With creams, balms and oils infused with CBD popping up in beauty regimes around the world, we look to see if there’s actually any science behind that new-found shine.

WHAT IS CBD?

When it comes to your skin, knowing exactly what’s in the bottle is more important than anything. We all have varying skin types, tones and sensitivities so checking those ingredients is absolutely key to making it work for you. And here it’s no different.

CBD is short for cannabidiol – an extract of the cannabis plant, and one of over 100 naturally occurring components. Once the oil is extracted, it’s then filtered to remove all of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. THC is the psychoactive element known to get you ‘high’. And by removing it, users receive all of the positive benefits without the unwanted side effects.

However, in the majority of cases, the CBD found in your new favourite beauty product is derived from hemp seed oil. Rich in important vitamins, as well as omega fatty acids, it already acts as a natural moisturiser, so the inclusion of this alone into your regime is a sure step towards having softer skin. And now we know that, what’s the point in CBD?

NURTURING NATURE

There’s a reason the popularity of CBD-infused products of all kinds are on the rise. Early studies point to the fact that CBD offers a huge range of health benefits when taken long-term, including helping those with symptoms of stress, anxiety and sleeplessness. And when it comes to physical effects on the body, the star that tops this long list of positives is its ability to work with our in-built endocannabinoid system to act as a natural anti-inflammatory. With specific research linking it to improved skin, it’s found to help reduce irritation and negative reactions by restoring the skin to a normal, balanced state.₁

On the surface, CBD delivers a chemical-free way to fight breakouts and inflammation, but it also offers a promising solution to tackling more stubborn, recurring issues. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, researchers found that when CBD was applied to human skin cells, it actually inhibited the overproduction of keratinocytes (specific skin cells) that are commonly seen in psoriasis.2 This is further evidence to support CBD working to realign bodily processes that may be adversely affecting the quality of your skin, including its softness, cleanliness, and ability to retain important moisture.

So, by helping to remove everyday irritants and reactivating your body’s natural protective abilities, CBD is a great way to give your skin the TLC it needs. Applying it as cream or balm to your face, hands, feet or other parts of the boy helps your skin to stay clear, moisturised, and retain its natural glow. So what about more serious skin conditions?

THE SKIN SAVIOUR

When it comes to skin problems, acne is a condition that many people have to deal with at some point in their lives, whether occasionally or on a daily basis. In fact, it affects more than 9% of the world's population.3 This is caused when the sebum (the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands) produced to protect our skin from the elements becomes mixed with dead cells, dirt, and other pollutants. Clogging or covering our pores across huge patches, this becomes acne. And then many other factors influence the severity of this condition – from unavoidable issues such as excess sebum production, hormonal imbalances, and genetics, to more individual attributes including diet, stress levels, and various medications .

Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to the anti-inflammatory properties explored earlier, and how this is linked to the body’s ability to reduce sebum production. One test-tube study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of ‘pro-acne’ agents like inflammatory cytokines.4 This offers some proof to the claim that the CBD found in skin products, dependant on their strength and quality, can not only help maintain the balance your body needs but actually help to reverse life-altering condition such as acne.

SUBSTANCE OVER STYLE

Although more studies need to be done to explore the extent of which CBD can encourage softer, cleaner, and more moisturised skin, the evidence around its potential anti-inflammatory and other positive properties only continues to grow. As with any skin product, just be sure to choose quality ingredients over superficial claims and gorgeous scents. But if you’re sold on a good product, and if there isn’t already a CBD balm, oil or cream in your daily skin regime, there’s no better time to give one a try. .

Sources:

1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/

2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962217303080

3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25597339

4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25061872

5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27094344

6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740396/

7) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section2

8) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092318110600315X

9) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324689.php