In the last three years, the skincare industry experienced a sudden boom that disrupted markets in many countries. Different trends, like the ten-step Korean skincare routine, glowy skin, and all-natural products, vie for consumer attention. Because the industry is thriving, the market is teeming with opportunities for innovations that will soon overtake these trends.
One of those involves cannabidiol or CBD as an innovative ingredient.
What is Cannabidiol?
CBD is found in different species of the cannabis plant, including hemp and marijuana. Although it’s one of the most active in the many components of cannabis, CBD is not a psychoactive ingredient and does not cause a “high.” Cannabidiol is typically extracted from the hemp plant, which has a high CBD content but is low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or the compound that causes a high.
Researchers discovered that CBD has a variety of health benefits, such as relieving pain, reducing anxiety and depression, and controlling the seizures of refractory epilepsy. In states where it’s legal, cannabidiol is easily accessible through CBD oil merchants and stores.
How effective is cannabidiol as a skincare ingredient?
Evidence also suggests that cannabidiol can help address skin problems, such as acne. Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, it’s effective in reducing the swelling and redness of pimples and speeding up their healing process. It inhibits the cells’ cytokines, the protein that promotes inflammation.
CBD oil can reduce acne because it can also regulate the skin’s production of sebum. When applied to the skin, cannabidiol affects sebocytes, which is the cell responsible for creating sebum. Sebum is a waxy, oily substance that acts as the skin’s protective barrier against pollution and other foreign particles. But when mixed with dirt and dead skin cells, sebum can clog the pores, which becomes pimples.
Studies also show that cannabidiol has antibacterial and antifungal effects. These properties help reduce the infection of pimples and protect the skin from dirt and other pollutants.
CBD oil can also be an effective anti-aging product. Because cannabidiol has potent anti-oxidant properties, it can effectively fight external free radicals that attack the skin’s collagen fibers. This helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, skin dullness, and uneven skin tone.
How to use CBD for the skin?
Cannabidiol is most effective on the skin through topical application, so the most ideal CBD skincare products are oils. Face oils are thick in consistency and can penetrate the skin deeply. Mix the CBD oil with a carrier oil, like coconut, sunflower, or argan, and apply it directly on the skin; choose a carrier oil that works best for your skin type.
If you’re not into face oils, you can also try other cannabidiol products, like CBD-infused lip balms, moisturizers, or pimple spot treatments.
Cannabidiol is rising as one of the new beauty trends this year. Although the initial findings are promising, more extensive studies are still necessary to ensure its efficacy and safety as a skincare ingredient. So before you join the hype, talk to a dermatologist to determine whether CBD will work for your skin.
