Hemp & CBD Skincare and Cosmetics - CBD Beauty Products

CBD beauty products come as topical infused with varying concentrations of Cannabidiol in products like creams, lotions, balms, salves, anti-aging serums, bath bombs, among others. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to cannabis topicals, their health and therapeutic benefits for skin, how to buy the best topicals, and possible side effects of the beauty products.

CBD is a subset of cannabis compounds domiciled in hemp. Although the compound is also extracted from marijuana plant, hemp-derived CBD is non-intoxicating, making it ideal for medical utility. The non-addictive cannabis compound is free from THC, a component of marijuana associated with psychotropic effects. CBD extract is infused in a wide range of products, including, but not limited to, edibles, topicals, and oral products. Topical products are ideal for localized skin conditions, a characteristic utilized in the beauty sector for addressing numerous skin-related conditions. With the legalization of hemp in many countries worldwide, the rise in popularity of CBD oil beauty products is expected to rise.

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol oil contains two major components; on the one hand, it is infused with Cannabidiol extract from hemp or marijuana. The two cannabis strains harbor varying levels of the active compounds THC and CBD. Hemp provides the largest percentage of Cannabidiol with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. In contrast, marijuana contains low levels of Cannabidiol with relatively higher amounts of psychoactive THC.  Cannabidiol oil is heir to a mixture of Cannabidiol with a carrier oil like MCT, coconut, or hemp seed oil. The carrier oil does not undermine the medical utility of the products; instead, it makes the fat-soluble compound compatible with skin and other products. THC levels below 0.2% in a topical beauty product are legal, CBD alongside the use, sale, and cultivation of CBD in the UK.

CBD’s Interaction with the skin

The human body contains a complex network of neurotransmitters, enzymes and receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Anecdotal studies show that the system uniquely interacts with cannabis. ECS contains a complex network of receptors that run in many parts of the body. For instance, it has CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, and a separate set of receptors called CB2 domiciled in peripheral nerves in the skin. Topical products interact with the ECS through the peripheral-based CB2 receptors.

The ECS regulates different physiological and psychological functions, including, but not limited to, pain, anxiety, and inflammation. Unlike other cannabis products like edibles or vapes, CB2 receptors take cannabis into the action sites without traveling getting in the bloodstream; this intake pathway offers multiple benefits for cannabis users. On the one hand, it does not lower the bioavailability of Cannabidiol-infused in topical products like creams or balms. Secondly, it reduces the capacity to intoxicate users from beauty products with psychoactive chemicals like THC.

The unique pathway with which CBD manifests not only makes Cannabidiol beauty products beneficial for localized conditions but also makes its manufacturers infuse traces of THC for a wide range of health and therapeutic effects. According to  Nahler, Jones & Russo (2019), Cannabidiol products give better treatment outcomes when CBD combines with THC; this phenomenon is called the entourage effect.

Benefits of CBD for Skin

Skin is the largest organ in the human body. The organ provides cover from external stressors predisposing individuals to a plethora of skin-related problems. Cannabidiol topicals provide the following benefits to skin;

Inflammation

Topical products treat inflammation without side effects like pharmacological drugs. The topical products avoid gastrointestinal administration, wastage through first pass metabolism and addresses localized pain-related inflammation. Iffland & Grotenhermen, (2017) observed that, CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make Cannabidiol an alternative ingredient for inflammation-treatment using pharmacological drugs. It also contains oxidative properties suitable for diseases accompanied by inflammation and pain. Inflammation emanate from common skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Many topical beauty products contain anti-inflammatory properties which not only treat inflammation but also soothe skin.

Regulates Sebum Production

Sebum is a vital component of skin health. The waxy, oily substance makes the skin maintain its moisture, and keeps it hydrated. However, overproduction of sebum invites problematic development on the skin. First, sebum may mix with dead skin cells and dirt leading to breakage of pores. Secondly, sebocytes could produce more waxy products which obstruct the pores and result to skin breakaways and inflammation; this process is a common cause for acne. According to Peyravian et al.(2022), CBD suppress the production of sebum. Cannabidiol interacts with ECS in the body to suppress the production of destructive sebum, leading to a normal skin growth.

Treats Acne

Acne is a function of many factors including, but not limited to stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional alterations. The most common cause of acne is over production of sebum, abnormal shedding of cutaneous cells, and accumulation of bacteria. These abnormalities on skin also lead to inflammation and pain among other mental-related co-morbidities like anxiety and sleeplessness. Cannabidiol infused topical products contains antibacterial properties which reduce acnes caused by accumulation of bacteria and dirt. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which lessen pain caused by skin breakups associated with acne. According to Peyravian et al., (2022) the interaction between endocannabinoid system’s receptors and CBD regulates the activities sebocytes, responsible for excess production of the oily sebum.

CBD also treats precursors of acne like hormonal imbalances and co-morbidities like sleepless and anxiety. Cannabidiol infused topicals contains anxyolitic properties which reduce anxiety; its calming effects induce quality sleep. CB2 receptors domiciled in the peripheral nerves take up CBD; the cannabinoids in the product makes the endocannabinoid system to release sleep-in