With all the different CBD beauty products available on the market, you might be left wondering whether they are really worth the hype that’s been created around them. CBD seems to be everywhere: from sunscreens to masks, creams, lip balms, and many more.
Unlike controversial THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is a non-psychoactive molecule of the cannabis Sativa plant. It can make you feel less stressed, reduce inflammation in your body, and it has the potential to help those dealing with different skin problems. Because of its versatility, it’s now commonly added to a range of products, from those that claim to treat acne and dry skin to those that promise to help with eczema.
Here’s everything you need to know about CBD beauty products and their potential benefits before you start shopping and trying them yourself.
What is CBD?
CBD is an active ingredient in the cannabis plant. It can be derived from either medical marijuana or hemp. CBD contains little to no THC (0.3% or less) and doesn’t have any mind-altering properties. Overall, CBD is generally considered to be a safe product. It has been legal in the U.S. since 2018 and purchasing it is federally legal as long as it doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC.
However, it’s important to note that there are different types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. It usually comes from hemp plants and typically contains very low amounts of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains a range of naturally occurring compounds from the cannabis plant, but typically no THC. Products such as broad spectrum CBD salve can support good skin health.
- CBD isolate is pure CBD and doesn’t contain any of the other compounds found in the cannabis plant. It’s odorless and has no THC, therefore can be a great choice for beginners.
- Hemp oil – products that contain hemp oil, derived from Cannabis sativa, are available without CBD, are excellent moisturizers, and have great skin-soothing properties.
With that being said, if you’re looking for CBD, you should always read the labels. Do not rely solely on the name of the product or the images.
CBD Beauty Products for Acne
Acne is a common condition that can get pretty frustrating, especially for people who have been dealing with it for quite some time and feel like nothing seems to work. Most efforts of those who deal with acne center around unclogging the pores, keeping the skin free of any acne-causing bacteria, and minimizing the amount of excess oil. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects on the oil-producing glands and can limit excessive oil production, which is the number one cause of clogged pores.
More research is still needed in this matter, but so far, when trying to deal with acne, you can look for creams that contain CBD isolate, as well as broad-spectrum oils and masks. Products that on top of CBD contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, activated charcoal, and lactic acid can be especially effective when used on whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes.
CBD for Dry Skin
As per the 2019 study, CBD may be beneficial when used for dealing with dry and itchy skin, mostly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Because CBD can help soothe skin and reduce the feeling as well as the appearance of irritation, it can be useful for people with sensitive skin who have to be incredibly cautious of the products they use.
You can look for creams that contain CBD and ingredients such as vitamin E and hemp seed oil, as they are a lightweight and nourishing solution, perfect for everyday care. CBD products meant for dry skin are also often infused with aloe vera for extra moisturizing properties. If you want to hydrate your whole body, CBD creams and bath salts might be your best bet. If you aim to focus just on your face, you can look for toners or highly concentrated drops with increased potency for enhanced results.
CBD for Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. Its severity can differ from person to person, but in many cases, eczema proves to be very painful and uncomfortable. The good news for CBD enthusiasts dealing with eczema is that research conducted in 2019 showed that topical use of CBD ointment which doesn’t contain THC is safe and effective. When it comes to what exactly should they use, creams are so far considered to be the safest and most reliable options as they’re easiest to absorb for eczema-affected skin.
Conclusion
To sum up, CBD may be useful for treating many skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and overall dryness. It can also nourish and moisturize the skin, improve its overall appearance, and reduce inflammation. Creams, tonics, masks, and drops are some of the most popular forms of CBD beauty products, but it’s also possible to use oils.
Like with any other CBD product, when using beauty products, it is important to follow the instructions on the label provided by the manufacturer to determine how often to use the product, how much to use, and how to apply it.
