Feel Good & Look Good: How CBD Can Transform Your Skin

Cannabis is a pretty powerful herb. It’s been used in every walk of life, from ancient Chinese and Indian ceremonies, in religions ranging from Shintoism to Rastafarianism, to fibres in the hemp plant that were used to build ships strong enough to help Christopher Columbus discover the ‘New World’. If this remarkable repertoire wasn’t impressive enough, the cannabis extract known as CBD is now also making huge waves in the fields of healthcare, alternative therapy, and cosmetics.

Otherwise known as cannabidiol, this hemp-derived extract features all the natural goodness of the cannabis plant without containing any THC, which is the intoxicating compound responsible for the ‘high’ often associated with cannabis. CBD can potentially aid in offering a better night’s sleep, and an increasing number of studies are indicating that CBD may also be the secret to healthy, glowing skin. With the global CBD skincare market currently estimated to be worth over a whopping $580 million, and cannabinoid-infused products being sold just about everywhere from online retailers to your local Boots or Sephora store, it’s clear that people are starting to catch on to CBD’s wellness potential.

However, in a time where new herbal remedies seem to be popping out of the woodwork every week, it can be hard to distinguish between a passing wellness fad and a reliable, scientifically-backed product. We’re here to shed some light on the murky areas and give you an introduction to CBD and skincare.

So grab a drink, add some CBD, and get comfortable while we take a closer look at this marvellous compound and give you a conclusive rundown of all the ways CBD might be a perfect antidote to your skin-related struggles.

What is CBD oil?

First of all, let’s try to understand this mysterious cannabinoid a little bit more before we explore the multiple ways it benefits our skin. CBD was first isolated in the 1940s, but is only enjoying its time in the limelight as of late. CBD is part of a family of over 100 other cannabinoids present within the cannabis plant, and it’s the second most active compound in the herb. CBD is typically extracted from hemp, a low-THC, high-CBD containing variety of the cannabis plant.

CBD is extracted from the entirety of the hemp plant using a variety of different processes and it typically comes in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate varieties. Much like the name suggests, full-spectrum products contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes and often contain traces of THC. On the other hand, broad-spectrum products include a similarly wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, however, these products contain little or no THC. Lastly, CBD isolates contain extracts of pure cannabidiol, and are frequently sold as oils, but can also come in other formats.

CBD oil can be applied topically, infused into food and beverages, or absorbed sublingually, depending on your preferences and what you’re taking it for. However, the most popular way CBD is harnessed within the cosmetics industry is when it’s infused into creams, lotions, and serums, included alongside other skincare ingredients that support and supplement its benefits.

How can CBD oil benefit your skin?

As we briefly touched on, CBD has a whole host of properties that make it particularly effective at combating a variety of skincare issues. A lot of these properties are as a result of the abundance of vitamins and fatty oils it contains. So without further ado, let’s dive into the many reasons cannabinoid oil can be effective in rescuing and rejuvenating your skin.

A magical moisturiser for dry skin

Do you suffer from chapped skin in the winter? Or is it just a little flaky all year round? If so, you’re not on your own. Dry skin is a widespread condition, and nearly half of the population of the UK suffer from it routinely. It’s often more prevalent in colder climates, and the issue is easily exacerbated by soaps and other cosmetic products that contain harsh chemicals.

One of the many reasons why CBD is excellent at nourishing dry and cracked skin is that it’s considered a humectant. This essentially means that it’s great at drawing moisture to the skin, and it lets the moisture absorb fully as opposed to just sitting on top of the surface. Also, because CBD is entirely natural and free from harsh chemicals, it is safe to use and won’t irritate your skin further.

In addition, CBD is also good at helping to prevent and fight against the effects of dry skin because it naturally regulates the production of oil in our skin, encouraging it to maintain a healthy balance. As this study discovered, CBD can help to achieve homeostasis in the sebaceous glands in the skin, which are the glands responsible for producing oil. This can make CBD particularly useful for those who suffer from a combination of dry and oily skin because the compound can help to maintain a favourable balance.

Worried about wrinkles?

Noticing a few too many crows feet when you look in the mirror? Are conventional anti-wrinkle creams failing you? Don’t give up just yet. Even though it’s impossible to halt the ticking biological clock, we’ve got a few tips on how you can use a skincare routine combined with CBD, which could potentially combat the effects of ageing and help you retain your healthy, youthful glow.

First of all, what causes ageing? Significant contributors to visible signs of ageing are free radicals. Free radicals are molecular species that have become unstable and reactive, and therefore can cause DNA damage that can exacerbate signs of ageing. They are created as a result of exposure to environmental factors like the UV in sunlight, smoking, and pollution, all of which we know to be unhealthy for a variety of reasons.

