CBD is everywhere in the beauty industry, and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down as the newest most popular craze. It’s been loved and lauded as a cure-all for just about everything, and you could argue it’s a catch-phrase in and of itself. After all, anytime we hear the words “CBD massage,” or “CBD treatment,” we know it’s going to be relaxing and full of cannabinoid-fueled zen vibes. But do any of these CBD beauty products actually work?
You can now buy CBD mascara, CBD lip balm, CBD sugar scrub, CBD moisturizers and CBD face masks and more. And due to the cannabinoids that they contain, these products are usually expensive. Do they do anything good for your skin, and if so… what?
So what does CBD in beauty products do? Thanks to the increasing legalization of cannabis, science is now able to study cannabis and its many compounds. However, even though new research is emerging daily, there is still a lot to learn about marijuana and hemp. And unfortunately, most of the studies that have been done have been conducted in vitro or on mice. It is still very challenging for scientists to get approval for human trials in the United States, which is what makes it difficult to say anything definitive about cannabis and its compounds.
But there are some things that science has been able to conclude with some confidence about cannabis, and CBD, specifically. For one, CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory. And research is finding that CBD can also help with hard-to-treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
There is also evidence to suggest CBD for acne is a possibility, since this cannabinoid works by relieving inflammation, redness and dryness. And when used with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, it can keep pores from getting clogged while moisturizing your skin.
CBD oil also contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which are good for your skin. By interacting with cannabinoid receptors in your skin, it can calm irritation and puffiness. So, with this in mind, using a CBD moisturizer or any other kind of CBD skin care could be beneficial. But CBD mascara might not do anything for your eyelashes, and CBD lip balm might not be any better than regular lip balm.
And currently, science has not confirmed anything conclusive about CBD for anti-aging. However, proper moisturizing and healthy fatty acids and nutrients can certainly help your skin age more gracefully. CBD oil is super rich with essential fatty acids like omega-9, omega-6 and omega-3, as well as healing antioxidants. These kinds of nutrients are what make CBD skin care a good idea for your face.
Right now, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to regulate CBD in a meaningful way. How does this translate to you as the consumer? This means the industry is fraught with unsubstantiated claims, as well as products that don’t contain the level of cannabinoids advertised. In addition, dermatologists haven’t quite yet gotten on board with recommending it to their patients.
But what we do know so far about CBD oil is that it isn’t harmful for your skin. If a CBD product is causing your skin to become irritated, it’s more likely that it’s another ingredient in the product that is causing issues, and not the CBD. Many beauty products also contain fragrances, dyes and preservatives that can be irritating for the skin.
Due to lack of regulation, there are a few things that are important to look for when shopping for CBD beauty products. Keep an eye out for labeling that includes words like CBD broad spectrum, full spectrum and cannabidiol. To ensure that you’re getting the percentage of cannabinoids advertised, research the product and see if it has been submitted to third-party testing.
And if the CBD skin care product you’re using causes a negative skin reaction, try switching to something else. With CBD flooding the skin care market, there are plenty of other reputable products to try. Or, you can try making your own CBD topicals at home. The process is easy, all you need is some homemade or store-bought CBD oil, and you’re already halfway there.
Interested in making your own CBD topical? You can find an easy, customizable recipe here:
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