Have you heard of an ingredient called CBD (short for cannabidiol) these days? The buzzy ingredient has now evolved into a bonafide skin-care trend, with brands offering a luxe spin on what used to be a highly niche category.
However, when compared to skin-care pillar ingredients like retinols and vitamin C, the research behind CBD's efficacy in skin care is still relatively in its infancy.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, “one of many naturally occurring molecules called ‘cannabinoids’ found in both hemp and [marijuana] plants. Both of these CBD-producing plants belong to the cannabis family; scientifically, hemp is any cannabis sativa plant that produces less than 0.3 percent THC, meaning it can’t get you high. Even if the THC content is only 0.4 percent, which still isn’t likely to get you high, it’s still classified as marijuana.
The only difference between [marijuana] and hemp is a legal one. Marijuana plants contain higher levels of THC, the not-fully-legal psychoactive compound that gets you high, and hemp plants contain little to no THC. This is why almost all of the CBD in consumer goods is derived from hemp.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil acts as an emollient to smooth rough cells on the skin's surface and offers moisturizing benefits.
How Does CBD Works?
Each of us has what we call an endocannabinoid system found throughout our body. Its main function is to create bodily balance, aka homeostasis, from our mood to sleep to skin function. As a phytocannabinoid, cannabis-derived CBD “can bind certain receptors in the brain and various other areas of the body,”—including the skin, which has its own endocannabinoid system, complete with cannabinoid receptors. Theoretically, when you slather CBD on your skin, it interacts with said receptors to create homeostasis.
Does CBD Deserve The Hype?
Yes. But also, no.
According to dermatologists and cosmetic chemists, CBD skin care is worthy of some of the attention it’s garnered. Although “large, randomized studies with CBD are lacking, the studies that have been conducted show that CBD might normalize keratinization—meaning pores are less likely to be clogged—possibly lead to fewer wrinkles, and [has] anti-inflammatory activity.
It has been studied as a treatment for a variety of skin issues including eczema, psoriasis, and even acne - It has calming and hydrating effects, and there is some data to suggest that it may inhibit oil production.
Below are some ways on how CBD oil can benefit skin.
CBD Oil May Reduce Acne
Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.
One test-tube study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines.
Another study had similar findings, concluding that CBD may be an efficient and safe way to treat acne, thanks in part to its remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities.
Though these results are promising, human studies exploring the effects of CBD on acne are needed.
CBD Oil Can Fight The Appearance Of Wrinkles
CBD is a “powerful antioxidant”, which means it can help protect the body from “harmful free-radical damage”.
In the skin, this largely means preventing visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles.
CBD may also stimulate the growth of new skin cells. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2011 found manipulating the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) can regulate the life cycle of basal skin cells, which may lead to younger-looking skin.
The ECS produces its own cannabinoids that bind to specific receptors in the body and brain, and it is thought CBD can influence the body to use more of its own cannabidinoids.
CBD Oil May Soothe Dry Or Itchy Skin
In 2006, German scientists discovered that 14 patients with dry or itchy skin conditions, who were given a cream containing a substance that could stimulate the ECS, reported an 86.4 per cent reduction in itch.
The skin also has its own ECS receptors, which may make topical application of CBD oil particularly effective.
According to evidence presented by the American Academy of Dermatologists, further studies have found CBD can ease symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.
To sum it up, CBD oil is a potent antioxidant, highly anti-inflammatory and has been shown in multiple studies to reduce lipid product from the sebaceous glands (overproduction of this ‘sebum’ is what leads to acne).
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, plant-driven skincare formulators are excited about the possibilities of CBD oil, which has been proven to be effective in even trace quantities. Mostly, it reduces inflammation, which could mean acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, broken capillaries and even sunburn.
If you’re looking for an ingredient to soothe irritation and reduce redness, as well as potentially combat acne, CBD looks extremely promising.
There has been research that shows potential for soothing psoriasis and even helping slow down signs of aging because of its neuro-regenerative and antioxidant properties ( source ).
When buying a beauty product, look for these words in the ingredients list, which indicates actual CBD in the formula: CBD, hemp CBD, full-spectrum hemp extract, phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil, hemp extract oil. Those are all synonyms for CBD.
Difference Between CBD Oil and Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seed Oil
Brands like Kiehl’s, Peter Thomas Roth, and Herbivore Botanicals are just some of the many major brands jumping on the cannabis craze by launching soothing product lines that contain cannabis sativa hemp seed oil. This ingredient can be helpful for skin, but does not offer the same level of benefits.
Hemp seed lacks the cannabinoids that reduce inflammation and encourage healthy cell production and is sourced just from the seeds. CBD oil is sourced from the full plant and does contain cannabinoids.
While hemp seed oil is a part of the same plant species, hemp seeds are from the male plant and CBD can only be produced by female plants that can grow flowers or ‘buds.
To understand their functional differences, think of CBD as an “active” ingredient and hemp seed oil as an “inactive” ingredient. CBD is an active ingredient in that it works with our skin’s cannabinoid receptors and is being used to physically change something within our skin’s natural response—it’s working with our skin in an intimate manner. Comparatively, hemp seed oil is inactive and basically just sits on the skin’s surface.
That is not to say hemp seed oil isn’t good. Hemp seed oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and is therefore used primarily as a moisturizing facial oil. It has been used for decades because of its moisturizing properties, but is now gaining popularity, likely because of the [partial] legalization of marijuana. If you’re looking for an ingredient to support your skin barrier and lock in hydration, hemp seed oil is it. If you’re looking for an ingredient that contains CBD, hemp seed oil is not the answer.
Is CBD Legal and Is It Safe?
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, passed by Congress last year, CBD extracted from industrial hemp (meaning the plant contains less than .3% THC) is legal. CBD extracted from marijuana plants that contain more than .3% THC is not, unless you’re in a state that allows recreational or medicinal marijuana use.
As ever, speak to your doctor or health practitioner first and, until there is tighter and more uniform legislation on the use of CBD within skincare, only invest in trusted and established brands.
Where To Purchase :
Josie Maran Hemp Seed Oil
Populum Full-Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil
Belize Seaweed Detoxifying Face Mask with Pure Hemp Seed Oil ( Amazon's Choice )
DIY CBD Rich Hemp Oil Skin, Body and Beauty Care Products: Learn to Make Soap, Shampoo, Body Butter, Lotion and So Much More ( Kindle Edition )
Source : Express, Healthline, Allure, Byrdie, Theklog, Coveteur
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