From the promise to turn back the hands of time to killing acne dead, CBD beauty products are getting the full court press into the marketplace.
It was 2016 when the CBD market first topped $170 million! With new legalization markets opening up, the world over, this figure is expected to continue to rise. The beauty industry has embraced the cannabis movement by incorporating CBD as a key ingredient in many of their products. There are a couple reasons why this trend is becoming popular in the beauty space, not the least of which are fantastic claims of flawless skin and anti-aging prowess. It can be difficult to sift the truth from the hype, but here we go:
CBD has Anti-inflammatory Properties To Calm Problem Skin
Claim is: TRUE
As you may be aware, many skin conditions are the result of inflammation, including acne, rosascea, psoriasis and more. Compounds in cannabis also have anti-oxidizing properties which, when combined with anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce itchiness and puffiness. Scientifically, CBD binds to specific receptors on the skin known as TRPV-1 receptors and this interaction inhibits inflammation. Hence, when you apply a cannabis infused cream you have relief from inflammation on the skin.
CBD Relieves Dryness
Claim is: Mostly True
Hemp seed oil, which is used as a base or carrier oil for many CBD lotions, rehydrates the skin and injects vibrancy and youthfulness. Stop. Probably not going to make you look more youthful, BUT, it does act as a humectant. This means that CBD/hemp seed oil helps to hold in the moisture so the skin does not dry out. People suffering from eczema stand to benefit greatly from this property.
CBD has Anti-Aging Properties
Claim is: Probably Not True
Hemp seed oil is high in omega oils, which have stabilizing and healing effects on the skin. These can rejuvenate the skin because moisturizing is happening, but it is not likely to make you look younger. Interestingly, there is the possibility of elixir for other parts of the body. A study with mice showed that CBD can slow down the invisible signs of ageing in the brain. So….there’s that.
CBD is Non Comedogenic
Claim is: True
Non comedogenic products do not cause blockage of skin pores, this allows skin to breath and remain hydrated. Unlike chemical compounds, CBD oil is all natural and has non comedogenic properties, keeping skin supple and oil free.
Topical CBD Relieves Pain of Skin Disorders
Claim is: Probably Not True
Many skin conditions, such as cold sores, come with with painful irritations. CBD and THC combinations, with an excellent carrier (such as emu oil) may provide some pain relief. It is much more likely that this combination of cannabinoids soothes in a way that makes the pain less noticeable, rather than being effective as a topical analgesic.
Image credit: Marijuana Break
CBD Has Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Properties
Claim is: True
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a compound found in cannabis plants that has shown anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. Five cannabinoids have shown effectiveness in killing bacteria: CBC, CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG. These are great additions to beauty creams. You should apply these topically on areas prone to fungal and bacterial contamination. CBD alone may not be as effective as the combination of whole plant.
CBD Will Reduce Oil on Skin
Claim is: True
Another study has shown that CBD beauty products hinder the making of sebum-producing cells that make the skin surface oily. This can help in the prevention of pimples and acne.
Every Good CBD Beauty Product Needs a Good Carrier
So, in the end, there are good reasons to make cannabis, and specifically CBD, a part of your beauty regime. But, before you dive in with DIY, remember that you need a good carrier to get it across the skin barrier. The skin cannot absorb CBD without mixing it into a carrier with fat. An oil-based solution, such as emu oil, allows the CBD to bind to fat molecules which the body can easily break down and assimilate. You can also use hemp seed oil or coconut oil.
The carrier oil also determines bioavailability which in simple terms means the amount of cannabis that will eventually be available for use compared to the amount that was taken in. The fat molecules in the carrier oil and how they vary at a molecular level determine how much CBD is transported into your system.
So, Which CBD Beauty Products Should You Buy?
The CBD beauty products market is largely unregulated, so claims are hard to prove or disprove; it truly is a ‘buyer beware’ market. Basically: don’t fall for ridiculous claims, such as restoration of your youth, check the ingredients, ask questions, take home a sample if they’ll let you. And remember that you are beautiful just the way you are.
