Consumers are always looking for novel, non-addictive alternatives to skin care, and CBD’s purported benefits have piqued the interest of many.
Several companies are now selling several types of CBD products to cater to their customers’ needs and preferences. In beauty and skincare, CBD is now becoming a topic of interest, and companies are quick on the uptake. There are many hemp-based products sold in beauty stores, like creams, cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and lip balms.
Can CBD actually provide benefits to the skin? What type of CBD is good for skin care? Read on as this article discusses what CBD is and its benefits for your skin:
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one among hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Several studies suggest that CBD may help manage anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction.
Additionally, research shows CBD may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another ingredient found in some cannabis-based products, CBD does not give you a “high.”
The World Health Organization mentioned that CBD does not exhibit any effects that indicate substance abuse or dependence.
Although CBD may have adverse effects when interacting with other medications, it has a good safety profile and is generally well tolerated.
How Does CBD Benefit the Skin?
CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits suggest CBD may help manage various skin conditions related to inflammation and cell damage due to free radicals.
CBD may be effective in regulating sebum production, making the drug a potential remedy for managing acne.
One study mentioned that CBD may also help improve the quality of life of some individuals with various skin disorders. These disorders include psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and resulting outcome scars.
Choosing the Best CBD Products for the Skin
To choose a CBD product that best fits your skincare needs, consider carefully reviewing factors like extraction methods and type of CBD product before buying a particular product.
It is essential to choose CBD oil extracted from a CBD-rich plant such as cannabis. Several methods to extract CBD include CO2 (carbon dioxide), hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction.
The CO2 method uses highly pressurized carbon dioxide under low or fluctuating temperatures to extract CBD.
Ethanol extraction uses ethanol to extract the compounds from the cannabis plant. This method has existed for centuries and is still a popular extraction process until now.
In the hydrocarbon method, manufacturers use solvents like propane or butane for CBD extraction. Generally, this method is safe and effective in extracting cannabis compounds as long as the appropriate safety measures are implemented.
However, note that hydrocarbons are highly flammable and may cause serious health issues if not wholly removed from the extracted CBD.
After the extraction process, the resulting extract may be marketed as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolates.
Full-spectrum CBD products usually contain all the cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant, such as THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.
When these compounds are combined, full-spectrum CBD may create an “entourage effect.”
The synergistic activity among cannabinoids enhances the benefits of cannabis. When taken together, cannabis compounds produce a better effect than when taken alone.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains similar compounds found in full-spectrum products without THC. Consider broad-spectrum if you prefer CBD products that do not have psychoactive effects.
CBD isolates are pure CBD only and do not contain other cannabinoids and compounds.
CBD oil may be formulated into different consumer products, like tinctures, edibles, capsules, topicals, or vapes.
CBD skincare products usually come in the form of topicals, like CBD face masks, serums, creams, and body and face oils. These CBD product types are best applied directly to the skin to target specific areas and help with skin conditions.
Manufacturers of CBD skincare products usually upload certificates of analysis (COAs) on their websites. COAs are third-party lab results showing the actual contents of CBD products.
For example, independent COA results for Spruce CBD Cream are publicly available on Spruce CBD’s website. Additionally, this product is marketed as 100% pesticide-free and containing less than 0.3% THC.
The COA contains detailed information about the CBD product, such as the actual cannabinoid content and the presence of pesticides or contaminants, if any.
Credible CBD products must have the details on their labels match closely with the COA results.
Some people may prefer CBD products that are organic, gluten-free, or non-GMO. In addition, some CBD products are marketed as U.S.- made.
States like Colorado, California, Kentucky, and Texas are some places where organic hemp is grown. The U.S. Hemp Authority regulates hemp production.
More importantly, consider the guarantees, offers, and other information provided by the CBD company.
These considerations include money-back guarantees, shipping discounts, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and other awards and recognition given by authoritative bodies.
All of this information may help determine and increase the brand’s credibility, safety, and effectiveness.
Most importantly, it is recommended that you consult with a skincare professional before trying CBD skincare products. A doctor experienced in CBD use can give advice on proper CBD dosing and potential drug interactions.
The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp in the U.S. and excluded hemp-based CBD products from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substances list. However, regulation and enforcement of CBD products vary among states.
Some CBD products may have more than 0.3% THC. These products are likely prohibited by law.
To date, the only pure CBD product approved by the U.S. FDA is Epidiolex for seizures associated with epilepsy. Other than that, no other pure CBD products have been approved as medication.
Check the product label and COA results to determine CBD and THC contents. Additionally, review your state laws to determine whether CBD is legal in your state.
Finally, consult your dermatologist about your skin condition before considering CBD for skincare.
