CBD skin care products may be the hottest trend in skin care today. But is the hype really worth it? In this article, we’ll dive into CBD skincare, its benefits, and what you should look for when you buy.
According to a Market Watch report, the global CBD cosmetics market is estimated to be over $580 million. And Grand View Research projects global growth of 1.7 billion by 2025.
If you’re considering trying CBD-infused products but don’t know where to begin, skincare may just be an excellent place to start.
CBD’s skin-loving properties
What makes CBD ideal for the skin is its anti-inflammatory properties? You see, the cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds that act on the body’s endocannabinoid system, keeping it all in a state of balance. One of these compounds, cannabidiol or CBD, possesses properties that help improve a variety of skin diseases like:
CBD for acne breakouts
Ah, acne, the one word that strikes fear in every teenager’s heart. But why do we get it?
We get acne when hair follicles become blocked with too much oil or sebum and dead skin. Unfortunately, bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes love to get into these clogged hair follicles. The plugged follicle then becomes infected, inflamed and a pimple starts to develop.
CBD may help treat pimples because research has shown that it may have sebum-reducing properties.
One 2014 study looked into the effects of CBD on human sebocytes. Sebocytes are cells that create sebum or the oily substance in our skin. While sebum has a pretty neat function to help keep the skin lubricated, protecting it from friction and making it impervious to moisture, too much of it can cause acne or pimples.
Researchers found that CBD can prevent sebocytes from making too much sebum.
CBD also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help prevent acne infections, according to a 2016 review.
Another 2019 study suggests that CBD may help to improve acne scars which would not only improve the appearance of their skin but may even help build their self-esteem.
CBD for skin itchiness
Eczema affects up to 15 million Americans, while psoriasis affects 7.4 million Americans.
CBD may help treat common symptoms of skin diseases like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. While conditions like psoriasis and eczema currently have no cure, CBD may lessen the severity of symptoms like dryness and itching.
According to a 2019 study, CBD’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce triggers of these diseases. It can also help soothe the skin, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Another 2019 study looked into the effect of a CBD isolate (CBD oil without THC) infused ointment and found that it helped improve the appearance of the skin.
CBD for wrinkles and aging skin
According to Medical News Today, “oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage.” Oxidative stress is also theorized to be the culprit behind wrinkles and many symptoms of aging.
CBD oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help prevent or lessen the appearance of wrinkles and aging skin.
So, what CBD skin care products should you choose?
Firstly, find out what type of CBD product you want to start with. Do you want CBD isolate, Full-spectrum, or Broad-spectrum CBD? To find out more about these kinds, visit our “Benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil and Massage” article.
Next, ask your doctor if CBD is suitable for you. Most people can tolerate using CBD but; some may develop allergic reactions to it or other ingredients in the product and may develop rashes. We recommend that you talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider to see if CBD skincare is for you.
There are so many CBD skincare products in the market that it can be challenging to pick one to start. But we recommend starting with a CBD-infused topical serum or lotion.