Known scientifically under the name of cannabidiol, we are possibly facing one of the derivatives of the cannabis sativa plant that is possibly less known, especially if it is related to tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), which has become one of the active ingredients of the marijuana. It is native to Central Asia, where it is believed that the plant was originally used for medicinal purposes, or for rituals, around 750 BC, although it is true that, from a historical point of view, other estimates exist.
Both cannabidiol and THC itself are just two of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in the plant. Thus, while tetrahydrocannabinol is psychoactive, CBD may not be so (or simply not), which leaves most experts in debate. Although it is known that THC may be able to increase anxiety, it is not entirely clear whether CBD can originally reduce it. Furthermore, it is known that THC can cause addiction and cravings, while CBD could be extremely useful in helping people through the recovery process.
However, on this occasion, rather than CBD, we will look specifically at CBD oil, a product derived from cannabidiol that is obtained mainly through the process of turning the plant into a powder. And that, according to beauty experts, it could help provide a number of very interesting benefits when it comes to skin care.
What is CBD oil and what does it consist of?
As we briefly mentioned in the previous sections, CBD is a non-toxic component that we find in marijuana or hemp plants. It is extracted in powder form and, on many occasions, it is mixed with some vegetable oil that perfectly completes its different qualities and benefits, such as olive oil, coconut oil or hemp oil itself. All these oils help to facilitate its application on the skin and improve its effectiveness, which is why we always find it under the name of CBD oil.
Whereas, in the case of hemp seed oil, it is mainly produced by cold pressing the different seeds of the cannabis plant. Thus, the products derived from these seeds stand out for being tremendously rich in vitamins, as well as omega fatty acids, which are characterized by being fundamentally healthy.
Applied to the skin, there is the certainty that CBD oil will not generate in our body the effects that it could have if we consumed it. This is mainly because it does not contain the mind-altering properties or effects of the tetrahydrocannabinol content that marijuana does. Since it is often extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, its THC content is exceptionally low. So we would find ourselves before a safe beauty product.
In fact, did you know that our body actually produces a cannabis-type chemical known as anandamide? It is also known by the name of “happiness molecule”. Thus, in the case of CBD, it is capable of naturally raising the levels of the endocannabinoid naturally present in our body, which exerts interesting anti-inflammatory effects, as well as providing other effects directly on other receptors in the body.
On the other hand, it is also vitally important to keep in mind that we should not confuse CBD oil with hemp seed oil, which has also become another natural product with excellent benefits for the skin. While the two are often marketed interchangeably, CBD oil is highly concentrated in cannabidiol, while hemp seed oil contains only trace amounts of cannabidiol (if any).
According to the existing legal regulations up to now, in the event that a certain product claims to contain this oil, it should be included in the list of ingredients of the product in question under the term cannabidiol, and it must be yes or yes integrated into the INCI, which is nothing more than the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (or, what is the same, the different ingredients and active agents that have been used in the formulation of the product in question, for its preparation).
In addition, it is necessary to take into account that the rest of the alternative names that we find on the labels of the ingredients, as for example it could be the case of hemp seed oil enriched with CBD, could mean -or not- that the product actually contains cannabidiol. In fact, we should also look for the following designations in the ingredient list: hemp CBD, full-spectrum hemp extract, hemp extract oil, or phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil. All of these names become synonymous with CBD.
Main benefits of CBD oil for the skin
Helps reduce the main signs of skin aging
As we have already mentioned on many occasions, as we get older (and, therefore, we are turning years), our skin, which is considered the largest organ of our body, also begins to show different signs related to the aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, dullness or dullness, and most of the time the skin may appear dehydrated and red.
Precisely in order to keep the skin in perfect condition, it is essential to use creams or lotions with anti-aging effects. In the case of CBD oil, it becomes an active ingredient that could help keep the skin as hydrated as it is healthy, thanks mainly to its antioxidant benefits, which help in a positive way when it comes to reducing the harmful action of free radicals (which, in fact, can actively influence the formation or appearance of premature aging), so it can be useful in reducing the most visible signs of skin aging.
The hemp plants used to make this oil contain essential fatty acids that are also characterized by being tremendously healthy, as is the case with omega 3 and omega 6. These healthy fatty acids are capable of stimulating collagen production. Collagen, as you may know, is essential when it comes to maintaining an adequate structure of the skin, which is made up of amino acids, and whose fibers help support the different body tissues, as well as being an essential component in the extracellular matrix that supports the cells. Thus, both collagen and keratin provide the skin with its elasticity, strength and impermeability. So did you know thatcollagen loss becomes a common cause of fine lines and wrinkles?
