How CBD Topicals Can Improve Skin Health and Appearance

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CBD (cannabidiol) has surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. From alleviating pain to improving sleep quality, CBD has proven to be a versatile compound. 

While these benefits are interesting indeed, one of the most exciting areas of CBD research is its potential benefits for skin health. CBD topicals are gaining traction for their ability to improve skin health and appearance. 

In this article, we’ll go over how CBD topicals work and why they may be the skincare solution you’ve been searching for.

What Are CBD Topicals?

CBD topicals are skincare products infused with cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike oils or edibles, which are ingested, topicals are applied directly to the skin. These topicals come in the form of CBD balms, lotions, and creams.

Also, CBD is different from THC, another well-known compound from the cannabis family. This means it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana.

How CBD Topicals Improve Skin Health

Applying CBD topicals to your skin brings forth several benefits to your health and appearance. Some of them include the following:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the root cause of many skin issues, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of CBD are promising. It potentially reduces redness, swelling, and irritation.

A study published in Experimental Dermatology found that a cream containing 3% Cannabis seed extract that was applied twice daily to the cheeks of patients for a 12-week period helped reduce erythema (redness) and sebum production as compared to the other side without CBD.

By calming the skin, CBD topicals can alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, leading to more comfortable skin.

2. Antioxidant Effects

Another interesting benefit of CBD being studied is its antioxidant effects, which are useful in protecting the skin from UV radiation. The compound has inherent antioxidant activity based on its chemical structure, which can possibly be used to protect the skin.

Antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may lead to premature aging. This manifests in the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, CBD topicals can help maintain young and healthy skin.

A 2021 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity has found the therapeutic potential of CBD in the treatment of skin diseases like psoriasis thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Although the study was conducted on rat skin, the results show great promise for CBD as an antioxidant.

3. Moisturizing and Nourishing

When CBD is combined with other ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera, the formulation becomes more well-suited for those with dry skin — which also brings a host of other issues, from itching to the formation of fine lines.

These ingredients work together to hydrate and nourish the skin, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture. Regular use of CBD topicals can result in softer and smoother skin.

4. Wound Healing

One of the lesser-known properties that make CBD is its potential to heal wounds. An observational study published in Pediatric Dermatology reported positive results in all 3 participants with a skin blistering disorder. The participants were self-treated with CBD topical agents. The study found that wound healing had sped up, blistering had lessened, and pain had been reduced — this was the case for all participants of the study.

5. Anti-Itching

For those with itchy skin, CBD topicals might be a good fit for you. Pruritus is a common dermatological condition where a patient is tempted to scratch the affected area. 

A topical application of CBD cream applied twice a day for three weeks resulted in the complete elimination of pruritus for more than 38% of the study participants, while 52% of the participants reported reduced pruritus. 

6. Other Potential Skin Benefits

The application of CBD as a topical treatment is still being studied. However, more studies are finding that there are even more benefits to using this fascinating compound. Multiple studies on CBD have recorded its possible use in the treatment of hair growth disorders, skin tumors, pigmentation disorders, bacterial infections, and a lot more.

3 Tips to Maximize the Benefits of CBD Topicals

To make the most out of CBD topicals, it’s vital you use them correctly. Here are a few tips:

1. Start With Clean Skin: Always apply topicals to clean and dry skin to ensure maximum absorption.
2. Be Consistent: You won’t see any visible results if you don’t consistently follow your routine. Use the CBD topical daily or as recommended by the product label.
3. Patch Test First: Like with any skin care product, always test the compatibility of the product with your skin by conducting a patch test.

Final Thoughts

CBD topicals offer a natural and effective way to improve your skin health and appearance. Whether you’re dealing with inflammation, dryness, or itching, incorporating a CBD-infused product into your skincare routine could do wonders.  Of course, CBD can offer benefits to other aspects of your life too, so if you want to expand beyond skincare, consider looking into different concentrates, and consider a nectar collector to control your experience.

With all these benefits, CBD is paving the way for a new generation of skincare products that promote healthy, glowing skin. So why not give it a try? Your skin might just thank you.