The CBD trend has officially exploded, with people taking advantage of the compound through vaporizers, creams, protein powders and even chocolate and coffee. Research around CBD and its benefits is still relatively new, but the initial results and the anecdotal reports have been very positive. CBD is best known for its ability to curb anxiety and as a pain relief method, but there have been some recent findings that CBD is also beneficial for skin health. There are now many CBD skin products on the market, but if you’re unsure where to start, we’ve summarized some essential information, and you need to pick the best one for you.
What’s CBD?
CBD, shortened from the compound’s full name, ‘cannabidiol,’ is a chemical found naturally in the cannabis plant. Female plants produce buds that, when not fertilized, can be harvested and have the most significant amount of both CBD and THC that are commonly smoked to achieve a high. THC is the compound associated with the ‘high’ feeling that cannabis is known for, but CBD products have very trace amounts of this, meaning you won’t get these effects. CBD isn’t psychoactive and is the compound that gives positive results when smoking the whole bud, such as helping with anxiety, lowering inflammation, and reducing chronic pain. New research is also suggesting that CBD may help reduce cognitive decline like Aniracetam,so it could be used by people who have Alzheimer’s Disease and could be useful for those suffering from substance abuse.
How can CBD help your skin?
CBD for Acne
Acne is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin on people’s faces, and can result in painful blemishes that can lead to scarring in serious cases. Several factors trigger it, like whey protein from dairy, but many prescribed treatments focus on reducing the inflammation and soothing the skin. CBD has natural anti-inflammatory effects, making it an excellent natural remedy for acne, reducing the impact of breakouts and reducing the redness that comes with them. Also, there’s some evidence that CBD may decrease the amount of oil that the skin produces, and balances your skin to an average level of oil production that can also reduce acne’s impact. More evidence is being done to solidify the evidence, but creams like the Private Label CBD Skin Care are relatively inexpensive, so they are well worth trying.
CBD for Anti-Aging and Wrinkles
Some of the most popular and effective compounds used in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products are those with antioxidant properties, like the supplement, Beta alanine. CBD isn’t unique in that it has antioxidant effects, but it’s an excellent option for those who want to slow down aging and wrinkles. Antioxidants work to counteract free radicals that cause damage and inflammation to the skin, helping slow down wrinkles and reduce dull skin. There are, of course, other plants that give antioxidant effects. Still, CBD is a great option that also has the anti-inflammatory effects as mentioned above, making it a complete skin treatment.
CBD for Sensitive Skin
CBD works to normalize the skin, and through this, redness and reactivity can be reduced. Even if your skin isn’t overly sensitive, all skin has to endure its daily stressors from the environment, so the soothing effect from CBD can be useful in anyone’s skincare routine.
How do you choose the best CBD product?
With so many CBD products on the market, how can you know which is the best and most effective? The first thing to be aware of is the difference between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains the full range of compounds found in the cannabis plant, including minimal amounts of THC, among others. Broad-spectrum CBD is made up of several cannabinoids, but THC isn’t present at all. CBD isolate doesn’t contain any other compounds. It’s the purest form of CBD, making it the best choice for skincare products, as the positive antioxidants are maximized with nothing else to change how the product will react on the skin.
When looking for CBD skincare products, look for words like ‘cannabidiol,’ ‘full-spectrum CBD,’ or ‘CBD isolate,’ which will help you understand what the product uses as the active ingredient. Note that hemp seed oil isn’t the same as CBD oil and has different properties.
Another essential thing to look for when shopping for your CBD cream or oil is to note how much CBD is in the product. If pain relief is the primary purpose of a CBD oil, then the amount used and prescribed will be higher than creams applied to the skin.
It’s also worth taking the time to check the quality of the products you’re interested in. As CBD is so new, regulations are still catching up with the companies making the products. A recent study showed that over half of CBD products weren’t labeled correctly, ensuring that you select a quality brand with good reviews. If a product has been tested in a third-party lab, then this is a great sign that you chose a labeled product correctly.
Is CBD legal?
For people that are new to CBD products, one of the first concerns they have about it is the legality, mainly due to the association with cannabis that’s illegal in many countries. In the US, cannabinoids from industrial hemp and with a THC content of less than 0.3% are legal to purchase and use. CBD is classified as a supplement in all 50 states, making it perfectly legal to buy and possess, but there are some debates about infusing CBD into food and other products. The government’s position on CBD is still in development due to the relatively recent uptake in products containing the compound, making the question more complicated than it should be. If in doubt, check what the laws are in your country of residence, but in general, if products can be bought in drug or supplement stores, then there are no issues at all.