CBD Products for Skin health: Surprising Ways Cannabidiol may Improve Skin Health
CBD oils, creams, lotions, balms, and face masks, have the potential to slow down skin aging and improve skin health. That is according to anecdotal evidence and medical research published on NCBI and multiple reputable sources. How true are these claims?
Are CBD products safe for the skin? Below is everything you need to know.
Quick take: can CBD improve skin health?
- CBD contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
- Medical studies suggest that CBD effectively prevents and cures skin conditions including acne, eczema, and inflammation.
- CBD products that contain no more than 0.3% THC are legal in all states.
- You may incorporate CBD into your skincare routine.
- CBD can prevent and cure itching, insect bites, and dry skin.
CBD can help with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
What is CBD?
The abbreviation “CBD” stands for cannabidiol, one of over 100 compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. What makes the compound different is that it does not produce a high effect, and it can be an extract of hemp or cannabis.
America’s Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, a synthetic form of CBD, as medicine for epilepsy, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastauat syndrome.
What to remember:
- It is lawful to sell and purchase hemp products in the US since 2018.
- CBD is an approved prescription drug in some states and can thus be used in cosmetic products, foods, and related uses.
- Apart from improving skin health, CBD has potential uses in pain relief and has shown promise in controlling/preventing Parkinson’s disease, dystonia (muscle disorder), and many other conditions.
- Topical application and ingestion of CBD may improve skin health.
Popular claims, benefits, and evidence of CBD efficacy in boosting skin health
CBD capsules, oil bases, food items, and oil labels -make a lot of claims some of which are fact-based and others anecdotal. After reviewing multiple medical studies, we know that:
- CBD is not intoxicating. CBD products contain little if no THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for highs.
- CBD is good for the skin. Multiple studies have shown CBD’s efficacy in treating skin conditions, aiding healing, and slowing down the aging process.
- Is there scientific evidence that CBD helps improve health conditions? Yes. The FDA has approved Epidiolex (synthetic CBD) as medicine.
Why trust the evidence?
For the longest time, marijuana and hemp have been schedule 1 narcotics. A schedule 1 narcotic status implies that the compound or chemical in question has no medical value.
However, universities, including Penn State College of Medicine, the University of Pittsburg, and Columbia University, are certified in clinical research on CBD.
So far, multiple studies have come to the same conclusion. To put it better, a study on CBD for skin health and disorders concluded -quote:
“While the therapeutic potential of CBD for acne, seborrhea, eczema/dermatitis, and skin barrier function is promising, more robust studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy”
Does CBD make your skin better?
Going by updated medical and anecdotal evidence. Yes. CBD can make your skin better. The question is, how does it work?
Can CBD stop acne?
Sebum, an oily substance that lubricates human hair and skin, is the main cause of acne. What typically happens is sebum coupled with dead skin cells and bacteria plug hair follicles -resulting in inflammation and sometimes pain.
To prevent the accumulation. We recommend regular use of CBD-based facial scrubs. Why?
If your body produces excess sebum, the result is likely acne. The study linked above found that CBD can help prevent sebocytes (epithelial cells), from producing excessive sebum. Couple that with the benefits of regular facial or body scrubbing, and you have effective control or preventative strategy against acne.
Other benefits of regular skin scrubbing using CBD products include:
- Smooth glowing skin. Dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria can dampen and roughen your complexion. Scrubbing “sheds” the outer layer keeping your skin smooth and glowing.
- Unclog pores. By reducing sebum production, CBD products prevent pore clogging.
- Better absorption. By keeping your skin debris free, the organ can better absorb skin care products.
How does CBD help hormonal acne?
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and, as mentioned, reduces sebum production. This can be beneficial to persons afflicted by hormonal acne.
CBD for Dry skin and itching
CBD has antioxidant effects. Why is that important?
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit a chemical reaction known as oxidation. Left unchecked, oxidation causes the release of free radicals and a chain reaction that causes itching, dry skin, and redness.
It is also true that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects.
