CBD for Skin: Everything You Need to Know
Ashley Reynolds is the Co Founder of EMTCBD. Working with those ready to make the transition to plan based medicine is the driver behind Ashley’s ambitions to marry education with safe consumption of cannabis. A mom, dental hygienist, wife, and Vermonter, Ashley brings a unique story sharing perspective to the everyday women just trying to be well in a life of ups and downs.
It’s no secret that CBD (cannabidiol) is being used for everything from anxiety relief to sleep aid. But did you know that adding in some CBD-infused products could be beneficial to your skincare routine?
As it turns out, CBD may be beneficial to both the inside and outside of our bodies. We’ll take a look at some of the best CBD products for skincare and discuss some of the benefits of incorporating CBD into your skincare routine.
Considering The Research Around CBD for Skin
CBD has so many qualities that have both captivated and intrigued the science community and curious consumers with an eye for natural health. People always say that the research on CBD and cannabis is limited. And while that’s true, there are some awesome studies out there that we can reference to help us understand how CBD and other cannabinoids might interact with our skin. For example:
CBD as an antioxidant
Check out this study which was published in 2020 and concluded that CBD is a powerful antioxidant. Researchers concluded that CBD may hold promise for use as an age-deterring ingredient in skincare products. They mentioned that free radical damage caused by environmental exposures is one of the most common reasons for skin deterioration.
CBD as an anti-inflammatory
In this 2014 study titled “Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes” (it’s a lot, I know), they actually found that CBD may reduce the production of skin oils and help soothe irritation from inflammation, both of which can be associated with acne.
CBD as an anti-microbial
Another study published in 2020 concluded that cannabis “is a plant with untapped potential” and “should not be overlooked or overshadowed by its overuse as a recreational drug.” The researchers found that several cannabinoids worked well as antimicrobials against “Gram-positive pathogens”, like MRSA. This one’s not entirely related to your skincare routine, but it’s still fascinating and proves there’s likely a lot more we don’t know about cannabis than that which we do.
CBD for psoriasis or even contact dermatitis
This research published in 2018 has even suggested that CBD may be valuable in helping people with other major skin conditions like psoriasis or even contact dermatitis.
Considering cannabinoid receptors
One thing we do know is that the skin is home to a wealth of concentrated cannabinoid receptors, which directly interact with CBD and other cannabinoids that may be present in a full spectrum hemp-infused product like the ones you’ll find on our website.
So, while the research might be limited, it’s there if you know where to look!
The Potential Benefits of CBD for Skin
When CBD is applied to the skin, those cannabinoid receptors are stimulated and thus will yield a response. Some researchers have also speculated that cannabinoids may play a role in “skin homeostasis,” which is a state of equilibrium when physiological components are operating at their prime. While there are tons of product reviews that you can read online, the scientific peer-reviews research is still lacking. With that being said, based on testimonials, CBD users are confident that these products have helped them deter some of the most common skin problems like dryness and itchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD applied to skin get into the bloodstream?
CBD applied to the skin is absorbed by the skin and then processed by cannabinoid receptors, which are actually found in relatively high numbers in the skin tissue. Therefore, when you apply CBD skin products, most of the cannabinoid will be processed before it ever enters your bloodstream. Nevertheless, using large quantities of a topical could lead to CBD entering the bloodstream.
Can regular CBD oil be rubbed on the skin?
While there is no rule that you can’t put just any CBD oil on your skin, it really is best to opt for products specifically designed for use as a topical. Why? The ingredients included in regular CBD oil may not always be the healthiest for your skin. For example, one of the main carrier oils in most products, MCT oil, is highly likely to be comodogenic.
Can CBD cause itchy skin or irritation?
While most people can use CBD skincare products without ever seeing an issue, CBD does come from hemp plants, which can be an allergen for some people. In the event you do experience itchy skin or irritation after using topical CBD, discontinue use. Keep in mind as well, you may not always be having a reaction to the CBD itself but some other ingredient in a product.
Does CBD improve skin texture or health?
Initial studies do seem to be showing that CBD could be beneficial for skin health. Due to antioxidant qualities discussed above, the cannabinoid may even be good for improving skin texture by alleviating inflammation or irritation for some. Likewise, some of the best-made CBD skincare products also contain valuable, synergistic ingredients your skin craves, such as vitamins and minerals.
Our Picks of the Best Topical CBD Products for Your Skincare Routine
Naturally, with the growing reputation of CBD, a multitude of products have made their way to the mainstream, including in the skincare and beauty industry. As it always goes with CBD, you do have to be mindful of what you buy. Here are a few of our favorite types of CBD products for skin and why, as well as a nice, exemplary product from our collection.
CBD Face Serum
What’s the one part of your body always exposed to the world and the sun, always picked at, plucked at, and coated with products? The face. With that being said, a good facial serum to really give your face something it needs can be especially vital. Our CBD Face Serum is designed for just that reason. Formulated with non-comedogenic oils like jojoba and sunflower oil, this serum is lightweight, moisturizing, and filled with a ton of good nutrients. The inclusion of cannabidiol means you also get that kick of antioxidant power and soothing action.
CBD Body Oil
Body oils have gotten a bad rap over the years because so many products contain agents that do the opposite of what the skin needs, such as clogging the pores and causing breakouts. However, good body oil can be essential to keep skin from head to toe soft, supple, and moisturized. You just have to know the ingredients in the body oil are meant for therapeutic support, non-pore-clogging, and healthy for the skin. For example, Elmore Mountain Therapeutics Lavender CBD Body Oil is made with vitamin E, organic apricot oil, and, of course, CBD.
CBD Scrubs and Exfoliators
Scrubs and exfoliators are an awesome addition to your beauty routine because they can slough away dead skin cells, encourage blood flow, and leave your skin smooth and refreshed. Integrating CBD into scrubs or exfoliation products is a straight-up genius idea, in our opinion. The CBD helps to keep your skin calm during the otherwise somewhat abrasive treatment by soothing inflammation and adding that bit of extra to the experience. Curious about trying CBD Salt Scrub for yourself? Try ours!
You may also like: Full Guide to Body Scrubs
Up Your Skin Care Regimen with CBD
With all things considered, CBD can be a valuable component to have in your skincare routine, especially when you are using quality-made products. If you are looking for a little extra oomph in your daily effort to take good care of your skin, be sure to check out our line of CBD skincare products. Every last product is crafted with quality and healthy skin in mind, right down to the organic ingredients we choose to include.
