The Benefits of CBD in Skincare: Hype or Science-Backed Solution?

Looking to go green? CBD, cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants and possibly in your skincare products. It is a naturally-occurring non-psychotropic compound found in cannabis plants, so it does not cause any kind of high, but can it cause your skin to improve? 

CBD has been popping up more and more in skincare products. The market greatly changed with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill allowed products containing less than 0.3 percent CBD to be sold in the United States. This created a significant opportunity for the industry, leading to a surge of products containing this somewhat mysterious ingredient. CBD found its way into everything from moisturizers and hair care products to nail polish and more.

Skincare products containing CBD are likely to stick around. But the question of how it could benefit skin remains. Can CBD have an actual impact on skincare, and is it worth the attention and money going into it? 

CBD Defined

CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, and it can be derived from both medical marijuana and hemp. It can be found in gummies, oils, face creams, lotions, bath bombs, and more. 

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, CBD does not cause a “high.” Therefore, CBD use does not result in any mind-altering effects. It is entirely harmless in that regard, making it safe to use in many different products. However, when it comes to skincare, many of the benefits may still be untested or at least unproven. 

CBD Skincare: The Benefits

Although there is currently limited research on the benefits of CBD for skin conditions, some early studies have shown promise. In one small study, 20 participants with psoriasis or eczema used a CBD-enriched skin ointment twice daily for three months. Some improvements, such as reduced inflammation, were observed. However, the study had limitations, and more research is needed.

Experts highlight the importance of further research on proper dosage, long-term benefits, and potential side effects of CBD to determine its safety and efficacy, particularly for daily use in skincare routines.

Below are some of the possible benefits that CBD skincare products could provide: 

• Treat Acne: CBD might help reduce redness, pain, and swelling associated with inflammatory acne.
• Control Oil Production: CBD helps regulate hormones involved in oil production, reducing excess sebum.
• Reduce Hormonal Conditions: CBD, as an adaptogen, may decrease the effects of hormones and compounds released during stress.
• Minimize Breakouts: CBD may help reduce inflammation of breakouts and, thanks to its oil production regulation, reduce breakouts in general.
• Calm Eczema: CBD helps combat irritation and inflammation caused by eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
• Help Rosacea: CBD may help calm rosacea flare-ups with its ability to reduce inflammation.
• Neutralize Free Radical Damage: CBD may help prevent skin weakening by neutralizing free radical damage.
• Provide Hydration: CBD has moisturizing properties that combat dehydration and dryness.

CBD has also been shown to possibly help with other physical issues, including stress and muscle pain. Using CBD could help people relax both mentally and physically. 

Products And Dosage

When searching for the right products, check the ingredients list. Other plant compounds play a significant role in how cannabis works besides the cannabinoids themselves. When you come across a CBD beauty product label that lists other plant ingredients, don’t disregard them as mere fillers or marketing gimmicks. These additional components might serve an essential purpose. Seek out products with potent botanical oils that can work in synergy with CBD. Some essential oil blends have natural penetration enhancers that assist in delivering CBD compounds and other active ingredients deeper into the skin.

Before investing money and time into CBD skincare products, be sure to research and properly test the products on your own skin. Doing a patch test for several days can help you better understand how the product works and how it will impact your skin. 

CBD Skincare: Dosage

Following the directions on the product is the best way to ensure good results. But you also want to start with conservative usage when it comes to new ingredients on the skin. Doing a patch test can alert you to any immediate reactions, but dabbing some oil on the arm differs from putting it all over your face. 

The ideal dosage of CBD for treating skin conditions or promoting overall health is still unknown to scientists. However, some companies formulate their products with varying doses depending on the area of the skin the product is intended for, such as the face or body, to maximize absorption. In addition, the effectiveness of CBD compared to established topical therapies, such as retinoids, vitamin C, or alpha hydroxy acids, is still unclear to researchers.

Using caution and testing the product over time will help you better understand whether it will work for your skin. Since CBD is still a relatively new skincare ingredient, much is unknown about its long-term impact and possible benefits or side effects. 

Before You Buy

The world of CBD skin care products is vast, and while some of the claims may seem unbelievable, promising results suggest there are real benefits of CBD as an ingredient in skincare. However, it is crucial to shop wisely and not solely rely on the addition of CBD. The other ingredients must also benefit your skin.

Before diving in, take note of a few essential points. Firstly, check the label to ensure that you are purchasing true CBD. If the ingredient list only mentions “hemp seed oil,” it is not CBD. There is a lot of greenwashing in the skin care industry today, with little regulation. It is up to you to ensure that you get what you pay for. Hemp seed oil is an excellent moisturizer but does not contain CBD.

Secondly, check the testing results. Most reputable CBD skin care companies provide lab results for their CBD extract, ensuring you know precisely what you put on your skin. Make sure that the hemp plants used to extract the CBD were farmed without pesticides and other harmful properties, which would defeat the purpose of using healing compounds.

Lastly, check the directions and follow them. Like most topical treatments, the skin must absorb the product and its healing properties, which takes time. Look for a CBD-infused product, such as a serum, oil, or mask, that can penetrate the epidermis’s tough outer layers and make cellular changes.

More Studies Needed

Does CBD live up to the hype? While results from recent studies are promising, they aren’t necessarily conclusive. Due to the Farm Bill only passing in 2018, allowing the use of CBD in products, cannabis and CBD still need to be seriously studied. Research has only just begun, and that includes for skincare products and the impact of using them. While the products you see on shelves are generally safe, CBD’s full effect or capabilities are still being understood. 

This does not mean you must avoid all CBD skincare products, but it should encourage you to research before investing and ensure the products you want are worth it. Reputable brands will be upfront about the dosage and ingredients within a product so you know what to expect. And make sure to be patient and test the product on a patch of skin before using it all over for extended periods. 

Relaxation And Relief

CBD has shown great promise in helping people find relief from certain skin issues, including eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. While more studies are needed to fully understand CBD’s capabilities, the current outlook suggests positive future impacts in the skincare community. Whether you are looking to improve your skin health or find something to help your body relax, CBD products may be the right choice. 
The best way to understand how to help optimize your health is to work with experts. The team at CORR offers cutting-edge therapies to help clients recover from various conditions. CORR staff constantly researches and implements the latest medical advancements to provide the most innovative and effective treatments. The ultimate goal at CORR is to alleviate clients’ discomfort and promote healing, and offer the best possible treatment options to achieve that. If you’re interested in learning how you could better improve your health through the innovative options at CORR, reach out today.