Using CBD for skin health is recommended by medical professionals because -the extract of hemp or cannabis exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. In theory, cannabidiol should protect your skin from external and internal stressors.

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors affect skin aging in numerous ways, meaning good health and protection from environmental factors can help prevent premature skin aging. In short, regular CBD application, exercise, and a healthy diet coupled with protection from UV light and environmental pollutants is the secret behind good skin health.

Getting good skin is the ultimate struggle for most, the question is, how do you maintain it? Below is everything you need to know about healthy skin and how CBD can help keep it that way.

CBD for skin health: Quick take

• It is vital to know when to see a dermatologist and when to practice home care for skin problems
• CBD can help maintain skin health by offering protection from acne, itching, infection, and environmental factors.
• Use of CBD may lessen the need for harmful skin care products. 
• CBD relieves pain, inflammation and stress and anxiety.

CBD for skin: What does the skin need to be healthy? 

What does it mean to have healthy skin?

To have healthy skin means to have skin that is (1) free of acne or other inflammatory illnesses. (2) debris-free skin -meaning no dirt, dead skin, or clogged pores. 

In theory, if you do everything right, you should have healthy skin. But that is not always the case because genetics and other factors that are beyond your control may be at play. How do you overcome genetic skin disorders?

Can genetic skin disorders be cured?

Most genetic skin disorders, including albinism, premature aging syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and ectodermal dysplasia, do not have a cure. But the conditions can be managed. How do you do it?

How to keep your skin healthy and how cannabidiol can help

Your skin may fall into one of four main categories of skin. You may have ‘normal’ skin, dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin. CBD for skin can be used for all said types of skin to relieve pain, inflammation, discomfort, heat, and itching. 

What causes pain, inflammation, discomfort, heat, and itching?

The environment exposes your skin to dirt, pollutants, UV light, and other factors that may cause damage leading to the issues above. Consequently, it is in your best interest to determine your skin type so that you can come up with a routine suitable for it. 

CBD for skin health: How do I know if I have dry skin?

Does your skin itch? Does your skin have a rough texture?

If the answer to both questions is yes, and you experience tightness, redness, or discomfort if you do not apply moisturizer, you have dry skin. 

What are the benefits of CBD for dry skin?

• Continued use of moisturizers. Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol or perfumes, as they may exacerbate the condition. Instead, go for thick and greasy CBD-based moisturizers. The benefit being you enjoy CBD’s preventative and healing properties. You may also add a few drops of CBD to your moisturizer of choice to enhance its effects. 
• Facial and body scrubs are recommended to prevent ashiness or dead skin. Exfoliation also makes it easier for CBD and moisturizers to penetrate the skin.
• Protect your skin from the sun and heal damage. CBD hastens skin healing and, when coupled with sun protection, can help prevent damage. We recommend CBD sunblock.

How do I know if I have oily skin?

Overactive sebaceous glands cause an increase in lipids on the surface of the skin. Consequently, oily skin is characterized by thick oily skin with enlarged or visible pores. In your teen years, you are at elevated risk of developing blackheads and blemishes. 

Stress and humid weather also increase the risk of skin disorders for persons with oily skin. 

What is bad for oily skin?

According to medical research, persons with oily skin should avoid:

• Alcohols including isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and denatured alcohol. Exposure will dry and irritate your skin. CBD is a safer protection because it exhibits antibacterial and anti-viral activity. Meaning your focus should be on prevention. If you must use alcohol-based antiseptics, limit exposure to damaged regions only. 
• Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, lauryl sulfate, and ammonium or sodium. These products clog or dehydrate the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
• Comedogenic products including cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and glycerin – will block your hair pores increasing the risk of acne and folliculitis. 

CBD for oily skin: What are the alternatives?

Research suggests that CBD reduces sebum production and fights infectious bacteria reducing the risk of acne and folliculitis. You may combine CBD with ingredients that are good for oily skin, such as:

• Sodium PCA is an ingredient found in skin care products that increases water content on the top layer of the skin. You may add some drops of CBD oil to moisturizers that contain sodium PCA.
• Avoid oily or “heavy” skin care products that clog pores, including petroleum jelly. Instead, go for products that help the skin retain water and offer protection from the environment.
• Retinoids. A combination of CBD and retinol have been proven to treat several skin ailments, including acne and rosacea. Just like CBD, retinoids decrease the secretion of oils from sebaceous glands, benefiting persons who have oily skin.
• Buffered glycolic acid and salicylic acid. The use of said acids helps remove fatty surface oils and cleanse the epidermis. 

How do you identify and treat skin problems at home?

Knowing when to practice home care and when to see a dermatologist is essential in that it can keep skin problems from escalating. 

You need to see a dermatologist if:

• A skin problem, inflammation, or condition does not go away despite the use of CBD, over-the-counter medicines, or practicing proper care.
• The scarring, rashes, or acne, causes pain, appears infected, or persists for more than two weeks to a month.

At home, before you begin treatment, it is in your best interest to understand the condition you are dealing with. Common ailments and home treatment options include.

CBD for skin health: Acne

Acne can be characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, cystic lesions, nodules papules and pustules that typically appear on the shoulders, upper back, forehead, face, or chest. 

Severe acne may itch, cause pain, and popping them may cause or exacerbate the infection. 

CBD for skin health: is CBD good for acne?

A study published in the National Library of Medicine” found that, quote:

“The pharmacodynamics of CBD reveals modulation of critical inflammatory and immunological pathways and receptors leading to a decrease in inflammation and subsequent cytokine production, further supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD… In conclusion, CBD may be beneficial as an adjuvant anti-inflammatory treatment for acne.”

If a combination of CBD and the following does not clear acne, you should consider seeing a dermatologist.

• Spot treatment. Different ingredients will have varying effects on your skin, depending on the type. It is thus recommended that you spot-treat acne with CBD, aloe vera gel, green tea, essential oils, or  tea tree oil. You may use the products separately or create a concoction. If you are prone to allergies, test your concoction on a clear patch of skin before use. 
• Avoid touching and popping pimples. This serves to spread the bacteria. If you must, sanitize your equipment and apply CBD oil to prevent scarring.

Prevention of acne entails:

• Regular CBD application.
• Avoiding applying pressure and friction on afflicted areas.
• Cleanse your face to rid it of debris and sweat.
• Avoid irritants and triggers, especially if you have oily skin.
• Wear sun protection. 

CBD for skin health: Scars, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes.

Acne or infection, scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation may last for days, weeks, or years depending on care. Continued exposure and exacerbation, such as scratching or peeling, may worsen the problems. Consequently, it is advisable to (1) give your skin time to heal (avoid exposure to multiple treatments or chemicals). (2) hasten the healing process. 

CBD can hasten skin healing and prevent scarring. For better effect, it is recommended that you combine spot application with.

• Vitamin C. You may apply lemon juice, CBD, and honey to heal and soothe damaged skin. You may also use products that contain said ingredients. 
• Retinoic acid.

CBD for skin health: How can I heal my skin naturally fast?

Skin health is a day-to-day struggle, meaning you should not neglect care even if you have healthy skin. CBD is both a preventative and curative measure and can this be used to maintain good skin health. But for it to work, couple it with:

• Knowing your skin type and necessary care requirements. 
• Avoid synthetic products and environmental factors that damage the skin.
• Know when to seek medical care.