CBD Skincare Advantages

Review of CBD Skincare vs. Traditional Skincare

While most consumers are still using traditional skincare products by the large, established cosmetics companies, CBD (cannabidiol) skincare has gained popularity due to its unique properties and proven benefits.

Overall, skincare is of growing interest to consumers worldwide who are looking to protect their skin against growing environmental influences, such as increasing sun intensity and pollution. They are also seeking alternatives to the countless synthetic ingredients in traditional skincare, many of which have unknown long-term effects.

CBD extract is a natural plant derivative that is most often blended with other medicinally beneficial natural ingredients for a 100% natural and highly effective alternative to traditional skincare products.

The effectiveness of CBD skincare has been proven in thousands of studies (search your specific area of interest on PubMed) and has been accepted by the relevant authorities in the European Union. The public is slowly catching up as some of the hurdles of making such products available are overcome in many markets (see Slow Market Acceptance of CBD).

Below are some of the main benefits and advantages of skincare that contain an effective amount of CBD.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to the skin, CBD can help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Traditional skincare products may not have the same level of anti-inflammatory benefits unless specifically formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients. They may also contain chemical allergens that, though below allowable limits, may be problematic for particularly sensitive skin.

Antioxidant Effects

CBD is a potent antioxidant. It can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, environmental pollutants, and UV radiation. This protection can slow down the signs of aging, such as the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles.

While many traditional skincare products contain antioxidants, CBD provides an additional layer of protection due to its unique and potent effects on the endocannabinoid system that is critical to an optimal functioning of the body.

Moisturizing Benefits

Natural hemp seed or coconut oil are most often the CBD-carriers in CBD skincare products, both of which are rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These can help maintain the skin's natural barrier, retain moisture, and keep the skin hydrated. Traditional products may also provide moisturizing effects but might not contain these specific fatty acids or the same nourishing properties.

Anti-Sebum Effects for Acne Control

CBD has been found to exhibit anti-sebum effects on the skin, as listed in EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (COSING) in 2021, which makes it a potential treatment for acne and other skin conditions related to excessive oil production that can lead to clogged pores, acne, and oily skin.

Research indicates that CBD helps to regulate the activity of sebocytes, thus reducing the production of sebum by affecting signaling pathways in the skin, particularly by inhibiting lipid synthesis. It modulates the TRPV4 receptor, a key player in the regulation of lipid production, thereby helping to keep sebum levels balanced and preventing the skin from becoming too oily.

Traditional skincare products aimed at acne control often rely on harsher ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can cause dryness or irritation.

Antimicrobial Activity

In addition to controlling sebum and reducing inflammation, CBD has antimicrobial properties that may help address bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, which contribute to acne development. By limiting both sebum and bacterial growth, CBD offers a multifaceted approach to treating acne-prone skin.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation demonstrated that CBD had significant anti-acne and anti-sebum effects by reducing lipid production in human sebocytes and lowering inflammatory cytokine levels.

Soothing Sensitivity and Irritation

The calming properties of CBD soothe sensitive or irritated skin. It interacts with the skin's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating skin homeostasis, including skin sensitivity and response to irritants. Most traditional products do not target these receptors or provide the same soothing benefits as natural CBD.

Natural and Holistic Methodology

Often marketed as a natural and holistic option, CBD skincare is appealing to consumers looking for cleaner, more organic skincare products. Most CBD skincare lines, such as those from Olla Botanicals using certified organic CBD, focus on natural formulations without synthetic chemicals, preservatives, or fragrances, which can be irritating to the skin.

Traditional skincare products usually contain a high number of synthetic ingredients, which a growing cohort of consumers may wish to avoid.

Proven Pain Relief

Cannabidiol has proven analgesic properties, meaning it can help with pain relief. For individuals with skin conditions that cause discomfort or pain (like joint and muscle pain, insect bites, inflammations, eczema or psoriasis), CBD skincare products provide relief.

Traditional skincare products typically do not have pain-relieving properties unless formulated with specific ingredients for that purpose.

Skin Healing and Repair

Because of its ability to regulate skin cell proliferation and differentiation, CBD supports skin healing and repair. This can be particularly beneficial for skin that is damaged, dry, or experiencing breakouts.

Traditional skincare products may not target skin healing in the same way or may rely on different mechanisms.

Protection against Over-drying

Many traditional skincare products, especially those targeting acne or oily skin, contain ingredients like alcohol or sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to over-drying and irritation. CBD products are generally formulated to be gentler on the skin, providing hydration without over-drying.

While CBD skincare products offer several potential advantages over traditional products, the effectiveness of CBD can vary from person to person. Research on CBD and cannabis has exploded in the past decade, but more is needed to fully understand the range of benefits CBD can provide to the skin.

For individuals interested in CBD skincare, it's important to choose products from reputable brands that are natural or organic, provide third-party testing and transparency about their ingredients and CBD content.

Because CBD extracts are expensive (especially organic ones), many brands do not contain enough CBD to be truly effective. So consumers should choose wisely to ensure they are not disappointed in the results.

In general, consumer feedback to regular use of CBD products has been very positive and many become regular users of this wonderful gift of nature.