CBD can now be found in myriad wellness and health products, with the skincare industry especially taking a liking to the versatile hemp extract. But just how beneficial are these CBD-infused sunscreens, lip balms, moisturizers, lotions, masks and other skincare offerings?
According to Austin Kaz, a co-founder of New York-based Sheabrand, skincare product manufacturers add CBD to their products to give those products an extra kick, making them much more effective at treating skin conditions, including acne, eczema and dry skin.
One of cannabidiol’s more well-known uses is as an anti-inflammatory agent, making it a great addition to products meant to address inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. CBD does this by interacting with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system and reducing interleukins, which are cell-signaling molecules that can stimulate inflammation.
A couple of studies have found that CBD may have the ability to nourish and rejuvenate dry skin, subsequently reducing itching. Results from a study published in the March–April issue of “Journal Clinical Therapeutics” show that CBD may be able to improve levels of skin hydration by moisturizing the skin and preventing it from losing water and boost skin elasticity. However, the researchers behind the study say this may be due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties or the fatty acids in the ointments the participants used, so more research with a much larger set of participants is needed.
CBD Is Steroid Free
Usually, dermatologists will prescribe topical steroidal creams, which act as anti-inflammatory agents, to treat some skin diseases. While these creams are perfectly safe and work great for most people, some individuals are not comfortable with using steroids of any kind.
Robert Dellavalle, an adjunct professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health, says that nonsteroidal therapies that use CBD can fill this gap. This type of therapy has also achieved promising results against a condition that affects millions of people from puberty well into adulthood: acne.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties combined with its influence on the production of sebum by skin cells via the CB2 receptors on the sebaceous glands make cannabinoids a potential therapy against acne. Additionally, research shows that topical CBD may be able to help kill gram-positive bacteria that are a known cause of acne.
Finally, a CBD-infused sunscreen may help alleviate the effects of sunburns, such as redness.
However, do not look at CBD as a cure-all. Most of the evidence in its favor is anecdotal, and researchers say that even though preliminary studies have uncovered positive results, more research is needed.
For the time being, do your homework on CBD, choose high-quality products and make sure you speak to your doctor before you use CBD, especially if you are pregnant or on other medication.
Information for this story comes courtesy of Cannabis Newswire’s CNW420.
