Your Complete Guide to CBD in Skincare

As interest in CBD grows, more is uncovered about its medicinal benefits through research each year. From new studies, we’re now learning that CBD can be used to treat a variety of skin imbalances, including acne, aging, dryness, and even skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. 

How does CBD in skincare work? 

To put it simply, CBD in skincare is effective because the compounds in CBD bind with receptors found naturally in the body. These receptors belong to the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating most functions in our bodies. Its primary purpose is to restore balance in the body and reach homeostasis.

From research within the last decade, we now know that the skin has an endocannabinoid system of its own. Similar to the body’s endocannabinoid system, this is responsible for keeping the skin healthy and stable. And similar to how CBD can help restore bodily imbalances, it can also help rejuvenate skin ailments. While there is still research being conducted, we know with the current available data that CBD has been clinically proven to treat acne, irritation, eczema, and more.

What are the different CBD oils used in skincare? 

There are 3 main types of CBD oil used in skincare products. Each type will have a different effect on the skin depending on if there are other chemical compounds present. The three types include: 

Full-spectrum: This means everything that naturally occurs in the hemp plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and antioxidant compounds. Learn more about What Full Spectrum Really Means on our blog. 

Broad-spectrum: This means no THC is detectable. THC can still be found in full-spectrum CBD, but legally it must fall below 0.3% to be considered inactive. 

CBD isolate: This means pure CBD, no other cannabinoids or terpenes are present.

Also, it’s important to note that hemp seed oil or cannabis Sativa seed oil is not the same thing as CBD oil. Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the Sativa plant. While these seeds do not contain CBD, they are still rich in nutrients and fatty acids. CBD oil uses the leaves, stalks, and/or flowers of the hemp plant. 

CBD for acne 

For acne-prone skin, CBD may help because it reduces the production of sebum. While sebum is necessary to keep our skin moisturized and protected, an overproduction of it leads to clogged pores. Another benefit is its antibacterial and antifungal properties which can further help fight or prevent acne. 

CBD is also clinically shown to help fade scarring. One 2019 study concluded, “The topical administration of CBD ointment, without any THC, is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improving the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially on inflammatory background.” 

 CBD for wrinkles/aging

Another benefit to CBD in skincare is that it improves the production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for making skin appear firm and youthful. Furthermore, it can help prevent wrinkles because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body which cause aging and cell degeneration. 

CBD for dryness or irritation

CBD has a powerful anti-itch effect, even so much so that the National Eczema Foundation recognizes it on its website. In one study with eczema patients, 60 percent of participants who used an endocannabinoid cream saw reduced itching and improved sleep. 

Eczema causes extreme dryness, so if CBD can help even with the most severe cases, it is bound to do wonders for average dry skin sufferers. 

How to choose the right CBD skincare product?

There are many CBD skincare products ranging from lotions, oils, bath salts, cleansers, and more. Here are our tips for finding your perfect CBD-infused skincare product:

• Make sure the product is CBD oil. As mentioned above, hemp seed oil does not have the same medicinal properties. 
• Understand the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. What works best for your skin will vary from person to person.
• Look for stable packaging, i.e. no jars, clear bottles, or any packaging that will expose the ingredients to light. Exposure to light can cause them to be less effective.
• Look for third-party certification to ensure the stated amount of CBD is what you’re getting. With the high demand for CBD products, some companies have tried capitalizing on consumers without delivering what’s promised. One study found that 60% of CBD products did not meet the claimed levels. Legitametite companies will have lab-tested CBD to ensure quality and potency. 

Whether you’re looking to treat dryness, acne, or prevent wrinkles, CBD may help you meet your skincare goals. At Green, we offer a variety of CBD products including tinctures, preroll, bath bombs, and more. For all additional questions, please feel free to contact us here.