Through continuing research and changing laws, more people incorporate CBD into their routines than ever before. In the skincare industry, it has become widely popular due to its ability to calm, soothe, hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier. Maybe you have tried a skincare or beauty product with CBD, or you could still be scratching your head wondering why it is in there. Let’s dive in to the facts surrounding CBD in skincare and why it is something that could prove to be a miracle cure.
Key Terms
- THC- tetrahydrocannabinol, one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. The main psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
- Cannabis- a genus of flowering plants
- CBD- stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, contains little to no THC
- Hemp- strain of the cannabis plant mostly used for industrial purposes, contains no THC
Some not-so-boring History
Cannabis is one of the world’s oldest crops, going back 12,000 years in central Asia (source). It was brought to the United States in the early 1900s, with little understanding of the different species of the plants. CBD was first isolated from the marijuana plant in 1940, however it took over 20 years to understand the different chemical structures. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam was the first to identify the structure of CBD and is credited with the discovery of the differences between THC and CBD effects (source).
In the coming years, states began to legalize and use medical cannabis in treatments for various health conditions. This continuous research has helped propel this natural alternative to big pharma into the hands of people all across the United States. Just recently in 2017, the FDA began the process for approval of CBD as medicine (source).
This info-graphic shows important distinctions between hemp oil vs cannabis (CBD) oil. Both are seen in topical skincare and body care products, and have numerous benefits. CBD is known to decrease inflammation throughout the body. Hemp seed oil is also known to help various skin conditions and sensitivities within the skin. They are extracted differently, contain different compounds and will ultimately have some different effects.
Hemp & CBD in Skincare
Dendy Engelman, a NYC dermatologist states, “Inflammation is the root of all evil, whether that’s acne, or the signs of aging” (Devash, 2019). We do know that CBD is shown to greatly reduce inflammation in many areas of the body, topically and orally ingested. The purpose of CBD being added to skincare products is ultimately to reduce inflammation that causes numerous skincare conditions. Whether it be acne, eczema, psoriasis, or itchiness: anti-inflammatory ingredients are crucial in your skincare routine. Hemp oil used in products is highly moisturizing and contains vital antioxidants to help protect against aging. The founder of Saint Jane Casey Georgeson also states that searching for full spectrum CBD in your products can enhance the benefits received from the plant! (source). Seeking CBD in skincare products for acne, sensitive skin, dry skin, or anti-aging benefits may be game-changing in restoring proper balance.
Claims or Facts? An Important Distinction
The American Academy of Dermatology discuses the truth behind claims made about CBD in skincare stating that technically nothing has been proven about its effects. As you saw earlier, the research surrounding CBD is relatively new and has been hit with various legal issues causing publications to be slow rolling.
Also keep in mind that applying it topically does not have the same effects as ingesting it, meaning it is not entering the blood stream. Therefore, you are not going to feel a certain way physiologically when using a CBD face oil. I know I did explain the science behind CBD because it is important to understand, but remember the distinctions to be made when comparing topical application versus ingesting. I recommend checking with your doctor before using CBD products to ensure proper health.
Testing the Theories
Many luxury brands are curating CBD lines of their skincare, and many new brands are also popping up with high price tags. In order to test CBD in skincare and its effects, I purchased a CBD face oil and have been using it every night for 3 months.
**Update since this original blog was written- I have now gone through 2 full bottles and 1 mini bottle of this oil and just purchased another to use!
Herbivore Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil (1 oz, $58)
Key Ingredients:
100mg Full Spectrum CBD
Hemp Seed Oil
Ashwagandha
Helichrysum Flower Extract
Squalane oil
Claims:
Soothes and calms redness
Reduces irritation and environmental stressors
Deeply hydrates and provides a glow
Research suggests that imbalances of the immune system may also be responsible for the occurrence of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, making CBD and its functions of great interest in developing targeted therapies.
As said on the product listing on the website
*As of now, this product can only be shipped within the United States
The package gives clear education on this product and really breaks down the education behind the CBD in this facial oil. The scent of this product is definitely strong, as to be expected with most CBD skincare products. It is herbal and medicinal. The Herbivore deep moisture glow oil gives my skin an amazing dewy glow, non-greasy hydration, plump and bright appearance. The major distinction I noticed using this product was the reduction in redness. I have hormonal redness around my jawline that essentially went away! I use this as my last step in my nighttime skincare routine.
Something to note- Herbivore also offers an Emerald Hemp Glow oil that does not contain CBD. This is 1oz, $48 and available more globally.
Other CBD Skincare Products worth checking out:
Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol
Kosasport LipFuel Extra-Strength 50mg CBD
Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100mg CBD
CBD in Skincare Wrap-up
Overall, CBD products are advertised for acneic skin, aging and especially dry and sensitive. Some findings have shown that CBD may have the potential to control excess sebum which can reduce acne breakouts. It also has antioxidant properties, which help to shield us from the sun, ultimately assisting in anti-aging. It is highly moisturizing, and provides important protection from moisture loss (CBD Oil’s Benefits for Skin). After my research deep dive into CBD in skincare, I believe that it is absolutely worth trying in your routine especially if nothing has given you the relief you desire.
What do you think about the use of CBD in skincare? Do you have have facial or body products that you love? Let me know!
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog – I look forward to it every week! Thanks for the extremely helpful information. Would the Herbivore Emerald work well on all skin types?
Thank you for reading! Yes, that product is great for all skin types, but especially dry or sensitive.
Hey Tara, I’m just checking up if you’re open for collabs with your blog? If so, then I’d love to hear from you! As I couldn’t find any contact info on your blog, it would be great if you could email me directly at olivia@blogerize.com and then I could tell you more! Thanks 🙂