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Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become a staple in skin care today for a plethora of reasons. The $580 million CBD cosmetic market is proof that it has come to stay, and the reasons are not far-fetched. Firstly, the compound has anti-acne, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the perceived CBD skin benefits include its ability to reduce inflammation by regulating oil production.
Other sources suggest that CBD reduces sebum production and soothes skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. There’s also the supposed benefit of CBD for anti-ageing. These discoveries have led skin care manufacturers to focus on producing lotions, creams, and serums. Let’s elaborate on the questions of “How does CBD interact with the skin?” and “Does CBD improve skin?”
How CBD Interacts with the Skin
CBD, when used in lotions and creams, can reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. It starts in the skin cells known as the sebocytes that are responsible for creating the sebaceous gland of the skin. This sebaceous gland has a single role of producing what we know as sebum, an oily secretion that keeps your skin healthy.
CBD penetrates this gland using hair follicles and heads to the cannabinoid receptors. This then stimulates the receptors to soothe the skin and relieve pain, if any. The receptors are known as CB2 receptors, and they connect the peripheral nerves, including the skin.
Also, these receptors handle anti-inflammatory and pain relief responses and provide localised relief for inflammation. Going by this logic, it can work for skin disorders caused by inflammation, such as psoriasis and eczema.
It is, however, important to note that topical CBD for skin health cannot penetrate deeper into the bloodstream or brain like other methods. However, it can provide a localised effect by working with your skin's CB2 receptors.
Are there topicals that penetrate deeper than the epidermis level? Yes. There are CBD skincare products for transdermal application, and these products go deeper than skin level. They often come in the form of patches and can be placed on any part of the body.
CBD for Skin Health: Acne, Eczema, and More
Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that CBD can indeed be beneficial for treating a number of skin conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.
Acne
Lots of factors contribute to the development of acne, including excess oil production, hormonal changes, and even clogged pores. However, the most common culprit is excess sebum, an oily compound that is meant to lubricate the skin. When the sebaceous cells produce more sebum than the skin needs, it mixes with dead skin cells and clogs the pores.
Products of CBD for acne are helpful, as a 2014 study revealed. This research studied the compound’s effect on the sebocytes that produce sebum. It’s discovered that CBD prevents sebocytes from creating more sebum than the body needs.
Another study in 2024 found that the cannabis plant has antifungal and antibacterial properties. So this means that it can also help prevent acne on the skin. Besides treating acne, CBD has proven beneficial for clearing acne scars as it hastens the healing process.
Eczema
Eczema always presents as patches of dry, irritated, itchy skin. The primary cause of eczema is genetic factors as well as environmental factors. The immune system may also play a role in eczema breakouts. While CBD for eczema isn’t a complete treatment, it may be able to manage the symptoms.
CBD is originally great for soothing and healing wounds and it works in the same way for eczema. One study in 2019 discovered that CBD can reduce itchiness and inflammation and help people with eczema sleep better. Another study discovered that hemp seed oil can be used to treat eczema and acne, among others, as it strengthens the skin and makes it resistant to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes patches of abnormal skin. Depending on the body type, the skin may be purple, pink, scaly, and itchy. In most cases, this skin condition is treated with steroid creams, but these come with their own side effects, and this is why CBD has been considered a better alternative because of its lack of side effects.
While it does not cure psoriasis, CBD can manage the symptoms because it has anti-inflammatory effects. Besides the anti-inflammatory effect, CBD also has immunomodulatory effects. In simple English, this means that CBD can reduce inflammatory responses and cytokine production in cells with psoriasis. It does this specifically by reducing the reproduction and secretion of cytokines in the nuclear cells.
CBD has also been proven to aid oxidative stress reduction and does this by improving metabolic effects linked to peroxidation. One study discovered that CBD does not only reduce inflammation but also increases skin hydration. It reduces the pace at which the cells regenerate to help your immune system avoid triggers.
Dry Skin
While dry skin is not as serious as the other skin conditions listed above, it can still be a factor that accelerates the ageing of the skin. Many things can cause dry skin, including seasons, weather, age, and skin ailments.