The combination of the two effects can help prevent inflammation and slow down the skin aging process.
How to use CBD on wrinkles, dry skin, and damaged skin
A combination of scrubbing and topical application of CBD will help heal damaged skin, prevent dryness, and help reduce oxidative stress. “Oxidative stress” refers to an imbalance between antioxidants in the body and free radicals. Without getting too sciency, what you need to remember is:
- CBD helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting neural regulation. Less stress and deeper facial muscle relaxation can help prevent wrinkles.
- Consumption and topical application of CBD help reduce or prevent inflammation caused by conditions including eczema and psoriasis.
- CBD can help improve skin elasticity.
Insect bites and skin infections
Mosquitoes and other biting insects may cause skin problems and can be fatal in some instances. CBD is not an insect repellant. Instead, its antibacterial and antifungal properties can prevent an insect bite from escalating into an infection.
Is CBD oil good for itching skin?
Itching can be caused by several issues, including insect bites, parasites, skin dryness, and conditions including scabies and eczema. These issues manifest themselves as inflammation, rashes, pain, and dryness.
By interacting with your endocannabinoid system, CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation. That is according to animal studies.
Can oral CBD be used topically?
What does the label say? It is common practice for manufacturers in the US to recommend products for oral and topical use. Before you ingest any product for health reasons, you should check the label and test it for allergies.
How to allergy test CBD products
If you have a history of allergic reactions, you may test CBD skin care products by applying a small amount on a clear patch of skin. If you experience redness, itching, irritation, or burning, you could be allergic.
For oral products, you may place a few drops of the product or a small sample on the tongue. If you experience any discomfort within or after 24 hours, you could be allergic to that product.
What are some allergic reactions to CBD products?
The world health organization says that humans generally tolerate CBD products. Depending on the method of CBD, the consumers may experience:
- Cotton/dry mouth.
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Weight changes.
If you are using doctor-prescribed skin medicine, you should check product interaction (check label) or ask your doctor if it is safe to use the medication with CBD.
How can I use CBD to improve skin health?
Before use, medical experts recommend that you read the label and the flyer that comes with the product. If the product is ingestible, the label will indicate it.
It is worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate CBD products. Consequently, what you should look for on the label include:
- THC percentage. If you do not want to experience the high effect, choose CBD products that have a THC percentage below 0.3%.
- Was the product tested? The manufacturer’s commercial interest may influence internal testing. We recommend third-party-approved CBD products.
- Has the FDA issued warning letters to the manufacturer? The FDA may issue warning letters to manufacturers whose products contain mold, heavy metals, or other harmful chemicals.
How long Does CBD Take to work on skin?
The method of consumption determines how long it takes to experience results. On damaged or injured skin, you may experience the effects, including pain relief, anywhere from fifteen minutes or an hour.
But it depends on how damaged the skin is.
Reparative effects such as wound healing or acne relief may take a few days or weeks, depending on your routine.
CBD skin care products you should add to your routine
CBD can be a part of every step in your skincare routine. Unlike heavily processed skin care products, Pure CBD oil does not contain chemicals, heavy metals, and other ingredients that may cause long-term skin problems.
Below is how to create the perfect morning and night CBD skincare routine.
Morning routine:
- Begin by applying a CBD oil-based cleanser.
- Follow with a CBD-based toner or astringent.
- Spot treatment.
- Apply a lighter CBD-based face oil.
- You may apply CBD sunscreen and heavy face oil if you intend to spend the day in the sun.
Night Routine
During the day, sweat, dirt, and bacteria may build up on the face. To keep that from escalating into a problem such as acne. You should:
- Remove makeup using a CBD oil-based remover.
- Exfoliate the skin using a CBD exfoliator or body scrub (be gentle, do not overdo it).
- You may apply a hydrating mask if you so wish.
Can CBD improve skin health?
Yes. Medical research and anecdotal evidence suggest that regular use of CBD products is beneficial to the skin and presents a negligible risk of allergies.
CBD products offer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits.
Consume it orally or topically to improve skin health and your health in general.
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