CBD Skincare - What Does CBD Do For Your Skin?
I am often asked about the benefits of CBD and its role in skincare. It seems CBD is everywhere and touted for everything from treating anxiety and depression to healing muscle pain and more recently its benefits for the skin. But is CBD really a miracle ingredient to combat everything from acne to eczema to premature aging?
Unfortunately the research to support these claims is lacking, and even where there may be benefits the effective dosage is often unclear. Further, the topical CBD you see on the shelf may differ from what has been studied in the lab. When coupled with the fact that CBD is not always well regulated, it becomes even more difficult to substantiate the benefits of a given CBD product. In fact, in one study only 31% of products sampled contained the amount of CBD stated on the package**
Let’s break it down a little further…
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝘽𝘿?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many types of cannabinoids, with the other most common one being THC. Compared to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive, which means ingesting it or putting it on your skin will not get you "high." It is also worth noting that CBD is not the same as hemp oil, though both have become popular ingredients in the skincare world.
𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙, 𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝘽𝘿 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚?
There have been studies linking CBD (ingested) with possible liver damage** but for the most part CBD is assumed to be safe, especially in topical form. Because everybody’s skin is different, it is possible to have a skin reaction to CBD as with any other active ingredient. And of course if your skin does react you should stop using it.
𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘾𝘽𝘿 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨?
As stated earlier there is not a lot of data to substantiate the multitude of claims about CBD. Some studies indicate CBD may possess anti-inflammatory properties and that it can help hydrate the skin, however, more research is needed. 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲: Until the research is conclusive I typically recommend ingredients with more rigorous data such as antioxidants like vitamin C or retinol.
**Source: American Academy of Dermatology