Science and the 2018 Farm Bill created a boom in the cannabis industry, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in hemp plants. It also allowed the production of various cannabidiol products, from sleep aids to pet products.
But did you know CBD is also good for the skin? Studies suggest that CBD oil is beneficial for skin health and helps treat skin conditions. The skincare industry also benefits from CBD oil; you’ll find many CBD beauty products like lotions, serums, oils, and other products available in stores and online.
But what are the benefits of CBD on skin? And how do you choose from so many CBD skincare products going around?
What is CBD?
Before we learn about CBD skin care benefits and define what cannabidiol is, we must first learn about cannabinoids and how they work. Cannabinoids are 66 of 480 naturally-occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
The cannabis plant has two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD.
The most famous perhaps of all the cannabinoids is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC causes most of the plant’s psychological effects by attaching to receptors in the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination, and perception of time.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, making up 40% of plant resin extract. Unlike THC, CBD does not make a person feel high; studies indicate that it negates THC’s psychotropic effects. Research also shows that it’s helpful for anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, migraines, cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, and seizure disorders like epilepsy.
Skin Conditions That Benefit from CBD
Cannabinoids like CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network of cannabinoid and neurotransmitter receptors in the human body that play an essential role in many bodily processes.
It keeps various body systems in equilibrium, including the skin; the epidermis has a dense network of cannabinoid receptors that cannabinoids interact with to help soothe inflammation and irritation, the root of many skin problems.
Some skin conditions that benefit from cannabidiol products include:
Acne
Sebum is a waxy and oily substance that protects and moisturizes your skin. However, excess sebum and dead skin cells can plug up your pores and lead to acne. In a 2014 study, CBD was shown to prevent sebum-producing cells from generating too much sebum, decreasing your skin’s oiliness.
According to a 2019 study, CBD is also helpful in treating acne scarring.
Itching and Dryness
A 2019 study found that CBD may effectively treat common skin conditions such as dryness or itching. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are also useful in reducing eczema and dermatitis and soothing sensitive skin.
Infection
A 2016 review highlights the potential antibacterial, antifungal, and medicinal properties of cannabis plants, which could prevent skin infections.
Wrinkles
Inflammation and oxidative stress are the leading causes of wrinkles. A 2017 study demonstrates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, which could help prevent skin aging.
Factors to Consider When Choosing CBD for Skin
The internet is full of CBD skin care product options. Finding the right one for you might get challenging.
Don’t worry; Altitude Organic Cannabis is here to help.
Some things you should consider in finding the CBD skin care product for you include:
1. CBD Potency
For the best CBD skin care benefits, search for skincare products that have cannabinoid content that exceeds 100 mg per ounce. For recovery-based products like muscle-soothing balms, find products with more than 200mg per ounce.
2. CBD Type
Skincare products may contain different types of CBD. Each type has varying amounts of cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum CBD is the best CBD for skin. It contains all parts of the cannabis plant and all types of cannabinoids. It also contains less than 0.3% THC.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD includes most of the compounds found in the cannabis plant, with trace amounts of TCH.
Lastly, CBD isolates only contain CBD and no other cannabinoids. Isolates may be the purest form of CBD, but they don’t produce significant effects.
Research shows that both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD produce notable results; however, these results are not solely due to CBD. Rather, people may be experiencing something called an entourage effect, which occurs when several compounds combine and cause clinical effects.
3. Additional Ingredients
Some CBD skincare products include other ingredients that can increase the product’s effectiveness. Many CBD lotions include shea butter, which helps soothe irritation and moisturize the skin. Some also include aloe vera, vitamin E, Jojoba oil, Argan oil, or Tea Tree oil.
It is important to think about the ingredients of your CBD skin care product. CBD is a good ingredient, but it’s important to remember that these products are often formulated with more than one ingredient. Each ingredient can have a different effect on your skin if combined with other ingredients.
4. Price
When buying CBD, price is an important factor. Many CBD-infused skincare products are expensive, but you’ll still find high-quality CBD products available at a fair price.
Compare different CBD products to ensure you find the best deal without spending too much.
5. Ease of Use
It is important to make CBD easy to use for those who have difficulty opening jars or squeeze tubes. There are many formulations for CBD, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Oils are popular for moisturizing skin. You can also use them as carrier oils for creams or lotions, making them easier to apply.
Sprays are great for people having trouble keeping their hands steady and must be used generously and frequently.
6. Skin Type
CBD is suitable for both dry and oily skin types. However, it’s best to use it on dry or normal skin types. Oily skin can still benefit from CBD; just make sure you’re using one that’s only formulated for oily skin.
Types of CBD Skin Products to Try
Serum
Serums contain higher concentrations of ingredients for specific skin conditions. You only need to apply a few drops of CBD serum onto your skin for you to feel its effects.
Face Oil
Face oils have a lower CBD content than regular CBD oils to avoid skin irritation. It is best to apply CBD face oil after moisturizing your skin unless otherwise advised by the manufacturer.
Lotions and Creams
Creams and lotions are great at hydrating the skin, with the added benefits of CBD. Creams tend to be thicker than lotions, making them more suitable for people with dry skin.
Ointments, Balms, Salves
An ointment has a soft texture and targets specific skin conditions, such as extremely dry or chafing skin.
On the other hand, salves are thicker than ointments and harder than balms. They are often mixed with essential oils and herbs.
Balms are the most thickly formulated, designed to be applied on top of your skin. They are used to target specific skin problems or body parts.
Upgrade Your Skin Care Routine With CBD
Enjoy the benefits of CBD on skin today.
If you’re still having a hard time finding the right product for you, or if you want other CBD products, Altitude Organic Cannabis is the best place to find CBD in Dillon, CO.
Our friendly staff will gladly help you find the best CBD product you need for medical or recreational use. Visit us soon!
