
What Benefits Does CBD Have On The Skin?
Using Cannabidiol products for skin care is a trendy topic. However, finding the right information can be tough, this is because there is still a huge debate about its legality and whether it is psychoactive. This article will demystify misinformation about the benefits of CBD for skin care. Whichever side of the debate you fall under, get ready to be enlightened on the benefits of CBD skin care products.
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is an organic remedy for cosmetic and therapeutic effects which is derived from Cannabis plants. CBD was first used thousands of years ago by the Greeks for steam baths. In recent years, CBD products have been employed for therapeutic effects; they come in mouthwash, sprays, lotions, and other skincare products.
Although more research is still being carried out to ascertain the full potential of CBD, there is evidence to suggest that there is a wide range of benefits it can offer the individual.
CBD works to restore natural balance to the body. According to research, the human body produces endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors. CB1 is the main receptor found in the central nervous system. THC and CBD, when present, help the body maintain stability by preventing endocannabinoid breakdown or binding to the receptors. Thereby restoring stability to the body with improvements in mood, health, sleep quality, skin, and general well-being.
Benefits of CBD Products
Although research is still being carried out on the efficacy of CBD products, here are some of the benefits of CBD that we know so far.
Anti-inflammation
It reduces swelling and Inflammation and relieves anxiety and nausea. Two main benefits of CBD products are anti-inflammatory and antioxidation, which is why it is used in high-quality skin care products. One factor that causes the skin to age is Inflammation; a recent study revealed that CBD oils help reduce inflammation and joint swelling.
The Endocannabinoid System in Skin (ECS) plays a critical role in regulating skin function; hence, it is possible that cannabinoids could be helpful in maintaining general skin health. ECS is a network of molecular signalling that helps bodily hemostasis.
Recent studies reveal an important role of ECS in maintaining homeostasis in the skin and how its dysregulation can result in disorders such as dermatitis, acne, itch, and hyper or hypopigmentation. Although there is limited research on the therapeutic potential of CBD, there are tons of user reviews and evidence that applying cannabinoids tropically, especially CBD, is effective for managing skin disorders.
Skin Protection/ Barrier
The skin is a protective barrier against environmental toxicity, which can cause cell damage, chronic Inflammation, and skin ageing due to oxidative stress if left unchecked.
In vitro studies, CBD has shown the ability to penetrate cells and balance oxidative stress responses from hydrogen peroxide and UVB irradiation. Studies have also indicated that CBD is protective over the induced reduction of fatty acids in the cell membrane. This could help treat skin conditions characterised by keratin disorders and Inflammation, such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Muscle and Pain Relief
An inflammatory response is often triggered by tissue damage in the body; this could cause ulcers, irritation, sensitisation of peripheral tissues, chronic wounds, and neuropathies. If left untreated, a chronic inflammatory state can cause pain and increased tissue damage. Cannabinoid CBD for pain management focuses on the central nervous system and peripheral. Preclinical models have revealed that topical therapy targeting peripheral Inflammation reduces pain for certain conditions without many side effects.
Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema
Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disorder linked with multifactorial causes such as damaged skin barrier function, environmental triggers, genetic predisposition, microbiome imbalance, and altered immune response.
Phytocannabinoids have shown a potential to modulate responses to Inflammation by checking and regulating underlying mechanisms. Although CBD’s efficacy is yet to be clinically validated, a recent study by Petrosino et al. has shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help individuals suffering from Dermatitis.
Acne or Seborrhea
The dominant factor in the onset of acne is sebum overproduction, Inflammation, and unwanted sebocyte proliferation. Current research on CBD for acne is limited. However, multiple in vitro studies have shown that CBD is a novel therapeutic for managing acne. It does this by acting on pathways to sebum production, Inflammation, and sebocyte proliferation.
The study also found that CBD also normalized imbalances lipogenesis and doesn’t simply minimise lipid production.
Itch (Pruritis)
When Pruritis or itch becomes chronic, it can affect your quality of life. Studies have shown that ionotropic Cannabinoid receptors play a role in the communication between immune cells, keratinocytes, and the sensory nerves, which causes itchy sensations. Hence, inhibiting ionotropic channel activities may help alleviate itch. Although the human clinical data for the antipruritic potential of cannabinoids is conflicting, It is believed that CBD could play a role potentially in modulating itch response.
Takeaway
Despite promising research on therapeutic potential involving the Endocannabinoid System in Skin (ECS), much remains unknown on the interactions of CBD with other body systems. The ECS’s importance in maintaining skin homeostasis and dermatological conditions that result from its imbalance has generated much scientific attention.
Though CBD products are relatively well tolerated, studies are still being done on tropical safety and efficacy, and evidence is emerging. For now, the Therapeutic potential of CBD for seborrhea, eczema, and skin barrier is promising; however, there is a need for intense research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can CBD get rid of pimples?
Answer: The clinical potential of CBD for treating acne has been concluded based on evidence. CBD is found to help lessen Inflammation and diminish inflammatory cytokines and corn sebum production, which contribute to the acne emergency.
Q2: Dose CBD help with dark spots?
Answer: The moisturising properties of CBD can prevent skin oxidation and fight free radicals. Cannabis strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to help prevent hyperpigmentation and the appearance of dark spots.
Q3. How long does CBD take to work on the skin?
Answer: For arthritis pain, it takes between 10 to 20 minutes to start to feel relief in the affected area. However, the human body doesn’t react the same; some individuals may feel relief much quicker than others.