Cannabidiol (CBD) is now available as oils, gummies, pills, and just about every type of skincare product you can think of.
But what role does a cannabis compound play in your cleanser, moisturizer, or bathwater? What are the advantages for your skin? What makes it worthwhile to pay the higher price? Let’s find out.
While CBD will not make you high, it can help with some of the same issues that THC does. Skincare with CBD has many advantages. According to research, it contains anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant effects.
It is derived from the cannabis plant’s leaves, flowers, and stalks. When CBD oil is labeled “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum,” it means that it contains other naturally occurring cannabis plant components such as cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes, and even THC. But don’t worry about getting high from it. Hemp has no more than 0.3 percent THC, and some oils may have none at all.
What effects does CBD have on the skin?
The two primary causes of skin aging and common skin problems including acne and hyperpigmentation are:
- Free radical damage to the epidermis
- Inflammation caused by incorrect endocannabinoid system functioning
- The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of cell receptors that regulate many key functions of the skin, including oil production, melanocyte development (commonly known as pigmentation), and many others
- CBD is an extremely useful ingredient in skincare because it is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
While the CBD study is ongoing, what we do know so far supports this. Here’s how CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties influence the body’s largest organ:
Controls oil production. Acne is considered to be worsened by excessive sebum production. CBD may have an anti-inflammatory impact on sebocytes, the skin cells that produce sebum, according to a 2014 study.
Helps in the reduction of inflammation. CBD, as an anti-inflammatory, may be able to help decrease swelling, pain, and redness associated with existing breakouts, as well as irritation associated with skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
Hydrates dry skin. According to 2009 research, CBD may be beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin.
How to skincare with CBD
Skincare with CBD products is actually easy. You just apply the products to the skin. However, the application is dependent on the specific product. If you’re using a serum, spray, cleanser, mask, or moisturizer, apply it in the same order as you would with regular skincare. You should be OK if you follow the recommendations on the label.
Too much of anything on your skin might irritate it, warns Claudia Mata, herbalist and Vertly co-founder. The key is to begin slowly and see how your skin reacts to any product.
The Ultimate Guide to skincare with CBD
1. Frigg Attuning Face Potion
Price: $60.00
Serums, in general, are a good way to ensure you’re getting a decent dosage of any active ingredients, including CBD (because they’re much more concentrated than moisturizers). According to Shamban, this one is a particularly good choice due to the number of antioxidants in the formula. It contains 300mg of CBD as well as a slew of other skin-care standouts such as omega-rich sea buckthorn oil. It improves skin tone and texture while controlling oil production, plumping fine lines, and strengthening the skin’s barrier. It’s a great option for all skin types and a crowd-pleaser if we’ve ever seen one.
2. Naturally G4U CBD Calm & Relieve Creme Mask
Price: $13
Is your sensitive skin acting up? Naturally, G4U’s plant-based relaxing mask combines anti-inflammatory CBD with cold-pressed hemp seed oil and other soothing ingredients to treat irritated skin and provide much-needed relief naturally. It’s also an excellent choice for people with acne-prone skin.
3. e.l.f. Cosmetics 50 MG CBD Eye Cream
Price: $15
This low-cost eye cream from e.l.f. Cosmetics works wonder to revitalize the sensitive skin around the eyes.
It contains 50mg of anti-inflammatory CBD as well as skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and a brightening peptide complex. Furthermore, the formula is cooling, which helps in the regeneration of tired eyes.
4. Saint Jane Luxury CBD Beauty Serum
Price:$38
Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but it’s well worth it, especially given that this hero product contains a whopping 500mg of full-spectrum CBD. (FYI, full-spectrum means it is derived from the entire plant and has the greatest concentration and penetration). The hemp plants utilized are grown in the United States and tested four times for purity, which is more than the industry standard. It is also high in antioxidants, which promote cell turnover and can help in the detoxification of the pores while rejuvenating the skin.
Furthermore, the 20 botanicals contained in the formula all contribute to the effectiveness of CBD. You won’t be able to get enough of it because it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing.
5. WLDKAT Mushroom & Moss CBD Gel Cream
Price: $24
This lightweight moisturizer uses CBD, mushroom extract, hyaluronic acid, and moss to increase hydration and glow. The fast-absorbing gel controls oil production while also helping the skin in retaining moisture, leaving in a smooth and supple complexion. We also like how its packaging is 100 percent recyclable.
6. Sagely Brightening CBD Night Cream
Price: $24
It’s always a good idea to look for CBD products with third-party test results, whether it’s an oral or topical product. This outstanding night cream contains 150mg of broad-spectrum CBD hemp oil, which has been lab-tested. This is combined with bakuchiol oil, another plant known to mimic retinol’s anti-aging benefits—but without any of the vexing and unsightly side effects. Apply it before going to bed and wake up with smoother, softer skin.
7. Haoma Soothing Eye Cream with CBD
Price:$95
Shamban likes this luxurious eye cream because of its ability to smooth the texture, intensively hydrate, and completely revitalize the skin around the delicate eye area. It’s loaded with CBD and other plant-based benefits that work hard to brighten, increase circulation, and enhance skin elasticity. Moreover, it has a delightfully rich and creamy texture that is so soothing.
8. Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion
Price:$40
This renowned CBD brand’s best-seller infuses CBD into a moisturizing shea butter base. The special vacuum pump delivers two milligrams of CBD each pump, which is on the low end but sufficient to provide the desired effects. You can use it as an all-over hydrator, but our favorite trick is to slather it on our feet before a big night out (i.e. a night in super high heels). It not only hydrates damaged heels, but it also makes wearing otherwise unpleasant shoes far less painful.
