It’s the latest buzzword in natural healing, and lately it’s been making the rounds in the beauty industry as well. Chances are you’ve already heard about CBD and all of its healing qualities — whether any of it is true or not. From CBD spa treatments like CBD massage, to CBD lotions and topicals that claim to cure everything that ails you, one thing is for certain. The beauty and wellness industry has embraced CBD with open arms.
But while CBD has some wonderful, health-boosting effects, not everything you hear about it is fact-based. And when it comes to CBD oil in beauty products, are we merely witnessing another beauty trend gimmick? Or does CBD oil really work wonders to help your skin?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is just one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another. However, unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high. And because CBD can be derived from hemp plants without the presence of THC, it’s legal. That’s because Congress passed a Farm Bill in 2018 that legalized the production of hemp.
Now, this doesn’t mean that CBD oil and hemp seed oil are the same thing. Because they’re not. And not all hemp seed oil actually contains CBD. However, hemp seed oil alone isn’t bad for you. There’s some good stuff in there, like healthy fats and proteins. But it shouldn’t be confused with CBD oil, because they are indeed different. Though together, they make a great skin-care product when they’re combined.
Due to the long, confusing history of the illegality of cannabis, CBD, THC, and all the other compounds found in the plant are still in the process of being fully studied. Basically, the science is still in its infancy. And much of the existing research has not been conducted with human trials. What may work on lab mice may not work on humans.
That being said, there have been some promising findings regarding CBD oil. For instance, CBD has become well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. There is also indication that CBD can help relieve eczema, acne and psoriases.
CBD oil contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which are good for your skin. It also helps balance oily skin without clogging your pores. And when combined with hemp seed oil, it can also relieve dryness.
At this point, you might find yourself wondering if CBD oil is indeed a cure-all for every skin-related problem. Spoiler: it’s not.
Sorry to say, CBD oil probably doesn’t help with anti-aging. It also won’t do much for cold sores. Some studies suggest that it may provide some localized pain relief. But science has yet to prove how effective it is as a topical analgesic.
And while the molecules found in CBD can penetrate the epidermis, it’s unlikely to work its way into your bloodstream when applied to the skin. So no, CBD lotions and CBD topicals haven’t been shown to cure anxiety, depression, or cancer.
While the Food and Drug Administration has yet to regulate CBD, it has warned against unsubstantiated claims. Since there isn’t a whole lot of conclusive research about CBD, dermatologists have also been reluctant to recommend it to their patients. But then, many skin-care products on the market tout unproven qualities that lack scientific backing. Which is why it’s important to research the ingredients of any beauty product you’re using.
The good news is, CBD probably won’t cause any issues for your skin. But be aware, the market is pretty much unregulated. So while CBD is unlikely to cause you harm, other contaminants and ingredients might. Many beauty products also contain fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Those are more likely to cause a bad reaction than CBD.
However, there is one thing you should know. In order for your skin to absorb CBD, it needs a carrier. That’s why it works well when it’s combined with hemp seed oil or coconut oil. Plus, hemp seed and coconut oil also help moisturize your skin, so it’s a win-win.
If you’re unsure about the many CBD beauty products on the market, you can always make your own. That way, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are in your CBD topical.
How to make CBD Lotion
You can whip up your own CBD lotion in your kitchen with a few simple ingredients. All you need is some CBD oil, and a few items commonly found at the grocery store.
How to make CBD cream
One of the most promising benefits of CBD is its ability to moisturize and help with the appearance of your skin. Concoct your own zit-blasting creme at home with this easy recipe.
How to make CBD bath bombs
Give your whole body a CBD spa-like treatment by making your own bath bombs. You can also add essential oils to these fizzing orbs of comfort.
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