Marcus Richards
Cannabidiol is everywhere; from vaping products to tinctures and gummies, you can get CBD in any form today, and it seems like this fuzzy hemp compound is now the most exciting ingredient in the beauty and skincare industry.
From sunscreen to serums, cleansers, and chapsticks; an incredibly broad variety of products are lining the shelves at beauty stores all over the country. But even as advertising outlets continue to pump out pro-CBD content, how much do we know about the effectiveness of hemp products as it relates to beauty and health?
This article seeks to explain what cannabidiol is, how it works, and what makes it useful in promoting healthy skin; and we also bust a few myths about an increasingly misunderstood compound that the FDA has earned consumers against misusing.
According to a report by Market Watch the CBD beauty industry (a segment that focuses on CBD for hair, skin, and nails), is worth a whopping $580 million, with estimates that it could potentially reach over $1.7 billion by 2025.
If you are thinking about joining the growing number of consumers using CBD, but have reservations about trusting a hyped-up cure-all product, here’s a quick primer on everything CBD:
What is this CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a plant compound that is extracted from hemp or marijuana and is said to work with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) among other systems to promote health and well-being.
The compound itself is closely linked to marijuana since both hemp and marijuana plants contain CBD in varying amounts but are unique in the sense that it doesn’t cause the user to feel high.
Hemp plants contain a purer form of CBD and in higher amounts than marijuana (about 17%), and the majority of CBD products sold today are harvested from hemp. CBD is one of two major cannabinoids found in marijuana, the other being THC, which contains psychoactive properties. When extracted as a single compound, CBD oil contains only trace amounts of THC (in the range of 0.3% or lower), and this is what makes it non-psychotropic.
Evidence of CBD Health Benefits
CBD has been claimed to be a remedy for pain, anxiety, sleeping disorders, appetite, and hormonal issues pertaining to women’s health and fertility.
According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the cannabidiol may also be used to manage or prevent neurological disorders ranging from seizures, epilepsy, MS, and Parkinson’s. This review from the Neurotherapeutics journal, CBD may also be used to control substance abuse.
How Does CBD Benefit Skin Care?
Due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can provide relief from cases such as skin inflammation, dryness, toxicity, and damage caused by free radicals. This is according to one IldiPekar, a renowned NYC aesthetician and founder of a successful skincare line.
Research also shows that CBD can reduce or regulate sebum production, and this makes it an effective compound for treating acne, and generally preventing breakouts.
Another benefit for CBD is its ability to remedy common skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. ArdashMudgil, and founder of Mudgil Dermatology, CBD oil is generally safe to use as a topical remedy and won’t likely cause a reaction in the vast majority of people. According to the skincare expert, any cases of mild reaction are most likely caused by non-CBD additives in skincare products, rather than the compound itself.
How Do I Pick A CBD Product for The Skin?
To start off, keep in mind that CBD oil and all CBD products are packaged under three unique categories: full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil; and CBD isolate.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains the whole list of cannabinoids (which are several-dozen), terpenes, flavanoids; and we should also mention, that THC I also present.
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, contains most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavanoids, but no THC.
- CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD oil without any other compounds. It is the purest type of CBD and probably the safest to use in the face; particularly for people with sensitive skin.
When purchasing CBD oil, look for products labelled “full-spectrum”, “broad-spectrum”, or “CBD isolate”.
You may also come across products packaged as hemp oil, or hemp-seed oil, which is rather different from CBD oil. The hemp seed oil contains CBD that has been extracted exclusively from hemp seeds, and it tends to be thicker or greasier. We don’t recommend it for skin care because it carries the risk of clogging the pores and might actually exacerbate conditions such as acne.
CBD oil in itself is fairly lighter, or thinner, and provides a layer of protection without aggravating the skin.
Another important thing to consider is the CBD concentration in your products: so generally speaking, if you plan to use it as a treatment for a nasty case of breakouts, then a stronger concentration would be ideal.
Quality Is Key When It Comes to CBD Oil
The American Journal of Medicine suggested in a 2017 review that as many as 60% of CBD products are mislabeled, and this presents serious problems for consumers. The best way to stay safe is to avoid cheap, shady products and brands that don’t provide much information on where their CBD comes from. Companies that allow third-party testing tend to offer better products and may be more reliable than ones that don’t.
Be safe out there, and report any companies selling fake CBD to the authorities!
