Since its legalization, CBD has become a hot item, sneaking into everything you can possibly think of—from cocktails and chocolates to candles and even clothing.
Now, this popular ingredient is hijacking the beauty and skincare industry. From sunscreen and cleansers to serums and creams to make-up and ChapSticks, there’s an array of CBD-infused and medical grade skincare products taking the aisle of beauty supply stores everywhere!
If you’re considering jumping on the CBD bandwagon too, take time to read this primer on CBD skincare.
Why Use CBD Skincare Products?
CBD has several properties that can benefit the skin. It offers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits which can be beneficial in solving skin concerns such as dryness, free radical damage that causes aging, and inflammation.
In general, the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD are best known for fighting acne breakouts. It also helps in regulating oil production by reducing sebocytes, which are the sebum-producing skin cells. In addition, it can also help in reducing pain, redness, and swelling from your existing acne breakouts.
A study also revealed that CBD can be effective for dry skin. You can hydrate and nourish your skin with cannabis topicals, which can be beneficial in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Choosing A CBD Skincare Product: Factors To Consider
Everyone’s skin is a bit different. So, before buying a CBD skincare product, it’s important to consider your overall skin health.
1. Know Your Skin Type
In general, your skin may fall into one of the four types with some overlapping symptoms:
- Sensitive Skin
It refers to skin that’s easily irritated, has reduced tolerance, and is more reactive to the application of skincare products.
- Dry Skin
This skin type means that you’re suffering from the lack of moisture and hydration, whether because your skin doesn’t have enough water or it doesn’t have enough lipid layer to lock in water and keep your skin lubricated.
- Oily Skin
In contrast to dry skin, oily skin means an overproduction of sebum, which results in a visible oily layer on your skin.
- Normal Skin
Finally, normal skin is what everyone wants. It refers to a balanced complexion that’s neither dry nor greasy as well as not easily irritated by ingredients applied.
By knowing your skin type, you can determine the type of products that can help meet your objectives. For instance, if you have oily skin, you can opt for CBD products with light consistency like liquid serums and cleansers. Whereas if you have dry skin, you need products that are thick and have a more hydrating texture like lotions and creams.
2. Consider The CBD Formulation
In general, CBD-infused products contain three formulations:
- CBD Isolate
This is the purest version of CBD, which means it doesn’t contain any other compound from the hemp plant. This form of CBD oil is best for facial skin since its pureness means it’s packed with skin-rejuvenating antioxidants and doesn’t clog pores.
- Full-Spectrum CBD
In contrast to CBD isolate, a full-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds found in hemp. This includes terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient. A study suggests that the benefits of CBD are more prominent when these multiple compounds are present.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum is like the middle ground between the two. It contains most of the compound in a full-spectrum CBD, except the psychoactive ingredient, THC. You can often find full-spectrum in the form of gummies, such as d8 gummies.
When buying CBD products, read the label and look for mentions of ‘hemp extract,’ ‘cannabidiol,’ or any of the three formulations above.
Also, take note that Cannabis sativa seed oil or hemp seed oil isn’t the same thing as CBD oil. The latter is extracted from the flowers and seeds of the hemp plant, whereas the former is taken from the seed. CBD oil is lighter, whereas hemp seed oils are greasier.
3. Research The Company
The CBD skincare industry is filled with misleading products. Thus, you must do your research and learn more about the company that created the CBD skincare product you’re eyeing.
The most important thing to understand about the skincare product you’re buying is the belief system of the company you’re buying from. While you can’t find this on the label, if you research online, the most credible CBD companies will be transparent about their sourcing and the potency of their products. Also, look for companies with third-party lab testing and provide access to these testing results.
Takeaway
And there you have it! Like any ingredient, CBD can help your skin stay healthy, beautiful, and young-looking. However, not all CBD skincare products are the same. So, if you’re new to the CBD skincare niche, consider the above factors to ensure you’re buying and applying a safe and effective product for overall skin health.
