Cannabidiol (CBD) is still most often taken in oil form, but CBD cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. CBD creams and lotions offer localized relief, and they are also beneficial for the overall appearance and health of the skin. In this sense, cosmetics and topical CBD product offer you several benefits and products in one.
Moreover, the compositions of products with local application and CBD oil are different. Local CBD preparations usually contain various skin care ingredients, such as plant extracts, essential oils, and vitamins.
CBD cosmetics include creams, lotions, ointments, balms, serums, massage oils, etc. They are sometimes designed for a particular use, such as facial products, lip balms and pain relief products.
In this article we will study the following topics:
- CBD and the skin
- Benefits of CBD for Skin Care
- What is a CBD cream?
- How to Use CBD Topical Products
- Choosing a CBD Topical Product
CBD and the skin
Cannabidiol or CBD is one of many non-psychoactive cannabinoids, phytochemicals found in cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the other main cannabinoid – and the one responsible for the famous "high" of cannabis.
Marijuana and hemp are both part of the cannabis family. However, according to European and French regulations, hemp must contain a THC level of 0.2% or less. For this reason, among other things, hemp is generally used for the cultivation and extraction of CBD.
Growers can use CBD extracted from hemp plants to make various CBD products, including CBD oil, edibles, and, of course, CBD-based cosmetics. CBD products, whether topical or not, do not produce the "high" that THC-containing marijuana causes. Only the cannabinoid THC provides this sensation.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) governs many functions of the human body, including the ability to process pain, sleep, inflammation, mood, and more. The cannabis plant – marijuana and hemp – contains phytocannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system, including CBD oil that reduces inflammation and pain intensity.
Research proves that CBD has various therapeutic properties, but what about the skin? And won't putting CBD in something oily make it worse?
The right oil or any other source of healthy fat is actually good for your face because it is a source of good hydration and does not clog your pores. The skin needs oil up to a certain point to function. In fact, if you eliminate too much, it will produce more. Replacing oils with healthy moisturizing compounds can solve this problem.
CBD and other cannabinoids are beneficial antioxidants for the skin. Healthy skin also needs B-complex vitamins and essential amino acids, many of which are found in CBD.
The skin also has its own endocannabinoid system, which works to keep the skin balanced and healthy. The goal is stasis, just like for the endocannabinoid system throughout the human body: The EC system keeps everything in balance, including the skin.
In fact, CBD is helpful for healthy skin, as some sort of imbalance is usually the cause of most skin problems. A lot of research is still ongoing, but here's what we currently know about CBD and skin:
- Acne: Acne is mainly caused by hormones, but CBD helps fight inflammation related to acne redness and swelling, and helps normalize the skin.
- Inflammation: CBD is an effective solution for skin problems such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
- Itching: CBD can block itching in nerve endings and has been shown to help chronic and treatment-resistant itching.
- Scars: CBD may improve wound healing according to a study of patients with scar tissue.
Benefits of CBD for Skin Care
CBD oil comparisons show many benefits for skin care:
- Reduce the signs of aging: Antioxidants like vitamin E or vitamin C treat dryness, free radical damage, and inflammation, so you can expect CBD products to do the same. This includes signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles.
- Balance the complexion: CBD helps the skin's ECS stay in balance, which means sufficient hydration and no excess sebum, so no more oily T-zone or spots.
- Soothe the skin: CBD cosmetics can soothe itching, dryness and redness of the skin thanks to the anti-inflammatory qualities of this cannabinoid.
What is CBD cream?
Even though CBD and its products are allowed and legal in Europe and France, precautions must be taken. Indeed, the market is not necessarily yet very well regulated.
CBD cosmetics include creams, balms, ointments, lotions, and patches. They are designed to be applied directly to the skin to relieve the surface, or in some cases, to relieve pain in the deeper muscles, or even for things like relaxation or sleep.
Anything called CBD cream is simply a topical (topical) CBD-infused cream. Most high-quality health and beauty creams are made half oil and half water to keep the skin moisturizing. Some topical CBD products may also contain other minor cannabinoids, other terpenes, or even other ingredients to help the skin, such as vitamin E or aloe.
The differences between CBD cosmetics, such as ointments, creams, balms, and lotions, lie largely in consistency, fragrance, other ingredients, and user preferences. Creams are thicker, and especially those with high fat content and emollient qualities could help people with dry skin and those with itching. Balms and ointments are made with wax and oil, which allows them to absorb more slowly and apply well to the muscles in case of chronic pain. To learn more, check out our recap of the best CBD creams for pain relief.
How to use CBD cream
One of the most attractive aspects of CBD cosmetics and creams is the ease with which they can be used. After identifying the source of the discomfort, pain or other problem, you can simply apply the cream to the area in question when necessary.
It is true that the use of topical CBD creams is not the same as that of a concentrate, since it is important to know the number of milligrams contained in the CBD concentrate or body lotion to use it correctly. A low-dose cosmetic product may be less effective than another product with a higher concentration of CBD.
However, as always, it's a good idea to start with a low and viable dosage. From there, gradually increase the amount of CBD cream you use until your therapeutic dose seems optimal. There are no known side effects to worry about with topical products infused with hemp-derived CBD, although you should always check with a doctor when trying something new.
Choosing a CBD cream
There are several important criteria when it comes to choosing high-quality CBD products, for CBD oils as well as for creams and cosmetics:
- Quality control: Look for CBD cosmetics sellers who display third-party lab test results. Look for producers who comply with good manufacturing practices and regulations. To do this, take a look at the labels to have the precise level of THC, CBD, chemical components of the product.
- Source of hemp. Buy CBD cosmetics made from non-GMO hemp.
- Extraction method. Robust and reliable extraction methods, such as CO2 and ethanol, result in high-quality products.
- The reputation of the brand. It's not always easy to determine, and it's not just a matter of size or longevity. Check actual reviews and consumer ratings where they exist.
- Strength/power. While there is no recommended strength or dose of CBD, hemp-based cosmetics and creams vary greatly in terms of the number of CBD dosages.
- Type of hemp extract. The full-spectrum extract comes from the entire hemp plant and contains traces of THC. The broad-spectrum extract contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, but not THC. CBD isolate is a pure and unique CBD extract. Many experts claim that broad-spectrum products are preferable because of the "entourage effect", according to which the components of the cannabis plant work better together than alone.
CBD oil contains essential fatty acids, but the right topical product can enhance this moisturizing nutritional value with more good moisturizers and other compounds. Look for other nourishing and pain-relieving ingredients like aloe vera, apricot oil, arnica, avocado oil, cocoa butter, cocoa oil, coconut oil/MCT oil, grape seed oil, lavender oil, menthol, peppermint oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil and vitamins A, D and E.
Conclusion
Choosing a CBD cosmetic product is exciting – there are so many fantastic choices! In fact, a CBD cosmetic product is a cream, lotion, balm, ointment, or skin care product infused with CBD derived from the hemp plant.
CBD creams are an intriguing new strategy for plant wellness and a great addition to your health care regimen that can help relieve localized pain.