The world is falling in love with everything CBD, from CBD supplements to infused lotions and creams, CBD oils and tinctures, and CBD skincare lines. With an estimated value of over $580 million, the global CBD cosmetics market is one trend that won’t die out soon.
So the biggest question is: “Is CBD good for your skin?” Can CBD help with skin issues like acne, scarring, psoriasis, and eczema?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of CBD skincare and CBD’s benefits for the skin.
What is CBD?
CDB or Cannabidiol is one of the active ingredients found in cannabis (marijuana). Unlike THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD can’t make you high. It’s non-psychoactive.
According to the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” So you don’t have to worry about getting high while using CBD in any of your products. While CBD may not give you that buzz, it has plenty of therapeutic benefits to offer.
CBD is available and gaining popularity throughout the United States, it’s important to look for products that contain CBD from legally grown hemp that follow the standards set in the 2018 United States Farm Bill.
The topical use of CBD.
CBD has been touted for its many uses, from effectively treating childhood epilepsy to managing anxiety and pain, especially for ailments like arthritis and fibromyalgia. There’s still a lot of research to be done for sure.
Our focus will be its anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly on the skin.
For more on CBD’s other perks, we recommend reading the following: • Is CBD oil good for massage?
Benefits of CBD when applied to the skin.
The key to CBD’s benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil contains skin-friendly polyunsaturated fats—including omega-6 fatty acids. CBD oils have many of these fats; one of the omega-6 fatty acids is Gamma-Linolenic Acid or GLA. GLA is a powerful compound that reduces inflammation, encourages skin growth and the generation of new cells.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, CBD is known to hydrate, moisturize and soothe the skin. Plus, it may have anti-aging properties too. Two essential fatty acids found in hemp oil, Linoleic acid and Oleic acids, are essential for skin health.
CBD oil has been shown to improve skin issues. The American Academy of Dermatology highlighted the benefits of topical cannabis to improve skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema with no adverse side effects associated with their use.
In a press release by the American Academy of Dermatology, Jeanette Jacknin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says that because cannabis has many anti-inflammatory properties, “there may be potential for topical cannabis to improve conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema by reducing the inflammation associated with these diseases.”
Studies have shown that CBD does have the potential to improve skin issues.
According to the Dermatology Times, a 2019 study, “A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars,” found that applying a topical CBD-enriched ointment to lesioned skin twice daily for three months in patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and resulting outcome scars showed improvements in inflammation and skin symptoms.
Another randomized, single-blind study found that hempseed oil reduced the appearance of atopic dermatitis after 20 weeks.
Another study highlighted by the Dermatology Times is one from the Journal of Drug in Dermatology. The study, published in 2014, found that CBD has the potential to help suppress acne breakouts by regulating sebum or oil production of the sebaceous glands. This could lead to less harsh medication for controlling moderate to severe acne.
If you’re someone who suffers from acne, psoriasis, eczema, or other skin issues, CBD oil might be the natural miracle treatment you’ve been searching for.
How to safely use CBD oil on your skin?
Starting CBD oil isn’t all that daunting. We’ve broken down the steps for you so you can start today.
Firstly, always do a patch test to see if you develop any allergy signs to CBD oil.
According to Dr. Adarsh Mudgil, a double board-certified dermatologist, in an interview with Forbes, “If you happen to have a reaction from a CBD topical product, it’s likely not from the CBD itself, but some other ingredient like a botanical.”
Next, apply the CBD oil directly to clean skin and leave it on for up to two minutes. Then, wash with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