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, as mentioned earlier, making it perfect for soothing dry skin. It also acts as an antioxidant and reduces free radicals to boost skin tightness. There is evidence to show that using CBD can ensure skin radiance while also fighting bacteria to prevent acne.
Irritation
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and ultimately regulates the immune system. Irritation is often an immune response, and CBD soothes it by engaging with the CB1 and 2 receptors to inhibit the reaction. Doing this reduces the feelings of itchiness, but that’s not all.
CBD also relaxes the body and makes it easier for individuals to sleep comfortably. It may not cure the cause of the irritation, but it certainly soothes it and makes the individual more comfortable.
Scientific Research Supporting CBD for Skin Improvement
Overall, studies involving CBD and its benefits for health have been skeletal compared to other naturally occurring compounds. This can be attributed to the negative reputation cannabis has. It hasn’t been fully accepted even though CBD doesn’t have psychoactive properties like THC.
A lot still needs to be done to study the benefits of CBD for skin health. However, few studies have provided evidence about the benefits of CBD for the skin. A study from George Washington University revealed the potential benefits of CBD against ultraviolet radiation. This study involved 19 participants, each applying CBD creams to specific areas of their bodies for 14 days.;
After this period, the skin was exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which would be enough to burn the skin. The results were shocking after 24 hours as the scientist took some biopsies and analysed them to check for DNA and cellular damage. It revealed that CBD has a protective capacity against the effect of UVA radiation.
Another study focused on the effects of CBD on 20 people suffering from eczema or psoriasis. This study also considered the scars each condition could leave on the skin. The participants applied CBD skin ointment on their skin twice daily for a period of three months. At the end of the study, it was found out CBD reduced inflammation and didn’t have any adverse side effects like allergic reactions or irritation.
One small study focused on the benefits of CBD for scarring and discovered that the compound can clear acne scars. The study involved a mixture of human cells and mice cells, and CBD products for acne were able to heal acne scars by shortening the healing time. The increased collagen levels also made it easier for the skin to heal faster. In the process, cellular regeneration and turnover performed better.
Similarly, a journal confirmed that CBD has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. According to the Phytochemistry Review Journal, CBD can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, and even systemic sclerosis.
Another phytochemistry review study found that CBD offers sebostatic and hydrating effects. This helps in the long run with soothing dry skin and acne for glowing and healthy skin. For that bright glow, CBD may come in handy.
Topical CBD Products for Skin Health
The UK is an excellent market for topical CBD products. Its revenue is projected to reach $611 million by 2030, with a growth rate of 22%. The market offers different products, from creams to moisturisers and serums.
Creams
CBD creams are excellent moisturisers and can be used on the face and body. These creams come in different varieties, including night creams and day creams. The difference between both is that they contain other crucial ingredients that address skin issues.
Some are specifically formulated for skin issues such as dryness and inflammation. Popular added ingredients in these creams include vitamin E for protection from damage from environmental factors, like lack of sleep and extreme weather conditions.
Serums
Unlike creams, serums are more concentrated products that focus on specific issues with the skin, such as dehydration, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. These products are often applied on damp skin before any other skincare product and can be absorbed quickly by the skin for hydration and anti-ageing benefits.
Many CBD serums use a colloidal method to allow the CBD to be absorbed faster into the skin. The effects of serums can be immediate and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for people with a wide range of skin concerns. While most serums focus on different skin issues, such as brightening and rejuvenating skin, they are excellent moisturisers as well.
Lotions
Often mistaken for creams, lotions offer a different consistency and composition, and this affects their effectiveness. CBD lotions in the UK are much lighter and contain more water, making it easier for the skin to absorb the product. However, this product may be better for people with slightly dry skin. It is also more common in summer because the weather is warmer.
Some popular CBD lotions are designed for hydrating the skin and restoring skin vitality. Others have extra ingredients, such as hemp oil, for daily moisturization.
Oils
In the UK, there are lots of CBD oil products made specifically for the skin. Some are made to soothe the skin and make it appear youthful. The market also offers beauty products that prevent dryness and breakouts of acne.
