IS CBD GOOD FOR THE SKIN?

CBD, known as cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant. Various pieces of evidence have suggested that CBD may have provided several benefits for our skin's health. CBD oil also treats various skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and acne.  With all the hype surrounding CBD topical products, let’s find out if they are worth the hype they are getting.

What are the benefits of CBD to the skin? Is it good for our skin? To know more, continue reading; we have provided all the information you need about CBD benefits to the skin, how CBD oil can be used, and its side effects.

What is CBD?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is divided into the hemp plant and the marijuana plant. The CBD used in our topical products, such as lotions, face masks, and lip balms, is extracted from the hemp plant. The reason that it is extracted from the hemp plant is that the hemp plant contains low levels of THC compound compared to the marijuana plant. THC is also a major compound extracted from the cannabis plant. THC is a psychoactive element which means that it is responsible for the high effect one experiences after smoking the contents of the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, the CBD compound gives its users a calming and relaxing effect, and that’s what other users want to experience when using CBD products.

CBD exists in three types. They include full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. If you want to experience the effects of all the compounds in the cannabis plant, look for a product containing full-spectrum CBD. Though its THC levels are less than 0.3 percent, it is legal for use. Broad-spectrum CBD contains most of the compounds present in the cannabis plant except for the THC compound. CBD isolate only contains the CBD compound, also known as pure CBD.

Benefits of CBD to the Skin

CBD is known for its effective benefits to the skin. Below are among the few benefits that CBD will provide to your skin. They include:

Relieving Acne

Most people may have experienced acne several times in their life. Since CBD contains compounds that possess oil-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, Atalay et al. (2019) noted that it is used in topical products to help improve acne. This is made possible since CBD affects human sebocytes. Sebocytes are glands found on the skin that create sebum, a type of oil produced by the skin. Sebum is important to the skin since it helps in protecting the glands and opens pores for improved skin breathing. However, excess production of sebum leads to acne formation. Oláh et al. (2014) showed that CBD helps in preventing the sebocyte glands from overproducing sebum.

Since CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, these properties help prevent acne, which is caused by infections present on the skin. In addition, CBD also helps in treating acne scars.

Skin Dryness and Itching

Martins et al. (2022) noted that CBD is useful in treating skin conditions symptoms such as itching and dryness. Since CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce triggers of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

If you have sensitive skin, CBD oil may be useful since it helps soothe the skin and reduces irritation.

Lessens the Appearance of Aging and Wrinkles

We know that oxidative stress may contribute to aging fast. Lee (2011) stated that CBD contains anti-oxidant properties, which help in preventing the appearance of aged skin.

Infection

CBD possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which in turn help in treating skin infections.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD

According to the FDA, CBD products often make claims that are misleading their users. Many people think that since CBD does not need a prescription and is readily and easily available, it is harmless. According to FDA, CBD possesses certain possible risks. Be careful when you want to use CBD.

If taken by mouth, CBD may lead to damage to the liver. It has not yet been confirmed if it may have the same effect when used topically. For example, Machado et al. (2011) commented that how much CBD can be absorbed into the skin has not yet been clarified. By using CBD products, you may experience a rash. This could be for CBD itself, even from ingredients used to make the CBD product.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the FDA has warned against using CBD in all forms, whether topical or oral.

Before deciding to use any CBD product, ensure that you have read about the active ingredients on the product's label. If you do not understand the ingredients, consult with your doctor so that you can know if you may be allergic or not to the product.

Is CBD Legal?

The cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant have less than 0.3 percent of THC hence making it legal. CBD is legal in all fifty states as a supplement, but when used in other products and food, research is yet to be proven. Though the federal government considers CBD to come from the same class as marijuana, it doesn't prevent its use.

Conclusion

CBD has been proven, and many people can confirm its benefits for the skin. Suppose you have been trying other medications that have not borne you any fruit in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis. In that case, you should try using CBD-infused products, and you may experience change. However, before trying to use any product, consult with your doctor since you may be allergic to the CBD itself or any other ingredients used in making the product. Otherwise, since CBD is an all-natural product, it contains minimal side effects, and many people can attest to that.

References

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Lee, M. A. (2011). CBD: How It Works. O’Shaughnessy’s [Internet].

Machado Bergamaschi, M., Helena Costa Queiroz, R., Waldo Zuardi, A., & Crippa, A. S. (2011). Safety And Side Effects Of Cannabidiol, A Cannabis Sativa Constituent. Current Drug Safety, 6(4), 237-249.

Martins, A. M., Gomes, A. L., Vilas Boas, I., Marto, J., & Ribeiro, H. M. (2022). Cannabis-Based Products For The Treatment Of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals, 15(2), 210.

Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., ... & Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol Exerts Sebostatic And Anti-inflammatory Effects On Human Sebocytes. The Journal Of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713-3724.