By: Madeleine Balestrier
What are the CBD oil benefits for beauty?
Although research is in its infancy, scientists find promise in using cannabidiol (CBD) to combat skin conditions and refresh beauty routines through CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury and disease that causes symptoms like pain, redness and swelling.
This bodily response can be caused by underlying diseases, environmental stressors and even allergic reactions to products like makeup. Inflammation causes and irritates skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dry skin and acne.
This makes it crucial to understand what exactly is in each of your cosmetic products and to buy from reputable brands that utilize beneficial ingredients like CBD.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties and plant-derived antioxidants work together to not only combat common inflammatory symptoms like sensitivity, redness and swelling, but also help to restore skin moisture, fight signs of aging, soothe side effects of psoriasis and eczema and regulate excess oil production that causes acne.
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The science behind CBD skin care
The science behind CBD skin care revolves around how cannabidiol interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System. When CBD is introduced orally or topically, the chemical compound activates certain receptors within this system.
Some of these receptors are TRPV-1 and GPR55, which are found in our skin and play a role in pain and inflammation signaling throughout the body.
CBD’s status as a powerful antioxidant also makes it a formidable defense for our body against free radicals.
Free radicals are substances like pollution, chemicals and toxins that expose our skin to wrinkles, fine lines and other visible signs of aging.
Antioxidants are the ideal line of defense against free radicals, and that’s why vitamins, fatty acids and CBD are crucial additions to your beauty routine for a youthful glow.
CBD for acne
Acne affects up to 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Acne is generally treated with harsh drugs like Accutane, spironolactone and benzoyl peroxide that come with a long-list of side effects, but scientists are discovering the potential in the natural, alternative CBD.
Acne is a cumulation of blocked pores, excess sebum, inflammation and proliferation of bacteria, which leads to frustrating trial and error, a precarious beauty routine and treatments that make the skin worse before it gets better.
Introducing CBD for acne may yield positive results for those who struggle to control their acne. In addition to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, 2014 research also shows that CBD has the potential to decrease excess sebum oil production, the leading cause for breakouts.
This would mean CBD can potentially treat two parts of the acne-lesion formation, which would help remove counterproductive drugs from your CBD skincare routine.
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How to add CBD products to your beauty routine
So now you know why CBD oil for skin benefits your beauty routine, but how do you actually go about reaping those benefits? There are so many innovative ways you can add CBD to your daily life, but just remember to research ingredients and buy quality over quantity.
CBD face mask
CBD face masks are available in sheet and lotion masks. When it comes to sheet masks you simply lay it over your face, while lotion, cream or gel masks you liberally apply to your face with a squirt from its storage container.
The goal is to leave the mask on long enough for the skin to absorb the CBD and other ingredients, then you peel off the mask and wash your face.
Make sure to read the product’s instructions for the specific length of time you should keep it on your face.
CBD face masks are a great step for first-time CBD users to absorb all of the benefits that tackle redness, swelling and puffy eyes to make you feel revitalized and refreshed.
CBD face oil
While face masks are better for skin longevity, CBD face oil helps tackle immediate problems like zits and facial tension.
Applying oil to affected areas of your face may feel backwards, but when it comes to CBD, it can actually be beneficial during breakouts and instances of irritation.
When CBD face oil is paired with a moisturizer, it not only helps to hydrate, but also tackles irritation and acne without clogging your pores. Plus you can massage it into your temples or other congested areas since CBD also has pain-reducing properties.
CBD face cream
CBD face cream is a consistent and preventive product. Apply it to your face and neck daily for soft moisturized skin before you apply makeup.
The key benefits of CBD face cream are hydration, glow and skin nourishment through antioxidants. The antioxidants in CBD are 30% – 50% more potent than Vitamins C and E, according to this study. These antioxidants help diminish redness from acne and lessen visible signs of aging.
CBD face cream is a practical solution for individuals who want to improve their daily facial regimen.
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CBD hair oil
CBD hair oil is also just shampoo and conditioner infused with CBD that you would massage in normally. Adding CBD to your shower routine has the potential to enhance hair growth, protect your hair, improve scalp health and help manage itchiness.
Why is CBD so good for your hair? Because it contains fatty acids, amino acids and Gamma Linoleic Acid that naturally protect hair strands and promote hair growth.
CBD hair oil can benefit all hair types, including oily, dry and even flaky.
CBD makeup
At this point in CBD’s popularity, you will be able to find similar makeup products infused with CBD to replace your lineup of lip balm, brow gel, mascara and other essentials.
In most cases, CBD will just replace the binding component of serums. For instance, beeswax is common in mascaras, but replace the beeswax with CBD oil and you will have a smooth application without the animal byproduct.
Plus sometimes makeups even create allergic reactions and inflammation that can be avoided by using CBD products that also allow for moisture and volume, depending on the product’s intended usage.
CBD lotion
CBD lotion is not just an ideal daily moisturizer for your skin, but it’s also an effective topical in reducing inflammation and pain. CBD lotion localizes areas where you may be experiencing muscle spasms, soreness, skin inflammation or other ailments.
You can either purchase CBD lotion with the compound already infused or you can even dose CBD oil into your portion of lotion. When applying the product place a small amount of the lotion onto your finger and directly massage the substance into your skin.
CBD lotion as a topical is a resourceful product for any health and wellness routine.
To sum it up
Infusing CBD with cosmetic products is not just another trendy self-care fad, but actually a worthwhile investment into your beauty routine.
Madeleine Balestrier is a writer who covers cannabis culture and new trends in the cannabis community.