CBD for skin care. Can it really reverse ageing effects, heal skin wounds, ease skin rash, hydrate skin and make it more youthful?
Let’s dive in to discover more about how CBD is beneficial for a range of skin conditions.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that women seem more concerned about their skin. However, everyone likes healthy skin, irrespective of age and gender.
Various skin products with fancy formulas have been introduced and sold in the market with big claims, but do they really work?
For many people with acute skin reactions and allergies, using the wrong skincare products can mean ending up in A&E (Accident and Emergency).
However, there never seems to be an issue if you pamper your skin with naturally sourced and plant-derived products. After all this is what people in ancient times used to do to beautify their skin.
This article will discuss one of the most natural and plant-derived compounds- CBD- which has really gained popularity recently due to its potentially remarkable health benefits, including for skincare and cosmetic-induced skin disorders.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, known for its numerous health benefits and fewer side effects.
Is CBD good for skin conditions?
CBD is good for skin due to its immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
A wealth of research studies suggested CBD treatment for eczema, psoriasis, pruritis(itching), atopic dermatitis, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions (1).
Atopic dermatitis:
It is a skin condition (atopic eczema), which manifests as itchy, inflamed, bumpy and dry skin.
A study on atopic dermatitis published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that CBD modulates inflammation and relieves dermatitis without harming the skin cells (2).
Besides, bacterial infection by Staph Aureus is common in atopic dermatitis (3). A study published in Molecules found that CBD exhibited antimicrobial effects (including Staphylococcus Aureus), making it ideal for preventing flares of atopic dermatitis (4).
Heals blisters/wounds:
A small study published in Paediatric Dermatology analysed the effects of CBD on wound healing in a rare blistering skin disorder (Epidermolysis bullosa). It revealed optimum wound healing, less blistering and pain relief following the application of CBD on wounded and blistered skin (5).
Could CBD cure acne?
Acne or pimple has strong connection with the sebum (oil) produced by sebaceous glands. Sebocytes (cells of sebaceous glands) seem to play their role in the inflammation process in acne (6).
A study published in The British Journal of Dermatology found that CBD acts on sebocytes to regulate their growth and relieve inflammation, making it very useful against acne (6).
Additionally, the antimicrobial effects of CBD help prevent acne due to bacterial infections.
CBD also helps heal scars following acne by reducing inflammation and enhancing hydration and elasticity in the skin (7).
CBD and skin anti-ageing:
Skin reflects ageing when it is dehydrated, has inadequate collagen and cannot repair following free radicals injury.
CBD enhances elasticity, reduces inflammation and hydrates skin cells, provoking youthful effects (7).
It also acts as an antioxidant (more potent than vitamin A, E, and C) and eliminates free radicals, which otherwise cause skin damage and inflammation.
Caution:
- It is rare to have an allergic reaction due to CBD, but it would be best to do a patch test when using CBD for the first time.
- Do not use CBD if you have had an allergic skin reaction before.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding ladies should avoid using CBD products, especially those containing THC.
- Patients with liver disease and those on multiple medications should seek advice from doctors before consuming CBD products.
CBD comes in various formulations for skin, such as creams, balms, lotions, ointments, serum and mist spray. Some cosmetic brands have launched CBD-infused make-up and anti-ageing creams.
If you do not feel comfortable applying anything on your skin, you can use CBD in edibles (CBD coffee, CBD gummies, and CBD tea).
It’s your choice to consume CBD in any form which is suitable yet convenient for you.
CBD oil for skin care:
CBD oils are available in various formulations, but research suggests that topicals seem more effective in penetrating well to the deeper layers of the skin for prompt and better results.
CBD oil comes in various strengths and potencies therefore, the best would be if you speak to your doctor to discuss the right dosage for your skin.
CBD skin care products UK:
Here we have created a list of the most credited suppliers of organic CBD for arthritis in the UK as follows:
Evopure CBD
Purity Hemp Company
Blessed CBD
BNatural CBD
Cannacares CBD
CBD Armour
CBD Brothers
CBII CBD
Cubid CBD
FourFive CBD
Hempura CBD
Infinity CBD
Nutrivive CBD
CBD Life
Orange County CBD
Conclusion:
- Our skin is the most sensitive and exposed body organ, which mirrors all the effects our body experiences internally and externally. Skin ageing, allergy and inflammatory conditions are the most common skin concerns.
- CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the Sativa plant, has shown research-proven effects against numerous skin disorders due to its anti-inflammatory, immune modulating, hydrating, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. CBD in topical form is preferred for a more potent effect due to deep absorption to dermal layers.
References:
- Scheau, C., Badarau, I. A., Mihai, L.-G., Scheau, A.-E., Costache, D. O., Constantin, C., Calina, D., Caruntu, C., Costache, R. S., & Caruntu, A. (2020). Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation. Molecules, 25(3), 652. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030652
- Petrosino, S., Verde, R., Vaia, M., Allarà, M., Iuvone, T., & Di Marzo, V. (2018). Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoid, in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 365(3), 652–663. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.117.244368
- Alexander, H., Paller, A. S., Traidl‐Hoffmann, C., Beck, L. A., De Benedetto, A., Dhar, S., Girolomoni, G., Irvine, A. D., Spuls, P., Su, J., Thyssen, J. P., Vestergaard, C., Werfel, T., Wollenberg, A., Deleuran, M., & Flohr, C. (2019). The role of bacterial skin infections in atopic dermatitis: expert statement and review from the International Eczema Council Skin Infection Group. British Journal of Dermatology, 182(6), 1331–1342. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18643
- Zengin, G., Menghini, L., Di Sotto, A., Mancinelli, R., Sisto, F., Carradori, S., Cesa, S., Fraschetti, C., Filippi, A., Angiolella, L., Locatelli, M., Mannina, L., Ingallina, C., Puca, V., D’Antonio, M., & Grande, R. (2018). Chromatographic Analyses, In Vitro Biological Activities, and Cytotoxicity of Cannabis sativa L. Essential Oil: A Multidisciplinary Study. Molecules, 23(12), 3266. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123266
- Chelliah, M. P., Zinn, Z., Khuu, P., & Teng, J. M. C. (2018). Self-initiated use of topical cannabidiol oil for epidermolysis bullosa. Pediatric Dermatology, 35(4), e224–e227. https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.13545
- Mattii, M., Lovászi, M., Garzorz, N., Atenhan, A., Quaranta, M., Lauffer, F., Konstantinow, A., Küpper, M., Zouboulis, C. C., Kemeny, L., Eyerich, K., Schmidt-Weber, C. B., Törőcsik, D., & Eyerich, S. (2018). Sebocytes contribute to skin inflammation by promoting the differentiation of T helper 17 cells. British Journal of Dermatology, 178(3), 722–730. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.15879
- Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars Clinical trial. Clin Ter, 170(2), 93–99. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2019.2116