Let us help you navigate the endless sea that is the CBD skin care industry

Thanks to the recent legalization of CBD, it’s now everywhere in the cannabis skin care industry. It’s in mascara, lip balm, lotion, face cream, massage oil, the list goes on and on… and on. 

And while a little variety isn’t a bad thing, deciding on the best cannabis skin care products is no easy task. The market is flooded with CBD beauty products, each promising miraculous results. But the truth is, everyone’s skin is different. Not only that, but according to a 2017 study, not all CBD products actually contain what’s advertised.

So, as consumers, how are we to navigate this confusing and over-saturated world of CBD skin care products?

CBD Beauty Product Buying Tips

When shopping for any kind of product containing cannabis, it’s important to know the quality of what you’re buying. Keep a close eye on the labeling. Look for products that have been tested by a third-party. And don’t be afraid to do some web searching to help verify that what you’re buying is legit. 

Check the websites of product manufacturers. If you find a Certificate of Analysis that gives you some test results, that’s good news. More importantly, don’t always believe every claim you find on a cannabis wellness product. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been issuing warnings to companies that advertise unproven medical claims, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t still a continuing problem. That’s why it’s also a good idea to consider sources of the information you find. Look for references to actual studies, instead of anecdotal reports.

Overall, just keep in mind that the CBD market is still largely unregulated. Be hyper-vigilant in researching the products you’re buying. And keep careful track of the effects it has on your own body. What might work for one person’s skin, may not work for you. If you’re not seeing the results you were looking for, don’t be shy about trying something else.

Good Questions to Ask About CBD for Skin

Before you throw down on an expensive bottle of CBD serum, it’s a good idea to ask yourself a few questions. First, what kind of condition are you looking to treat? CBD can be a helpful tonic for skin that is irritated, inflamed or puffy. Research has shown that CBD could potentially help with acne and redness. It can also be effective in treating psoriasis and eczema. 

But if you’re looking for a CBD beauty product to help with anti-aging, the science hasn’t been altogether conclusive. Yes, CBD can act as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory for your skin. And it could possibly do wonders for hydrating skin. But so far, results regarding anti-aging haven’t shown anything conclusive.

Ask if the product you’re buying is an CBD isolate or full spectrum. Typically, full-spectrum CBD is more effective in a lower dose, while isolates need a higher CBD content to offer a noticeable effect. While you’re looking at ingredients, pay attention to what else might have been used to create the product. Are there chemicals present? Or other additives that might irritate your skin? 

Also, does the packaging tell you how much, or how often to use the product? This is important information in treating your skin. If the product calls for reapplication every four-to-six hours, you might not notice any positive results if you’re only using it once a day. Be sure to watch for any side effects. While they might not be caused by the cannabis in your CBD skin care product, it could be another ingredient in the mix. 

When in doubt, talk to your dermatologist. CBD is now legal in the United States, so you don’t have anything to worry about in bringing up the subject with your doctor.

How to Buy the Best CBD Products for Your Skin

Feeling like a CBD-buying expert yet? Let’s break down the basics:

• Before you buy, read the label and any accompanying product information.
• Check for third-party testing or a Certificate of Analysis to ensure the cannabis product is legit.
• Read all of the information you can about dosing requirements, and whether or not the product is a CBD isolate or full-spectrum.
• Don’t believe all the hype. While CBD or THC for skin care treatment can be helpful in some circumstances, cannabis is not a cure-all for every skin ailment.
• Temper your expectations. Before you make any decisions about the CBD beauty product you’re buying, give it some time to show you whether or not it works. 
• Watch for harmful side effects. Though it may not be cannabis causing any irritation, some other ingredient in the product might be.
• Consult a physician. While there is still much research that needs to be done about CBD skin care, your dermatologist can help you find the best product for your skin.