You might have noticed that CBD has quickly become one of the most popular ingredients in skincare, but what actually is it - and what does it do? CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound extracted from cannabis. It is also known as a phytocannabinoid and there are over 120 phytocannabinoids in this family of plants.
CBD skin care will not make you high or have any mind-altering effects as it is completely separate from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive element in marijuana. Instead CBD has many soothing, reliving, and rejuvenating properties - making it the perfect skin care supplement.
Acne is a skin condition which can aggravate the face as well as other parts of the body, such as the back and the chest. People who suffer from acne can find it incredibly frustrating as the condition can knock their confidence. Although it can be triggered by a number of things, one of the primary causes of acne is an overproduction of sebum which clogs the pores - leaving them unable to breathe. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, triggering the red blemishes commonly associated with acne. CBD has been found to control the product and secretion of sebum, which is a major benefactor when it comes to managing and preventing acne.1 CBD also has natural anti-inflammatory properties,2 which act to soothe the redness and scars caused by acne.
Eczema and psoriasis are common skin conditions which cause the skin to become extremely dry and cracked. There are a wide number of pharmaceutical creams available for these skin conditions, but people are turning increasingly to natural remedies, in order to avoid putting any harsh chemicals on their skin. CBD has reportedly eased the symptoms of both eczema and psoriasis. The National Eczema Association suggested that this may be because the cannabinoid has a “powerful anti-itch effect” - as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (fights microorganisms) properties.
Despite it being a fact of nature, most of us are strongly opposed to the idea of our skin ageing - and slowing the process is sought after. When our skin ages, it is not necessarily because we are getting older - but sometimes because of the harsh environments it is exposed to, combined with a lack of proper care. CBD has natural antioxidant properties which fight to neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals, which can greatly damage the skin. The antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties will keep skin hydrated, plump, and glowing - while warding off wrinkles.
Sensitive skin can be a nightmare, especially when shopping for new skin products. You want to invest in the very best for your skin, but you don’t want to drop a bomb on a product that might irritate your skin. Luckily, CBD’s properties (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) provide it with an overall skin-normalising effect, minimising sensitivity and protecting it against daily stressors.
What to look for in a high quality CBD skin care product?
When shopping for CBD skin care there one key piece of information that you need to be on the lookout for: whether the product is using hemp oil or CBD oil. At first this can be confusing because aren’t they both hemp oils? Correct - but, these two ingredients are extracted from different parts of the hemp plant using different methods. Consequently, hemp oil contains no cannabinoids - which is where all of these unique benefits are held.
Speaking of cannabinoids, there are over 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. It has been found that when kept together (as found in their natural form) the cannabinoids synergistically work together, enhancing the benefits - along with terpenes and flavonoids. This type of extract is called as full spectrum. Buying full spectrum products will allow you to benefit fully from CBD.
Why do CBD beauty products cost so much?
CBD skin care is not cheap. This is because, as often is the case in life, the good things require a little extra effort. Extracting CBD from hemp is neither a quick nor easy process, it takes time to grow and a lot of expensive equipment to extract. And this is reflected in the price of the final product. Watch out for a CBD product which seems abnormally cheap, as this may be a testament to the quality of the ingredients. However, just because a product is expensive, it doesn’t mean that it is the best either!
If you’re looking into updating your skin care routine and incorporating some natural CBD products, we could not recommend it enough. CBD is a perfect dermatological companion which soothes, hydrates, and nourishes all types of skin. Take your time to do your research and find high quality products that work for you - the good news is that after reading this article, you’re already on your way.