research suggests that CBD can treat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The compound also exhibits antifungal and antiviral activity.

Topical application may benefit you by preventing and healing infections, making CBD a natural substitute for damaging skin care products. You may apply CBD to wounds, inflamed or irritated areas, or cuts, scratches, and abrasions.

CBD for skin health: how does cannabidiol prevent infections?

Research suggests that CBD prevents bacterial infections due to membrane integrity disruption. The linked study concluded that, quote:

“This study further progresses our current knowledge on the effectiveness of CBD as an antibacterial agent and demonstrates the effectiveness of CBD against Gram-negative bacteria, S. Typhimurium and S. Newington.”

More studies are needed to verify the claims above. But existing studies suggest that CBD has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. 

CBD can slow down skin aging

Wrinkling is an unavoidable consequence of aging. According to research, gravity plays a role in the development of folds and wrinkles. 

CBD is an antioxidant, meaning that it can lessen or reduce signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. Cannabidiol achieves this effect by countering the damage caused by free radicals and gravity. 

CBD for skin health: how do I use it?

There are a variety of topical products, including moisturizers, makeup, and sprays, that you may invest in. 

You may also, as mentioned, combine topical products and medicines with CBD oil.

CBD for skin Health: Are there any warnings or risks?

According to clinical and medical evidence, CBD rarely causes side effects when applied topically. However, the carrier oil may contain an irritant, meaning, if you are prone to allergies, only use pure CBD. 

That said. What you need to remember is:

• The FDA has approved CBD as a treatment for epileptic seizures only. But clinical and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may have uses in the treatment and management of over 50 illnesses, including skin diseases.
•  The recommended daily dose of CBD (ingestion in adults is 1500mg). Consuming higher amounts may cause side effects, including diarrhea, fatigue, and constipation.