Although research into CBD’s properties is still in its early stages, some findings have suggested that CBD can, in some cases, act as an antioxidant. An antioxidant, as the name suggests, inhibits oxidation, which is the process by which free radicals are generated. In this way, CBD has been proposed as a candidate for investigation when it comes to inhibiting free-radical generated damage.

In addition to the emerging evidence that CBD might have antioxidant properties, some studies have also found it to have anti-inflammatory effects. When skin becomes irritated, this can trigger an excessive inflammatory response, which can subsequently lead to the destruction of collagen and elastin in the skin. This, in turn, can then promote the development of lines. Should future investigations confirm existing findings, CBD could present itself as having potential for treating a variety of inflammatory conditions, including those that impact the skin.

CBD against acne

Acne sucks. And it isn’t just limited to our teenage years. From the odd pimple to more serious cases, it affects around 54% of females and 40% of men, and although it mostly appears on the face, it can also affect the upper back, shoulders and the chest area.

Acne is a skin condition where excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands in the skin causes pores to become blocked, and sometimes inflamed and infected, when bacteria enter the pores. It is notoriously difficult to manage and can be very painful. There is a whole range of medications currently out there for treating acne, which vary greatly in efficacy depending on the individual, and many acne sufferers struggle to find a routine or medication that works for them.

We’ve already heard that some studies have found that CBD can have anti-inflammatory effects, and other investigations have now also pointed to CBD as showing potential for treating acne due to these anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to this, CBD has also been shown by some studies to reduce the proliferation of sebocytes. Some studies have also found hemp oil, and even CBD specifically, to have antibacterial properties. They are likely to act against only certain bacteria, and the exact extent of the inhibition of bacterial growth is yet to be robustly determined, but it seems promising that CBD, and perhaps other cannabinoids, could be used in combination with other antibacterial agents to have antibacterial effects.

Healing wounds & fading scars

A scar is simply defined as a mark left on the skin, and it can arise as a result of a variety of different types of skin damage, from acne and other chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis to minor or more serious injuries like burns or cuts.

When the skin is damaged and a wound forms, most of us can rely on our body’s natural healing processes to repair the damage. However, in some skin conditions where repeated and frequent wounds occur, this is not the case. Careful maintenance and medication are necessary to manage severe skin conditions to avoid infection and to allow for successful healing. Epidermolysis bullosa (or EB) is one such condition, where the skin is incredibly fragile and where any contact causes painful blisters to form. Interestingly, one study has now been carried out where the effects of CBD in EB patients was evaluated. Initial findings from this research were positive; one patient was able to stop taking opioid analgesics for pain management completely, and others reported improved wound healing and less blistering in addition to pain reduction when CBD was applied. More research is definitely needed to corroborate these findings, but they are very promising when it comes to the management of such debilitating conditions, both for alleviating symptoms and managing associated pain.

This research also highlights the links that have been drawn between CBD and pain relief. A great deal of research has focussed on the pain-relieving properties of cannabis as well as CBD, and existing evidence does support the use of medicinal cannabis in chronic pain conditions. The study of chronic pain is difficult to orchestrate and evaluate given the intricacies and complexities of such conditions, only further research will allow the scientific community to shed light on the exact mechanisms driving these processes and their interactions with cannabinoids like CBD.

There are many scar miracle cures out there, some more effective than others. And indeed, some research has also shown CBD can improve the elasticity and hydration state of the skin while reducing the effects of scarring. Some reports indicate that noticeable results can be seen in as little as three months when the extract is applied daily. CBD is thought to achieve this effect by regulating collagen production, which can improve the texture and presence of scars.

