Well, it’s no secret that CBD is the latest buzz in health and wellness. From pills to oils to gummies, yes gummies, you can pretty much find it anywhere and everywhere. So, it should be no surprise that CBD has also found its way onto skincare. From serums to lip balms to face mists, CBD has arrived, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In 2018, the global CBD skincare market was valued at a whopping $633 million; by 2025, its value is expected to reach an astounding $3.4 billion. With the new kid on the block turning the skincare industry on its ear, you may want to know a bit more about it. You’re in luck, because we’re here to help you out.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the chemical compounds found in cannabis (marijuana and hemp). The other compound found in cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). To be clear, these two components are quite different. THC, for example, is the psychoactive component in cannabis, while CBD has more medicinal properties.
What is CBD used for?
According to a 2018 study, CBD can be used for a myriad of health issues, including:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Migraines
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
While this is not an exhaustive list, it’s certainly clear that CBD has plenty of medicinal applications. But, what can it do for your skin?
CBD for acne-prone skin
Studies have shown that CBD has plenty of anti-inflammatory properties, and when applied topically, it can calm the irritation and redness commonly associated with acne. Moreover, a 2014 study showed that CBD oil might also help acne by curbing the skin’s oil production and regulating overactive sebaceous glands.
CBD for anti-aging
In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, CBD is also teeming with antioxidant properties. When used topically, CBD and its powerful anti-oxidants can fight the ravages of free-radicals, pollution, and UV damage. With continued use, CBD can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How To Choose A CBD Product
Stick with what you know
When you’re talking about skincare and anything that you’d be applying directly to your face, it stands to reason that you’d want to do your due diligence when adding a new product to your routine. Perhaps a best practice here is to stick with what you know. While there is a wealth of products to choose from online, you never know what you’ll get wrapped up in a pretty package. That said, there are plenty of reputable brands dipping their toes into the CBD pool. Opt for brands that are tried and true.
Read the list of ingredients
Be sure to read the list of ingredients, and above all else, do your homework to understand what you’re reading. People often buy products labeled as “cannabis” or “hemp,” and while those ingredients may undoubtedly have their place in skincare, they are not CBD. For example, hemp oil is a popular one, but hemp oil comes from the hemp plant itself. CBD, on the other hand, is extracted from the flower of the hemp plant. The bottom line is that the properties of each are very different, so you won’t get what you expected (or paid for) if you don’t read thoroughly.
Categories of cannabidiol
While there’s little to no oversight on the categories of cannabidiol, you may still want to familiarize yourself with the following terms that tend to appear on the labels of skincare products so that you know what you’re getting.
- CBD Isolate - Pure CBD with no traces of cannabinoids or terpenes
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: CBD with trace levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, THC is undetectable.
- Full-Spectrum CBD: CBD with trace levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, and THC. THC is detectable.
While the research on CBD continues, preliminary findings have identified some great things about it and its potential efficacy in skincare products. Of course, there are a ton of options on the market. Just be sure to do your research and stick to brands you trust and always read labels carefully, so there are no surprises. And, remember to always consult your health care provider before starting any new treatments.