We must bear in mind that the natural production of collagen tends to decrease with age and with the passing of the years (with aging, in short), while other common factors -such as sunlight, oxidative stress and smoking-, can also have a negative influence, which is why it is essential to use anti-aging lotions and creams that may be able to stimulate the production and synthesis of collagen, as is the case with CBD oil.
Proper hydration is essential in preventing the formation of wrinkles. If we take into account that aging also tends to produce a loss of natural hydration of the skin (dehydration), it is common that when dehydration arises so do wrinkles or fine lines. However, CBD oil is ideal for keeping the skin properly hydrated and looking better.
In addition, it has practically no side effects when applied directly to the skin, and its texture and consistency in the form of oil make it extremely easy to use.
Let’s not forget, finally, that the antioxidants present in CBD become a useful way to enjoy the topical qualities of these compounds, thus helping to reduce the visible signs directly related to aging. In short, because it counteracts the damage caused by free radicals, while reducing the appearance of inflammation, the different products that contain cannabidiol can be extremely useful to visibly reduce problems related to fine lines and wrinkles, the reddish tone and dullness of the skin.
Thanks to this, CBD oil is particularly interesting for mature and aged skin, because its composition also contains vitamin A, which has been shown to provide anti-aging qualities, not only reducing wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. skin, but it could also protect against the harmful action of ultraviolet rays, which, in addition, by increasing the production of free radicals, has been directly related to premature aging (due to what is known as photo damage, which is the damage that UV rays exert directly on the different cells of the skin).
It also contains vitamin E, with a recognized antioxidant action, and which becomes one of the main nutrients present in human skin. As with any other active ingredient with antioxidant qualities, it is capable of fighting the action of free radicals that damage cells so much, and that could end up accelerating aging.
Useful in the treatment of acne
Research has found that acne becomes a purely inflammatory condition. In fact, it consists of a skin condition that arises when dirt, excess oil or dead cells end up clogging the pores. As a consequence of this blockage, the bacteria that normally live in the different hair follicles -mainly P. acnes or Propionibacterium acnes- tend to multiply, leading to this inflammatory condition commonly known as ” acne”. Thus, this accumulation of bacteria, in turn, causes the formation of uncomfortable, annoying and unsightly reddish spots.
Although it is true that there are many factors that influence the formation and appearance of acne, it is also known that any element beneficial against this inflammatory condition could help reduce inflammation and calm the skin, which in turn will translate into a benefit. Added: It will visibly reduce breakouts, particularly the typical redness usually associated with acne.
Not in vain, different studies have shown that CBD oil provides anti-inflammatory qualities when applied to the skin. For this reason, CBD becomes an extremely suitable ingredient -as well as interesting- for acne-prone skin, as is usually the case with oily and combination skin. Therefore, thanks to its soothing qualities, it would help the skin not only to be reactivated, but also to look much better.
We must bear in mind that it is essential to keep the skin properly clean and with a minimum existence of the different bacteria that cause acne. In addition, it is essential to use non-comedogenic oils, which means that they are oils that can be safely used on the skin with the certainty that they do not clog the pores (and therefore do not negatively influence further acne formation, so actively decreases the risk of outbreaks). What’s more, according to research, CBD oil provides useful qualities when it comes to stopping all those factors that cause acne, since it inhibits oil production, while providing tremendously useful anti-inflammatory qualities in this regard.
CBD is known to work by targeting the various cells that trigger acne, helping to reduce some of the main effects on the skin that lead to acne formation. What’s more, it has been shown that this oil is able to target only the cells causing the problem, offering the possibility for the skin to heal without experiencing any type of problem caused by dryness or irritation.
It also provides interesting antibacterial qualities, which is why it is particularly useful and suitable for reducing inflammatory (reddish) acne, which is the result of the different inflammatory changes that occur in the skin, and has nothing to do with the typical black spots.
It is also interesting for oily skin
It is necessary to take into account that this oil is non-comedogenic, which means that it does not clog the pores with an overproduction of sebum, which can in turn influence the formation of acne breakouts. On the contrary, it is capable of reducing the excessive production of sebum (oil), mainly as a result of providing a balancing effect directly on the productive flow of natural oil through the skin.
