Nowadays, it seems like everyone is in awe of CBD. While this natural product is still surrounded by stigma, with its endless list of uses and product variations, Cannabidiol oil has confidently started to make its way into the skincare industry over the past couple of years. Read on to learn the basics of CBD, its benefits for skincare and tips for finding safe and effective products for you.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (stands for CBD) is one of many chemical substances found in cannabis plants. Although CBD is psychoactive, what distinguishes it from Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is that it’s non-intoxicating. THC is another of the active compounds found in hemp plants. It is responsible for most of the undesirable effects of cannabis. In contrast, taking CBD will not get you “high”, regardless of how much of it you take.
To produce CBD oil, cannabidiol is mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil or many others. The oil can then be used alone in the form of CBD oil gummies, tinctures and oral sprays or to create a wide variety of skincare products.
Are There Different Types Of CBD Extract?
Aside from various products formats, you have probably noticed that CBD products come in three main forms: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate, and each of them is created differently.
Full-spectrum CBD (often called whole-plant extract) contains all of the plant’s beneficial components, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and legal traces of THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains no THC at all but still brings a complex blend of minor cannabinoids and other compounds found in hemp. Such products are typically used by professional athletes and individuals subjected to regular drug testing in their jobs.
CBD isolate includes only pure CBD oil without any other compounds, including THC.
Although broad-spectrum CBD doesn’t contain THC, it can still produce the entourage effect, which refers to the increased efficiency when all cannabinoids work together. Also, it amplifies the potential therapeutic benefits while neutralising potential risks. Broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD products are considered more efficient than CBD isolates because of the potential entourage effect. At the same time, CBD isolate is odourless and completely THC-free, making it a great choice for first-time users.
What Are The Skincare Benefits Of CBD?
Our bodies contain a complex cell-signalling network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research shows that cannabinoids like CBD and ECS may play a role in regulating many bodily processes and that the cannabinoid receptors are also present in our skin cells.
Nowadays, scientists are only starting to discover the potential health benefits of CBD oil, but new research shows that it has various useful properties that can be applied to the skin.
Acne
Acne is a long-term and the most common skin disease that affects most people at some point in their life. With its potential oil-reducing, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, CBD can help fight acne.
A 2014 study examined the effects of cannabidiol on human sebocytes, the cells that produce sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance generated by the skin. The study found that CBD can prevent sebocytes from producing too much sebum, which is one of the main causes of acne.
A 2016 review highlights the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the cannabis plant, which can help prevent acne caused by skin infections. What’s more, a 2019 study shows that CBD may be beneficial for treating acne scars.
Dryness & itching
A 2019 study suggests that CBD can be useful for treating some of the common symptoms of skin conditions like dryness and itching. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can be especially helpful in relieving potential triggers for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Since CBD oil can help soothe skin and diminish irritation, it can be beneficial for people that are subjected to sensitive skin.
Infection
Since the cannabis plant might have antibacterial and antifungal properties, it also can be useful for treating skin infections.
Ageing & wrinkles
Oxidative stress can happen when there is an imbalance between free radical and antioxidant activities. It can damage many of your tissues, which over time can lead to ageing.
While you cannot completely avoid free radicals and oxidative stress, there are some things you can do to minimise the negative effects of oxidative stress on your body, such as increase your antioxidant levels and reduce the formation of free radicals.
A 2017 study demonstrates the antioxidant properties of CBD. Hence, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of CBD can help prevent the appearance of skin ageing like skin dullness, ruddy skin tone and wrinkles.
Three Tips For Choosing The Right CBD Skincare Brand
No matter if you decide to buy CBD face serum, CBD cream or CBD lip balm, each customer should pay special attention to what he or she is purchasing and research every chosen product.
Opt for a reliable brand. Choose CBD sellers and manufacturers that provide accurate information and details about added ingredients yet don’t make too-good-to-be-true claims about CBD use. Therefore, when shopping for CBD skincare products, do a little research on the CBD company and its reputation on the CBD market, read customer reviews and testimonials.
Look through the ingredients list. Once you find a CBD brand you can trust, the next step is to look at the ingredients panel. Check what the label says about the termination date, review the ingredient list, CBD concentration and THC amount to better understand the product.
Also, since some CBD manufacturers add various essentials oils, natural herbs and other beneficial components to their products, checking the list of ingredients can help to avoid a potential allergic reaction to specific ingredients.
Check Certificate of Analysis. To get maximum from CBD experience, you should make sure the product you buy is of good quality. A certificate of analysis (COA) has all the necessary information about Cannabinoid testing, and it displays the full list of ingredients that are found in the product. These certificates are provided by accredited laboratories, and they only feature tested accurate figures.
