Before the widespread legalization of cannabis, few people had heard of cannabidiol, or CBD. Now, it is all the rage. Part of the reason for the recent popularity of CBD lies in the fact that while CBD comes from cannabis, unlike its cousin THC, it does not lead to intoxication. You can find CBD everywhere these days, largely because of its alleged therapeutic effects, ranging from treating epilepsy to anxiety to skin conditions to inflammation to chronic pain, and then some. CBD comes in oil, in food, for pets, in capsules, in topical form, and in many beauty products. People treat it like a vitamin rather than a drug, and they have reasons for that.
Numerous, compounding studies are starting to reveal the health benefits of CBD. The research available seems to back these claims, though only further study will solidify them enough for the FDA to start approving CBD as a legitimate treatment option. Lacking FDA approval does not seem to be stopping companies from creating CBD products though, nor people from buying them. CBD beauty products in particular have gained popularity in the past few years because it is a natural way to treat conditions like dry skin, psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
WHY PUT CBD IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS?
CBD is a powerful antioxidant, more powerful than both vitamin C and vitamin E. Some studies show CBD to be effective for inflammation, which includes skin inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe irritation, reduce the skin’s production of oil, add moisture, and provide relief from itching and pain when used in topical form. CBD also has analgesic properties, which may help with a variety of the more painful skin conditions.
The body contains its own cannabinoid receptors, some of which are located right on the skin’s surface cells. Using topical CBD products, including creams, salves, and skin and lip balms, means the CBD is absorbed through the epidermis skin layers targeting the specific area the product is applied.
CBD FOR ACNE, PSORIASIS, ECZEMA, AND MORE
Acne is a never-ending problem for some, and putting harsh chemicals and medications onto the skin and into the body to treat acne can have horrible side effects. Acne is often caused by inflammation, excess sebum, and blocked pores. One study from 2014 provides promising data showing CBD’s effectiveness in treating acne by controlling the skin’s oil production. We need more studies to confirm that CBD has the power to treat acne, but the fact that there are no real risks to using topical CBD makes it an attractive option to try out. If you see acne products with CBD in them, they are probably worth a shot.
CBD studies also look promising regarding conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Because of how the body’s anti-inflammatory and endocannabinoid systems are involved in these conditions, research suggests that CBD may be beneficial in treating them using both topical and ingested forms of CBD. Topical CBD may be more effective for immediate relief, while using CBD oil or in capsule form could provide long-term benefits in treating these conditions, among others.
DOES CBD IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS ACTUALLY WORK?
It was only in late 2018 that Congress passed the Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp. Still, the FDA has only approved one product containing CBD, and it is for treating epileptic seizures. Unfortunately, without FDA approval, CBD products remain largely unregulated. Beauty companies putting CBD in their products then have free rein to do what they like. The source of the CBD can influence its effectiveness, as some CBD products are not as potent as others. Additionally, different methods of CBD extraction can provide different results. For instance, full spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids besides CBD (including trace amounts of THC) which can also contribute to a product’s potential healing power. On the other hand, products made from CBD isolate or distillate are more pure forms of CBD, so those other potentially helpful cannabinoids are absent.
Most quality CBD topicals and beauty products will specify what kind of CBD is used. Know that some states have a zero-tolerance policy for THC. Both full spectrum and CBD distillate can contain small amounts of THC, so those products remain illegal in those areas.
Whether you are looking to use a CBD beauty product for a more serious skin condition, to treat acne, or simply to reduce the puffiness and dark circles under your eyes, you have options for each and everything in between. You can find CBD in facial cream, acne lotion, body cream, eye balm, lip balm, and makeup. You can also find CBD oils meant to put directly on your skin as well as CBD capsules meant to soothe and treat skin conditions that cause discomfort and pain. CBD in beauty products has just begun. The clinical studies of the impact of CBD on skin health will continue until they reach definitive results.