Thanks to this, CBD oil could be extremely useful if you have oily or combination skin. And do you know why it can be equally useful for combination skin? Because it not only reduces the production of oil in the parts of the face where signs related to oily skin are shown, but also, as we will see in the next section, it is useful in case of dry skin.
However, despite this extremely useful and beneficial information, the experts are clear in pointing out that more scientific studies would be necessary to confirm these initial results.
Useful for atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis
Dermatitis is considered an inflammatory skin disease, which tends to occur more frequently in children. Not surprisingly, it is estimated that between 10 to 15 percent of children under 6 years of age have atopic dermatitis. Also, it is known that this condition tends to be more common in the cold months. In any case, one of its most characteristic symptoms is the appearance of reddish skin rashes that produce an uncomfortable and annoying itching.
Corticosteroid creams are becoming a staple treatment option for most dermatologists, as they are helpful – and effective – creams in relieving symptoms, but they may also cause some negative side effects. Given that CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect when applied to the skin, and if we take into account that atopic dermatitis is mainly characterized by being an inflammatory disease in origin, there is no doubt that this active ingredient will have a very positive effect on it.
Precisely, as we have already mentioned on some previous occasion, CBD is really effective in this regard because our skin has its own endocannabinoid system, to which this active ingredient is capable of directly joining when we apply it to the skin in the form of lotion or ointment. Because it acts quickly and is easily absorbed, it soothes the skin and restores its balance. Therefore, it exerts an interesting action to relieve both redness and itching, two of the most common symptoms in atopic dermatitis.
But it has been shown that this oil is not only useful for atopic dermatitis. It would also be interesting in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that usually arises above all on the skin of the face and scalp, in which crusts of reddish and scaly skin form. Its main cause is an excessive increase in the production of sebum by the different sebaceous glands. And CBD is particularly useful as it slows down the secretion of sebum (one of the most common causes), and also slows down cell proliferation.
Not surprisingly, the rapid reproduction of skin cells caused by the fungus Malassezia becomes another important factor in the appearance / formation of seborrheic dermatitis. In this sense, different clinical studies have shown that the CBD molecule is capable of inhibiting the rapid reproduction of sebocytes, which are the cells that make up the sebaceous glands, and are an added factor for the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis.
Ideal for dry skin
Regardless of what causes it, the reality is that managing and dealing with dry skin is anything but simple and easy. In fact, when we have this type of skin, even trying to lock in moisture using moisturizing products could end up backfiring, as there is always the temptation to over-moisturise, which will end up preventing the skin from being fully capable of producing moisture. fat.
It has been shown that the composition of CBD oil has an adequate balance of different substances and nutrients capable of deeply nourishing and moisturizing the skin, so its regular use is extremely useful when treating dry skin, because it helps stop the peeling commonly present on the skin, as well as rough areas, painful cracks and cuts.
We must not forget something fundamental in this regard: CBD oil provides anti-inflammatory and moisturizing qualities, which means that it is not only extremely useful in case of oily skin, but also -essentially- for those with dry skin. And one of its main qualities is found precisely in the fact that it does not affect the normal functioning of the different sebaceous glands. On the contrary, it is capable of actively interacting with the glands to regulate the production of sebum. Thanks to this, it helps (as we have already seen) in preventing the overproduction of sebum or oil, and acts directly on dry skin to increase its production of fat.
Finally, due to its anti- inflammatory qualities , it acts by stimulating the natural healing of the different areas damaged as a result of dry skin.
For sensitive skin
Another interesting benefit that we find in CBD oil is that it becomes an extremely useful natural option to soothe the skin. Therefore, thanks to their calming and normalizing effects on the skin, they can end up being of enormous help in minimizing the different problems related to skin sensitivity, which, among other aspects, mainly includes both the common reactivity in this type of skin such as redness and swelling.
Given that all skin types are daily affected by different factors directly related to environmental stress, cannabidiol is quite suitable in this regard because its calming mechanism can end up being very helpful when it comes to maintaining any type of skin. under control, but in particular the most sensitive skin.
