Have you noticed that more and more skin care products are popping up with CBD in them? If you go to the store or the dispensary, you’ll see a host of beauty products containing CBD, including sunscreens, lip balms, lotions, and many more. Even Sephora sells CBD products now. But what’s the deal? Why are so many skin care and beauty products adding CBD to their formula? In this article, we’re going to explore the benefits of using CBD in skin care products.

CBD Explained

First, here’s a quick rundown of what CBD even is. CBD is shorthand for cannabidiol, which is one of the active compounds found inside the cannabis plant. You’re likely familiar with its popular cousin tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is a psychoactive chemical, and it’s responsible for the “high” feeling you get when you consume cannabis. Both THC and CBD are considered the main active ingredients in cannabis, and they’ve both been found useful for medical purposes. 

These include reducing pain, fighting nausea, reducing anxiety, helping with sleep, and much more. The main difference between the two is that CBD does not get you high but offers all the same benefits. Beyond the medical advantages, however, there’s also evidence that CBD has therapeutic benefits as well. As such, it’s becoming increasingly popular to add CBD oil to skin care and beauty products.

How CBD Benefits Your Skin

Today, many companies market CBD as a wonder drug that can help solve a wide variety of skin issues. As mentioned above, you can find it in almost everything from creams and lotions to lip balms and cleansers. So there’s no doubt, you can find a CBD product for your needs.

One of the biggest selling points is that it’s completely natural, which makes it ideal for a wide variety of skin types and complexions. But there’s also a ton of evidence that supports its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antipruritic properties. Now, it seems that it can also be used as an antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-malignancy agent. That’s why many dermatologists are using CBD skin care products to help with skin problems such as acne, skin cancer, psoriasis, pain, and so much more.

Here’s why you should CBD to your skin care regimen:

It’s Anti-Inflammatory

There’s been plenty of research that’s found CBD to have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be extremely helpful for skin problems such as acne or psoriasis which can reduce blemishes, pain, redness, and other skin issues. There have also been studies that prove CBD is a safe and non-invasive alternative for those who suffer from skin conditions resulting from inflammation such as dermatitis, eczema, and rashes.

It’s Anti-Bacterial

CBD also contains anti-bacterial properties according to a plethora of research. In skin care products, it can be used to balance bacteria colonies found on the skin and helps with bacteria-related skin conditions. It’s also helpful for fighting bacteria that cause acne and preventing oil build-up that leads to pores getting clogged. 

It Helps Remove Scars

CBD also has been found to have anti-scarring benefits as well. This is especially helpful for skin conditions that leave behind scars such as psoriasis. CBD also helps with skin hydration and elasticity which can help reduce instances of scarring and makes the skin look healthier.

It’s an Antioxidant

The most beneficial property of CBD is that it’s an antioxidant. When your skin is exposed to harsh things such as UV light from the sun, smoke, and pollutants in the air, it can cause a host of problems from free radicals such as skin cancer. Antioxidants in CBD act as a natural barrier that protects the skin. It’s also been found that antioxidants have anti-aging properties when used in skin care, and it can combat signs of aging including wrinkles.

And that’s not all– it’s also been discovered that CBD antioxidants promote keratinocyte production. Keratinocytes are skin cells that act as our first line of defense against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. It’s also responsible for regulating heat and water loss, as well as protecting us from the dangers of UV radiation.

So You Want to Use CBD Skin Care Products? Follow These Steps

Whenever trying something new, you need to approach it with caution and do your due diligence. However, CBD is proven safe so follow these steps if you’re interested in starting your CBD skin care journey:

1. Test before diving fully in: As mentioned, CBD is generally safe but everyone responds to products differently. Before fully committing to the product, test a little out on your arm or leg to see how your skin reacts. There could be something inside you’re allergic to and could make things worse if you put it all over your face or body.
2. Do your own research: Regardless of what a friend tells you or what you read in this post, it’s always best to research on your own to get as much information as possible so you can make the right choice based on your situation.
3. Don’t forget the science is still in progress: There’s still a lot of research needed before we can definitively say that CBD can help with all the different skin conditions. Don’t get your hopes up and get disappointed because it doesn’t work in your case.
4. Buy from reputable sources: Not all CBD products are created equal. You need to buy from a trusted brand or dispensary to ensure you’re actually getting what you paid for and it’s a high-quality product.

Consult your dermatologist: If you’ve been dealing with a certain skin condition, there’s a chance that CBD could be just the thing you need. However, there’s a chance it couldn’t be. So it’s best to speak with your dermatologist to see how CBD products could fit into your current skin care routine.