Besides anti-ageing properties, these products may also offer anti-inflammatory properties and protect the skin against free radical damage. There are concerns about using oils on the face because they could cause acne. However, this depends on the type of skin. Buying appropriate products for your skin type can prevent such breakouts.
Balms
CBD balm products are also available in the UK. These balms are CBD skincare products that are designed to protect, moisturise, and nourish skin. They are mostly ideal for dry skin and can help strengthen the skin barrier to prevent sensitivity, breakouts, and adverse reactions.
Some ingredients you can find in these products include lemongrass and ginger essential oils, which help to soothe the skin and restore balance. It is common to see some CBD balm products that contain CBG in the UK. These products are often made with a blend of both compounds and therapeutic botanicals to soothe sore joints as well as the skin.
Masks
The UK CBD skincare market also has face masks in stock for exfoliation, hydration, anti-ageing, cleansing, soothing, calming, and brightening. These products have a higher concentration of CBD, and this is why it is recommended that individuals only use it once a week.
Like every other facial mask, this product is used for a few minutes at least once a week to complement other skincare products.
Bath Bombs
The UK market also provides bath bombs that offer pain relief, stress reduction, enhanced sleep, and improved moods. These CBD skincare products are ideal for people who cannot dedicate time to specific skincare routines. It gives them the benefits of anti-inflammation and softer skin.
CBD bath bombs in the UK often contain argan oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and rosehip oil, among others. Since the main ingredient is CBD, soaking in water with bath bombs will not cause psychoactive effects like THC.
Benefits of CBD in Anti-Ageing Skincare
CBD is an important product for anti-ageing skincare because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have been known to neutralise free radicals or harmful molecules that damage the skin and make it age faster.
Collagen production in the body naturally decreases as humans age, and this causes wrinkle formation and sagging skin. CBD anti-ageing products stimulate collagen production, giving the skin more elasticity and structure. Also, CBD reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which can impact collagen production, leading to firmer skin.
Additionally, CBD for skin health works with other hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to moisturise the skin. Hydration is an essential factor for youthful skin, but this reduces as the skin ages and leads to a duller complexion. CBD anti-ageing products play an important role here in maintaining the natural barrier of the skin, thereby preventing moisture loss. This also reduces fine lines on the skin and makes it more radiant.
Besides the antioxidant properties of CBD in anti-ageing skincare, the product also has anti-inflammatory properties. When used in skincare products, CBD can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. It also calms the skin and prevents any breakdown of elastin and collagen, two important elements for skin structure.
Also, CBD directly interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating many body functions, such as inflammation. When it achieves homeostasis or a stable internal environment despite any external changes, it can regulate inflammatory responses.
CBD is also beneficial when it comes to hiding fine lines on the face because it can inhibit leukotriene synthesis. This action in the poly of nuclear cells reduces inflammation. Also, CBD has analgesic qualities because it inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, thereby improving skin texture and removing fine lines.
For sagging skin, CBD reduces inflammation to make the skin environment healthier. It also stimulates hyaluronic acid production to help the skin retain moisture and improve elasticity and hydration. The result is a youthful and plump appearance, ultimately reducing any sagging caused by ageing.
Conclusion: Does CBD Improve Skin?
CBD skin benefits have been discussed extensively over the last decade for treating symptoms related to inflammation and other ailments. However, not many people know the benefits of using CBD for skin care. It has been established that CBD eczema products have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes it perfect for soothing skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, or just dry skin.
CBD has also been shown to offer anti-ageing benefits because it gets rid of free radicals, hydrates the skin, and stimulates the production of collagen. It contains both omega 3 and 6, essential fatty acids for skin hydration. When it comes to oil production, CBD also interacts with the sebaceous glands to ensure that it produces just the right amount. This prevents acne or clogged pores, which lead to irritation.
Despite not penetrating deeper into the bloodstream, CBD heals skin issues by interacting with neurotransmitters in the skin. Now, is CBD worth using for skin care, and does CBD improve skin? The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a natural product that soothes, heals, and rejuvenates the skin, among other things, then CBD is worth adding to your skincare routine.