Helps calm skin redness
One of the reasons why CBD oil is commonly used on the skin is for its qualities in reducing the appearance of skin redness, which is usually caused by an inflammatory response that is triggered in the body with the purpose to defend those areas that could be affected by a certain infection. For example, if it is common that our skin tends to be habitually sensitive, which reacts easily to allergens (in addition to having acne, dermatitis or eczema), the truth is that this oil can be of enormous help.
Unlike other ingredients that claim to eliminate redness but really only provide temporary relief (as with Aloe Vera, which cools the skin, while other compounds work by correcting color to help mask the typical symptoms related to redness), CBD oil does seem to fight inflammation in different ways, not only directly, but also indirectly.
For example, various studies have been published looking at the specific anti-inflammatory effects of this oil when administered topically, either simply applied to the skin on its own (as an oil) or as a lotion, and it seems that CBD would become a potential skin treatment when it comes to addressing the inflammation that is originally causing the redness, standing out as a potential treatment for a series of inflammatory ailments directly related to the skin, such as dermatitis or already mentioned acne.
At the moment, research is still being carried out in this regard, but it has been shown that cannabidiol is capable of reducing inflammation thanks to its relationship with adenosine, a neurotransmitter. Specifically, this oil would be capable of slowing down the reuptake of adenosine, leading to a greater amount of the neurotransmitter present in the brain. If this occurs, and adenosine levels rise, they affect the adenosine A2A receptor, which would produce an anti-inflammatory response in the body. Therefore, if we suffer from skin redness, CBD could provide relief.
Useful for treating acne
As with dry skin, the reality is that suffering from eczema can be just as stressful and frustrating. Eczema consists of an extremely common disease, which causes dry patches on the skin, which tend to crack, redden and swell, and which finally results in the appearance of a typical -and annoying- itching, which is characterized, fact, for being tremendously intense, and at the same time quite frequent.
At the moment there is no cure for the disease, so the key is to use those products that can be useful in controlling or -at least- reducing the related symptoms, and in trying to identify what could be the direct cause that may be causing the onset of symptoms.
In the case of CBD oil, it has proven to be a safe and effective option when it comes to managing all those symptoms related to eczema, since it contains a series of anti-inflammatory properties strongly related to the endocannabinoid system, which is directly related to the allergic inflammation (in this sense, this is considered one of the main causes of eczema). Therefore, it is a useful natural product to treat the symptoms related to this condition, while preventing possible new outbreaks.
Interesting in the treatment of psoriasis
It is also useful in treating psoriasis. Not surprisingly, in a study published in 2007, researchers isolated CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids from cannabis. And they found that when applied to different skin cells, absolutely all of the cannabinoids tested were able to inhibit the overproduction of keratinocytes, which are commonly seen in psoriasis. Thanks to this, it would also be useful in reducing the symptoms related to rosacea. And it is that CBD would not only exert effects on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but would also have an effect on the GPR55 and TRPV-1 receptors, which we find in the skin and which play an important role both in inflammation and in the signaling of the pain. Hence, CBD is useful in causing significant changes directly related to inflammation.
We must not forget that psoriasis is characterized as a chronic autoimmune disease in which the different skin cells tend to grow and divide at a fairly rapid rate. From there, reddish-colored patches with a certainly characteristic shiny outline are formed, which not only become red and inflamed, but can also be very itchy. As with eczema, we are facing a skin condition that, at least for the moment, has no cure, but there are treatments that can be very helpful. In this sense, CBD has become a useful treatment to reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Not in vain, different studies have shown that it could help when it comes to directly influencing the slowing down the cell division of the skin, reducing the formation of breakouts. And it also stands out for its anti-inflammatory qualities, useful for relieving some of the main discomforts related to this condition.
In short: skin benefits of CBD oil
As we have seen, one of the main attractions of this oil is, fundamentally, its anti- inflammatory and analgesic qualities, which means that in addition to helping to reduce inflammation, it also acts directly when it comes to reducing pain. For this reason, it is particularly useful and interesting when used for the treatment of certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and also for certain skin types, such as dry skin.
But its qualities do not end here, since it can also be interesting for acne-prone skin, as well as for combination and oily skin, thus becoming a useful skin treatment against acne, by reducing the production of sebum or oil. And we must bear in mind that inflammation becomes one of the main problems not only with acne, but ultimately with any other skin condition, including even some of the main signs of aging. Luckily, when it comes to treating acne, it seems that CBD oil has become one of the newest and most exciting treatments out there; since, today, except for the use of a retinoid or some type of acid, there are not many new treatment options when it comes to dealing with acne. It’s more, it could be very useful when it comes to lightening the skin.
