Using CBD for Skin Care: A Natural Remedy You May Be Missing

person Larry Ostrovsky
calendar_today Dec 24, 2017

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, has been making the rounds as the latest natural and alternative therapy. Studies have shown CBD has numerous health benefits and possesses several health-promoting properties. Perhaps one of the lesser-known benefits is that CBD cosmetics are fantastic for your skin.

The cannabinoid's anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor or anticancer properties could be the reason behind the increasing popularity of CBD skin care and cosmetics.

Especially for individuals suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne, a good CBD balm, and CBD cosmetics could very well be revolutionary.

How CBD Skin Care Can Help Various Skin Conditions

Aging

Preliminary study has shown that CBD has some antioxidant effect in the body.

So far, research has focused only on CBD's ability to confer neuroprotection via these effects. Yet in one laboratory study, the cannabinoid prevented cell death via antioxidation, which is promising news for CBD skin care. [1]

For this reason, it can be speculated that CBD is able to protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals. Oftentimes, free radicals are brought on by overexposure to the sun and UV rays, smoke, and various other pollutants. Free radicals also can cause fine lines and wrinkles, leading to premature aging.

CBD is able to protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals.

Acne

An incredibly frustrating skin condition, acne is also very common. It has numerous underlying causes, but it is often brought on by:

stress,
hormonal changes,
medications,
poor eating habits, and
poor skin care habits.

Its direct cause is the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced to protect the skin.

The skin’s sebaceous glands produce additional fatty oils called lipids. Lipids are responsible for a number of functions, including creating a barrier on the skin to protect against bacteria and viruses as well as helping to lubricate and waterproof the skin. The good news is that these sebaceous glands contain cannabinoid receptors, which is why CBD skin care can be so effective against acne.

In one laboratory study, it was demonstrated that CBD inhibits lipid production in human skin. It also soothes inflammation, which is a known cannabidiol property.

In this study, the researchers conclude that CBD can possibly act as a powerful treatment of acne vulgaris. [2]

Oftentimes, the skin surrounding acne and its blemishes is intensely inflamed, making CBD incredibly helpful in reducing the redness, swelling, and irritation.

Plus, CBD also can act as an antibacterial agent, which helps decrease the likelihood of acne returning in the future.

Eczema and Skin Allergies

So far, very little research has been done regarding CBD's ability to soothe eczema and skin allergies specifically, but based on available data, it could be a soothing agent.

Eczema’s exact cause is unknown, although it’s thought to be either a type of allergic response or the result of under-production of lipids in the sebaceous glands. Often, the rash associated with eczema is an inflammatory reaction caused by the aforementioned conditions.

As mentioned, CBD has known anti-inflammatory properties. Through this action alone, it could help to largely eradicate the rash associated with eczema. [3]

This is also why CBD is being investigated for skin allergies. In most cases, chronic inflammation is an underlying and exacerbating condition to allergic reactions.

CBD is being investigated for skin allergies.

Skin Cancer

Studies have shown that CBD can help control cell proliferation and differentiation, meaning it could be helpful when treating diseases such as skin cancer.

Some research has shown CBD also works on warts, moles, and in some cases, HPV outbreaks. This is thought to be because CBD appears to cause apoptosis ("programmed" cell death) of harmful cells. [4]

How To Administer CBD

CBD can be administered several ways depending on your preferences and the condition you are aiming to treat.

1. Tinctures

Tinctures are ingested sublingually (under the tongue). This method will allow CBD to go to work all throughout the body, which is helpful if you are aiming to treat multiple conditions.

Your skin condition could very well disappear simply by addressing chronic inflammation in your body. So, adding a tincture to your CBD skincare regimen makes sense.

2. Topical Balms

Topical application of a CBD balm is one of the most effective ways to directly impact the various aforementioned skin conditions.

By applying it directly to the affected area, many users have reported feeling almost immediate relief.

3. Capsules

One of the most convenient methods of CBD use is capsule form. Simply swallow your dosage and let the capsule do the rest. No mixing, no measuring, no worries. Capsules are great for on-the-go types and those who don’t want to be bothered with flavor or texture of oil.

4. Vaporizer Oils

One of the most commonly used methods of ingestion, vaporizing CBD oils usually ensures fast results. This is because the cannabinoid and other healthy compounds bypass what is called the first pass metabolic path in the body. Through this, it enters the bloodstream much faster via the lungs.

Be sure, though, that you invest in a good-quality product. CBD cosmetics or CBD skin care products of low quality will simply not give you the results you hope for.

Important things to consider when choosing CBD products

Also, since the market is not yet managed with regulations, rules, and other measures that ensure quality and safety, it would serve you well to look out for products with the following characteristics:

The CBD is Extracted from Organic Hemp. If the source of the CBD oil is organic, the end product will be free from environmental toxins and pesticides.
The Best Extraction Method Was Used. The cleanest way to extract the most CBD and terpenes (chemical helpers in hemp that increase CBD's effectiveness) is undoubtedly the CO2 method. Look out for this on the label.
It is a Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: While a CBD oil isolate will not be ineffective, research has demonstrated that cannabidiol works the best in a team. Look for other cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (only a very small amount), terpenes, and such in a clearly stated ingredient list.
The Product is Laboratory Tested: A company unashamed of its policies and products will have an easily accessible lab report available for your scrutiny. A reliable report will show what's in the product you're about to buy.

CBD could be a powerful way to soothe numerous skin conditions and diseases.

As you can see, CBD could be a powerful way to soothe numerous skin conditions and diseases. Due to its numerous health properties, CBD skin care may just be what your current beauty routine is lacking.

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Using CBD for Skin Care: A Natural Remedy You May Be Missing