A potential treatment aid for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions that are characterised by itchy, red patches of skin that can flare up on occasion or persist for more extended periods, depending on the severity of the case.Otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is more likely to affect children or adolescents but can affect people at any point in their life. It is typically a chronic condition which comes in waves, with severe flare-ups followed by periods of lower inflammation. It most frequently occurs on the hands, wrists, on the face, or the back of knees and is caused by the immune system overreacting to an invading irritant, which subsequently causes the skin to become inflamed, sore, and dry. To date, the cause of eczema is not fully known, although a genetic component seems likely as it is often seen in relatives, and it is also commonly found in individuals who have other allergies.Some initial investigations into CBD for treatment of eczema have also been carried out, initial findings showing positive effects in ameliorating the symptoms of the condition. More specifically, CBD is thought to play a role and interact with the immune pathways that are involved in eczema. By inhibiting certain cellular pathways that are involved in inflammation, CBD is thought to have the potential to have a positive effect in providing relief against inflamed skin.Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where skin cells grow at a greatly accelerated speed, leading to the formation of red flaky or bumpy patches of skin, that are often covered in white or silvery-looking scales. Psoriasis affects around 2% of the UK population, and usually only presents in small patches on the body, which can be itchy.Just as for acne, EB and eczema, there has also been research into CBD as a potential treatment for psoriasis. Existing findings and knowledge of the molecular mechanisms in which CBD is involved have driven the development of such studies, it is hoped that further developments will only cement existing findings and establish how CBD can help in ameliorating skin conditions. One study into the use of CBD for treating psoriasis found that CBD, through its interactions with our cells and signalling processes, inhibited keratinocyte proliferation. Keratinocytes are epidermal cells which produce keratin, and play a significant role in psoriasis’ disease mechanism. As a result, these findings were highly promising and indicated that CBD could perhaps prove to be a beneficial treatment for psoriasis patients.

Lifting mood & reducing anxiety

Having healthy, glowing skin is nice and all, but it can be pretty insignificant if you’re not feeling great on the inside too. Luckily, applying CBD oil topically could aid in your wellbeing, and in the fast-paced nature of the world we’re living in, we could all probably do with a little more zen in our lives!Numerous studies have identified and evaluated CBD use for reducing not only symptoms of general anxiety but also symptoms of social anxiety and low mood. Even though research into this is still in its preliminary stages, cannabidiol is thought to be effective at eliciting anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects because of its ability to interact with certain neurotransmitters in our endocannabinoid system. In addition to the research into its potential beneficial effects, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled CBD as ‘generally well tolerated with a good safety profile’. This means that CBD is particularly attractive if you’re looking for a natural option that has few side effects.However, it should be noted that if you are experiencing severe mental health challenges, it is essential to discuss any forms of treatment with a medical professional first, and to use CBD products in conjunction with, not instead of, your existing therapies.

How do I incorporate CBD into my skincare routine?

Are you getting excited about CBD yet? If you’re keen on sampling the benefits of this therapeutic cannabinoid, there are many different ways you can factor it into your skincare and beauty regimen. To avoid over-complicating things, here at Goodbody Wellness, we like to follow these simple steps; moisturise and protect.As we’ve addressed, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised is the key to achieving a youthful, radiant glow, and a moisturiser containing CBD is fantastic at giving you that well-needed dose of hydration while soothing any discomfort of irritation your skin may be experiencing. Our Goodbody CBD Balm is great at replenishing your skin’s natural oils while giving it an extra splash of radiance. We recommend applying it to your face – or any other areas of the body requiring some extra love – once or twice a day, especially after showering to help your skin retain that natural moisture.Whenever you’re going through a particularly severe bout of dry or irritated skin, or if you’re just in the mood for some extra TLC, our CBD rescue cream is a great way to naturally restore your skin without the trouble of excess chemicals. Its high cannabinoid count ensures that your skin gets all the benefits of the fatty acids and vitamins featured in CBD, and it’s naturally non-comedogenic quality ensures that you have full protection without having to worry about excess oil sitting on your skin. This cream is therefore perfect if you’re dealing with irritated skin and acne breakouts at the same time. Our CBD rescue cream comes in two concentrations, 250mg and 500mg, so you can choose a dose that is appropriate for you and your needs. To modify dosing further, you can easily increase or decrease the amount of cream you apply to the target area, to adjust the amount of CBD absorbed.If you want to give your skin some extra love, you’re a fan of body oils and massages, and you want to harness the therapeutic agents in CBD while letting it rejuvenate your skin, then we have just the product for you.Our CBD Body Oil is a perfect way of achieving just this, as it contains highly nourishing ingredients that are perfect for giving you a little splash of hydration. It’s been carefully formulated to help your skin cells renew and rejuvenate, and the high levels of CBD it contains packs it full with soothing and therapeutic qualities. With a calming vanilla and almond scent, it’s also perfect if you want to combine CBD with a relaxing massage. CBD Body oil can be applied anywhere on the body; all you have to do is spray it on the desired area and rub it in!Last, but definitely not least, is our brand new CBG Spray Hand Cleanser! CBG, another cannabinoid constituent of cannabis, has been found in some research to have antibacterial properties, so our hand cleanser works to combine 70% ethanol which forms the basis of other antiviral and antibacterial hand sanitisers, with CBG for an added antibacterial effect.For more information on what we do here at Goodbody Wellness, and to view our other topical, ingestible, and aromatic CBD products, have a browse at our online site here.

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