According to experts, this product produces what is commonly known as the “entourage effect”, which means that the different parts of the plant (which includes not only its leaves and flowers, but also its stems) tend to work together in a combined way, with which it is possible to amplify its different general benefits to the maximum. Thanks to this, products with CBD -or the oil itself- provide anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and regenerative qualities of the skin, in a much more effective and intense way than if we compare it with products made only with hemp oil.
In short, if what we are looking for is an active ingredient that helps reduce redness and calm skin irritation, while helping to reduce the overproduction of sebum in oily or combination skin, it reduces the symptoms associated with the skin. dry (such as dehydration and flaking), and also potentially combat acne, there is no doubt that CBD becomes an excellent option. And, in the form of oil, it stands out for being a useful and simple treatment to apply, as well as extremely beneficial.
Are there differences between CBD oil and hemp oil?
The truth is that we must be clear in this regard: not all products used for skin care that say or claim to contain “CBD”, or even “cannabis” may actually contain the CBD we are thinking of. Not in vain, on many occasions it could contain only hemp seed oil, which is sometimes also known as hemp oil (only) or active cannabis oil. In the particular case of hemp oil itself, it has gone on to become a common ingredient in many skin care products. However, unlike what we might think at first, originally they are not the same thing.
In fact, hemp seed oil, as we have already mentioned in a previous section, is obtained from the cold pressing of the seeds of the hemp plant. This means that it does not contain cannabinoids, mainly because they are not present in the seeds of this plant. However, CBD, on the other hand, is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, which do have a high content of cannabinoids.
As you can imagine, there is absolutely no problem using hemp seed oil on the skin, but it is not exactly characterized as an active ingredient on its own, nor does it provide any really interesting or remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities.
And what, then, is the main difference between the two? Basically, CBD should be considered an active ingredient, while hemp seed oil is only an ingredient that only acts by moisturizing the face, but it does not exert any other benefit or effect. Of course, even when this type of oil in particular only acts as a moisturizer, it does not mean that its use is a waste of money for our pockets. On the contrary: hemp seed oil is known -and recognized- for its high content of natural antioxidants, in addition to omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids and linoleic acid.
It becomes a powerful natural skin moisturizer and softener, which is also non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog pores or actively contribute to the overproduction of sebum or oil in oily skin.
How to use CBD oil on the skin?
Despite its different benefits and properties, it is necessary to take into account that, at the moment, there are no clinical trials -nor have they been carried out- that help to know what would be the standard dosage measures for the use of CBD on the skin, mainly because its composition and concentration usually vary enormously depending on the product we use, or even the brand that has manufactured it. However, this does not prevent us, as responsible consumers, from analyzing what concentration of CBD a certain product would have, comparing it with another, and personally determining to what extent it might or might not be effective, and interesting to use.
Experts agree that anything below 100 mg per gram of product may not do much good, while other experts consider this amount to be below 5 mg. However, everyone agrees that even if a certain product contains a lower amount of CBD, it does not mean that it is not as effective. If we find it combined with other interesting active ingredients in skin care, such as retinol or vitamin C, both of which are known to have anti-aging properties, it may still continue to provide useful benefits.
This translates into something very simple: since CBD, like any other ingredient, does not become a miracle solution, it is essential to incorporate it into the skincare routine as one more active ingredient, instead of using it as a substitute. In fact, given that we are still at an early stage of both scientific research and understanding of its different benefits and qualities, experts agree that it is much better that the product with CBD that we are going to use also includes other ingredients. beneficial assets, which are not only of high quality, but also effective.
While it is true that there is not enough conclusive research for most dermatologists to recommend the use of CBD oil or products with CBD, the truth is that the same is true of many of the star ingredients found in many CBD products. beauty. What’s more, CBD appears to be relatively safe, so if you experience any adverse reaction related to any CBD product, it’s unlikely to be due to this active ingredient, but rather to the presence of a botanical ingredient, preservative. additive, fragrance or dye.
The best? Try to find and use products that contain some of the following ingredients, if possible, at the beginning of the list of ingredients (INCI): CBD, CBD from hemp, hemp oil rich in phytocannabinoids, hemp extract oil and hemp extract full spectrum.
