5 Ways CBD Can Help Your Skin

One of the many benefits of CBD is how it can help your skin. Here are five ways this natural ingredient can make you glow. 

From managing acne to preventing age spots, our skin can always use a little extra help. Because our skincare routine changes with age, you probably have some experience with the endless supply of retinols, exfoliants, and serums used to take care of our skin — but there is one simple and natural ingredient you might be missing out on.

Cue the cannabidiol, or CBD.

CBD has recently taken the spotlight as a revelatory treatment for anxiety, depression, and even epilepsy. However, studies on the anti-inflammatory power of CBD have provided good scientific evidences that the benefits of CBD can be applied (literally) to our skin.

Let’s take a step back and answer the two questions that most people are asking about this buzzy product — what is CBD and is it safe to use on skin?

CBD is a naturally-occurring compound that comes from the cannabis plant. As an oil, CBD is a concentrated extract of the plant that can be safely ingested or used topically as an oil or cream on skin. And no, it won’t get you high. While CBD does come from the same plant as THC, it is extracted separately and won’t produce any psychoactive effects you might associate with marijuana.

Beyond just being safe, scientists and skincare junkies alike are discovering that CBD could be a natural cure for some of the most difficult skincare issues we face. With a surprisingly versatile range of benefits, CBD is a natural addition to any daily skincare regimen.

Here are five CBD benefits for your skin

1. CBD soothes skin diseases

Inflammation is the underlying cause of some of the most visible and uncomfortable skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. The causes of inflammation can be complicated, but it can be triggered by immune system imbalances, fluctuating hormones, or other external factors.

CBD steps in to counteract these conditions and reduce inflammation by reacting with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to trigger an anti-inflammatory response.

Not only does CBD help decrease the appearance of inflammation, but it can help with painful itching. According to one study of 21 patients experiencing severe itchiness, eight people found that daily use of CBD cream effectively treated and eliminated their skin condition altogether.

But you don’t have to have a serious skin condition to benefit from anti-inflammatories. We all experience a little irritation and redness every once in a while, and CBD can help both prevent and treat these issues.

2. Manage acne breakouts with CBD

As much as we’d like to believe that acne is reserved only for adolescence, breakouts can follow adults well into their 20s and 30s. Acne is triggered by a mixture of clogged pores, excess oil production, and other fun stuff like stress, diet, and medication.

CBD works to fight acne’s trademark inflammation like other diseases, but it can also help regulate cell growth and oil production.

When our skin absorbs the cannabinoid, it activates anandamide (part of our endocannabinoid receptor system). These wonderful little fatty acid neurological transmitters regulate cell growth and are also collectively known as the “bliss molecule.” If you are suffering from frequent breakouts, CBD can help communicate with anandamides in your skin to strike a healthier balance and keep your pores from clogging in the first place. And because the transmitter is also capable of  reducing anxiety, you’ll rest a bit easier as you wait for those breakouts to go away.

3. Fight signs of aging with CBD

Antioxidants are a key player when it comes to managing fine lines and wrinkles. CBD itself is a powerful antioxidant that is known to be stronger than Vitamin C and E. Like any antioxidant, CBD works to combat wrinkles by protecting the surface of the skin from further deterioration and from the visible effects of pollution and stress.

But the advantages could go deeper than the skin.

According to one scientific study, CBD’s antioxidant properties could potentially treat neurological disorders like cerebral ischemia (lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain), which can also come with age.

So while we might not be able to escape signs of age on our skin, we can definitely slow them down with all of the layered benefits of CBD as an antioxidant.

4. CBD reduces puffy skin

There’s nothing worse than looking as tired as you feel. If you ever wake up after a restless night to puffy bags under your eyes, use a little CBD to help tighten skin and give you back at least the appearance of a full night’s sleep.

The Vitamin C in CBD oil can help increase levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the skin, which increases firmness to get rid of the puff.

Again, CBD’s anti-inflammatory nature is also partly to thank for this by helping to heal any under-eye bags caused from irritation or disease. Because the skin under the eyes is thinner and more delicate, using CBD oil without any additives protects the skin while soothing and reducing puffiness and any redness.

5. CBD gives your skin a healthy glow

The key to healthy and luminous skin? One word — moisture. CBD oil is full of healthy fatty acids that add an extra layer of moisture to your skin.

If you are one of the many people who might flinch at the word oil when it comes to skin care, keep in mind that our skin craves moisture and natural oils that prevent dryness and irritation. Even for skin that is naturally oily, CBD oil works as a potentially highly-effective combination treatment to both moisturize and fight greasy skin.

CBD is also rich in Vitamins C, A, and E. Together these vitamins work to boost hydration, firmess, and collagen production — all key components to the healthy glow we’re all going for.

Regardless of your skincare goals, CBD has a little something to offer everyone.

While there are new CBD skincare and beauty products popping up everyday, you can start off by using pure CBD oil extract to get more direct and immediate results. You may see benefits to your skin by using the oil topically on problem areas or by ingesting it.

CBD oil can also be used to make your own moisturizer at home with natural ingredients or can be mixed into unscented moisturizers you are already using.