Nowadays, personal care products are featuring CBD like there’s no tomorrow – and there are good reasons for it. CBD holds many beneficial properties that may positively impact your body, both inside and out. The global market of CBD cosmetics is estimated to be valued at over $580 million and is anticipated to grow to $1.7 billion by 2025. If this prediction is correct and this figure triples in just four years from now, surely it’s a testament to the quality benefits that CBD oil has to offer? If you’re at all dubious or want to hop on the CBD bandwagon yourself but are unsure about where to start or how CBD can help you, this article will highlight (excuse the pun) everything you need to know concerning CBD skincare. The glow-up is real – are you ready for it?
Why is CBD Good for Skin?
Whether in the form of CBD oil capsules, gummies or topicals, it’s been suggested that CBD may have a variety of enriching uses for skin health and conditions. This is due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant elements. So, what exactly can CBD do for your skin? Dive deep into the possible advantages below:
- Manages oxidative stress
The body naturally produces antioxidants to prevent toxic molecules, known as free radicals, from damaging our cells’ DNA. However, if free radicals exceed antioxidants, they create a situation identified as ‘oxidative stress’. This results in oxidative damage – the problem behind skin inflammation and ageing.
Antioxidants are far more powerful when they work synergistically together, as this helps to maximise benefits to the body. As CBD is an antioxidant itself, if you were to add this into your skincare, it may help to support natural antioxidants while mitigating skin problems and signs of ageing.
- Provides hydration
Our cells’ skin tissue needs plenty of water to function properly. Luckily, our body holds 70% of water. But if we become dehydrated, this causes tight, dry and flaky skin, which is more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.
If your body’s sufficiently nourished by water, this will help to keep the rough and dull hallmarks of unhealthy skin at bay, including harmful substances. For the appearance of youthful, supple skin, it’s recommended to drink two litres of water a day. Evidently, the higher the water consumption, the greater the impact on normal skin physiology.
Some research suggests that CBD can boost skin hydration and elasticity. The journal Clinical Therapeutics reported that a specific CBD ointment effectively moisturised and prevented water loss in 20 participants with either eczema, psoriasis or scarring. It was concluded that this was possibly down to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, as well as the ointment’s fatty acids.
- Enhances complexion
CBD can reduce skin inflammation by soothing visibly red and irritated skin. This calming aspect of CBD may therefore improve someone’s overall complexion. It makes you question why skincare products would not include this promising ingredient?
- Prevents fungal infections
Nobody likes the thought of having a fungal infection. Although not harmful, fungi can undermine the skin when it’s persistently warm and moist or caused by poor hygiene.
Fortunately, CBD oil may possess a few antifungal properties that increase the effects of caryophyllene oxide, an antifungal that inhibits fungal growth in humans and cannabis plants. Infections of the skin, bone and heart valves, initiated by the growth of staphylococcus aureus, may be more controlled with CBD’s antibacterial qualities.
What Skin Conditions Can Benefit from CBD?
- Acne:
- CBD may help regulate oil production and the overproduction of sebum, which is considered one of acne’s contributing factors. A study suggests that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties assist the skin cells that produce sebum – sebocytes. CBD skin care products could therefore calm the most common skin condition that is acne, making acne-prone skin look and feel better while possibly treating the appearance of scars. Breakouts, bacteria and blemishes be gone!
- Dryness and itching: These are common symptoms of skin conditions where CBD may come in handy, particularly for reducing potential triggers of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. CBD oil may be useful for those with sensitive skin and anyone who is suffering from painful symptoms from the likes of autoimmune illnesses. It has the potential to decrease rapid skin cell multiplication as CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, affecting the immune system, pain and mood.
- Ageing and wrinkles: According to Michele Green, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, CBD is a powerhouse for anti-ageing due to being a botanical antioxidant. This ultimately protects the skin from environmental damage and improves skin texture and tone. Hemp-derived CBD contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 – two fatty acids that stimulate the production of collagen. We’re certainly here for this as it makes your skin plump, diminishing the ageing process.
