Having clear skin has always been important to many people, but it has now become a priority for a wider range of consumers. Natural ingredients are favored over synthetic ingredients, and nontoxic production methods are preferred over conventional techniques that utilize chemicals and other synthetic ingredients.
It’s clear that consumers want beauty care products that are kinder to people, animals, and the environment. This has led to a spike in interest in the potential of natural ingredients, and particularly CBD, which can be sourced from industrially grown hemp.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in hemp and marijuana. CBD has no psychoactive qualities unlike THC, which is why it’s legal in all 50 states. CBD has been shown to have numerous health-positive characteristics including antipsychotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties.
As of this writing, many consumers use CBD as a form of supplementary preventative therapy against anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and other conditions. CBD has very low risk in terms of allergic or adverse reactions.
It’s worth noting that while CBD is currently used for its therapeutic potential, it also has beneficial effects on skin health. Even artisanal CBD products, such as the non-GMO CBD drops without artificial colors or preservatives available in stores, can help in significantly reducing skin inflammation, irritation and acne. Let’s examine these benefits in brief detail below.
Common Causes of Acne
Because of either hormonal reasons (e.g. puberty) or lack of proper care, pores can sometimes become clogged and irritated leaving the skin inflamed and sensitive. Acne can also be caused by picking at or touching the skin too much, or even using products that are too strong. However, most acne is the result of skin becoming aggravated due to congestion.
Congestion occurs when hair follicles become blocked with sebum, dirt and dead skin cells. If the skin is overproducing oil (sebum) in the pores, it can form papules, causing pimples. If they become infected, this can cause whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, pemphigoid lesions, and even nodules. If sebum in the pores is under pressure, it can escape through the lining of the hair follicle in a process called rupture. This leads to inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Known Benefits of CBD for Skin
CBD can reduce redness and inflammation that can cause pimples. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and inflammation, and it also has antibacterial properties. This makes CBD a viable means of calming irritated skin, soothing razor burn, healing sunburns, relieving pain from bug bites and even sudden skin irritations like eczema flare-ups.
A study published in a top dermatology journal found that CBD could regulate sebaceous gland oil production to effectively aid in the suppression of acne breakouts. In 2019, a separate study was done testing CBD’s efficacy in the treatment of severe chronic inflammatory skin diseases. It found that regular application of a CBD-enriched ointment on the affected area(s), “is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improving the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially on inflammatory background”.
Skin cells, specifically keratinocytes (cells that create keratin), contain cannabinoid receptors known as Cannabinoid Receptor type 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). These receptors activate processes such as cellular communication, antioxidant protection, immune defense against pathogens and harmful stimuli, and regulation of sebum production. Processes like cellular communication are vital to the health of skin cells. The right balance is needed for healthy, balanced skin.
How to Use CBD for Acne
CBD oil acts as an antioxidant and prevents free radical damage from UV light, leaving skin moist and healthy. Instead of trading moisture for oil on dry skin like lotions do, a topical carrier oil mixed with your favorite CBD salve or tincture enables the skin to retain more moisture and produce less sebum. This has made it increasingly popular in facial moisturizers.
CBD users can also opt to do a little research into the CBD potency required for their preferred methods of application before purchasing products accordingly. Starting with lower concentrations is recommended for those new to CBD-infused skincare treatments. Choosing full-spectrum CBD products to make use of additional beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids (antioxidants) is also recommended.