Skincare is something that many of us have begun to take for granted. It is easy to get comfortable with the skincare products that we have always used, but maybe – just maybe – there are better options out there. Inflammation, aging, and dryness – these are all key focus of the majority of skincare products. Luckily, evidence shows that CBD could have the potential to address all of these concerns, making CBD skincare a popular new option in the overwhelming catalog of products. We’re taking a look at the many benefits of CBD skincare and how this cannabis compound could help to tackle your skincare concerns.

The Growing Interest in CBD Skincare

In recent years, an increasing focus has been placed on CBD due to its medicinal and therapeutic potential. While over the last few decades, Cannabis has largely been associated with recreational drug use, increasing evidence shows that the plant and its derivatives may carry significant potential in the treatment of many health conditions – including the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. While clinical research into the topical use of CBD remains relatively new, historical evidence shows us that Cannabis has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties for thousands of years. Modern research methods are now helping us to understand how cannabis derivatives like CBD could be effective in reducing inflammation associated both with everyday wear and the occurrence of inflammatory skin conditions.

Inflammation and The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

A growing collection of research now supports the historical use of cannabis as an anti-inflammatory. Evidence now suggests that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) may be an important target for many inflammatory conditions – including those that affect the skin. The ECS is a receptor system that is expressed throughout the immune system and the central nervous system – and the skin! This receptor-neurotransmitter system is thought to play a key part in the regulation of important cognitive and physiological functions, including pain signaling, mood regulation, and inflammation. Furthermore, receptors that make up this system (known as CB1 and CB2 receptors) are the primary targets of CBD in the human body, which may explain how CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties work.

The Main Causes of CBD Skincare Inflammation

Skin can become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including everyday wear and tear, dryness, and allergies. Inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema are also a key cause of skin inflammation. A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of CBD skincare products may offer an effective solution to reducing the symptoms of these common skin problems. Here, we take a look at some of the most common causes of skin inflammation and how CBD skincare could help.

Skin Dryness

Skin dryness affects us all. It may be caused by changes to our physical environment, such as exposure to cold or hot weather; genetics; or diet and lifestyle. Some of us may experience dryness in specific areas of our skin, at certain times of the year, or as part of a reaction to other external factors. But, while dry skin is extremely common, and thus, easy to dismiss, it also has the potential to lead to inflammation and other skin-related damage.

Dryness in the skin can cause the skin to crack leading to soreness, inflammation, and the potential for infection. At the same time, inflammation also causes skin dehydration, leading to a water/lipids-depleted stratum corneum concomitant with the rough and dry skin surface.

CBD Skincare and Dry Skin

Many skincare products are designed with the primary aim of increasing hydration to the skin. While many ingredients have been proven effective in this pursuit, CBD may offer even further benefit. While evidence suggests that CBD may be useful in increasing skin hydration, its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce soreness and accelerate healing – important considerations when you suffer from dry skin.

Psoriasis and Eczema

CBD may be useful for more serious skin concerns, too – including in the management of psoriasis and eczema. Psoriasis is thought to occur due to immune dysfunction that leads to an over-production of keratinocytes (skin cells). This dysfunction leads the immune system of people with psoriasis to accelerate the skin renewal cycle.

For example, the skin renewal cycle of the average person occurs about once a month; in comparison, in a person with psoriasis, new skin cells are produced every 1-2 weeks. This leads to a build-up of skin cells on the skin’s surface layer, resulting in inflamed, flakey patches of skin. The exact causes of psoriasis are still not completely understood; however, some experts believe that factors such as diet and genetics could play a role.

Acne

Acne, or Acne Vulgaris, is the most common inflammatory skin condition. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of adolescents in developing countries suffer from acne to some extent. The most common cause of acne is an overproduction of sebum which can lead to the development of red spots on the surface of the skin and lumps or cysts underneath the skin’s surface. Everyone’s skin produces sebum, which in small quantities acts as a protective oily layer for the skin. However, the production of too much sebum can cause pores to block and result in painful and irritable spots. Again, the direct cause of acne is poorly understood; however, evidence suggests that hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, and the use of medications may play a part in its development.

CBD Skincare and Psoriasis

CBD skincare may offer a topical solution for the treatment of psoriasis and the management of eczema. Topical application means that active ingredients, including CBD, are able to be delivered more effectively, directly to the affected area of the skin to help tackle inflammation and skin flakiness associated with psoriasis.

CBD Skincare and Acne

CBD’s anti-inflammatory potential could make the compound useful on a number of fronts. Firstly, the use of CBD skincare could help to reduce the healing time of inflamed and damaged skin linked to acne. It could also help to lessen pain and discomfort – a common side effect linked to acne spots and cysts. However, perhaps the most significant way in which CBD may be able to help is by reducing the amount of sebum produced. The findings of some preliminary studies suggest that CBD may be able to act on pathways relating to sebum production, sebocyte proliferation, and inflammation. Therefore, CBD may have the potential to address acne at the source, reducing blocked pores and the development of acne spots.

The Effects of Inflammation

Inflammation of the skin has been linked to a number of skin conditions, both as a symptom and as a key cause. For example, inflammation often occurs as an immune response, due to various factors, including allergic reactions, immune system dysfunction, or infection. Inflammation usually presents itself as a rash or discolored areas of skin that may burn, itch, or even blister.

Hyper-pigmentation

Studies show that prolonged inflammation can cause your skin to produce an increased amount of melanin. Melanin is the group of naturally-occurring pigments produced by your body. These pigments are essential for the protection of your skin from UV damage, and for the conversion of sunlight into Vitamin D.

However, when the body produces too much of these pigments, this can lead to areas of hyper-pigmented skin. Evidence shows that inflammation is often linked to an over-production of melanin which, when linked to skin pigmentation, is known as post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin makes extra melanin following an injury or irritation. Hyper-pigmentation may present itself as tan, dark brown, or even blue-grey patches and spots on the affected area of your skin. An overproduction of melanin is often linked to skin conditions such as those mentioned earlier.

Accelerated signs of aging (Inflammaging)

As we get older, our skin will undoubtedly begin to display several signs of aging. Interestingly, though, prolonged inflammation of the skin can actually accelerate some of the most common signs of aging. This is known as inflammaging. Typical signs of aging include sagging and thinning skin, discoloration, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Exposure to free radicals can be a key cause of accelerated signs of aging. Free radicals often develop as a result of factors such as environmental pollutants and solar radiation. This exposure is largely linked to oxidative stress which can lead to skin damage. However, a healthy intake of antioxidants – both through our diets and our skincare regime – can help tackle these free radicals and, therefore, slow the signs of aging.