There are plenty of oils to preen and pamper skin and hair, but CBD oil for the skin? Everyone knows CBD is a consumer darling because it supports wellness and eases aches and stress, but not because it may promote a clear and glowing complexion.

CBD is a product extracted from hemp plants, and many still think that CBD and marijuana are the same things. However, this isn’t true. CBD has different components from marijuana, and is actually more beneficial when used long-term as well. Aside from improving one’s health and wellness, CBD from well-known brands like Charlotte’s Web CBD oils is also making waves today as a product that can also boost one’s skin health. 

Let’s take a look at the background and potential benefits of CBD for skincare.

What Is CBD?

The legalization of CBD in many states around the United States has created a boom in the production of and demand for CBD and CBD-derived products. While it continues to tread the fine line of legal, illegal, and decriminalized in many areas, there is an openness to consuming and using CBD products in the market. Today, the CBD skin-care market is a $633.6 million market. Still, anyone looking to shop for CBD-derived products needs to know where these products are legal for consumer purchase.

An excellent place to start is to seek out a clear map of where marijuana is legal throughout the US and for which purpose. Medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, decriminalized marijuana, and allowed low-THC and CBD-high products are all the different levels of what may or may not be permitted in a state when it comes to using CBD.  

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a natural compound found in both hemp and marijuana strains of cannabis, although hemp generally contains CBD in much greater quantities. Cannabidiol is one of over a hundred such compounds known as cannabinoids, and when produced by plants, they are accompanied by terpene compounds as well. 

CBD’s equally famous sibling is the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the prevalent cannabinoid in marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD products must have less than 0.3%THC content and are completely legal in all 50 states since hemp was declassified as a controlled substance.

We respond to cannabinoids because the human body has its own cannabinoid network. Our endocannabinoid system or ECS is chock-full of naturally occurring endocannabinoids and the appropriate receptors throughout the body. CBD for skin, or any other purpose really, interacts with these receptors and triggers different responses that usually help to keep up regular function.

How It Interacts With Skin

What is CBD’s best trait when it comes to skincare? Perhaps it might be versatility. 

Extracted cannabidiol must be combined with a carrier oil, meaning the positive qualities of both CBD and the base oil will be present in CBD oil products. Green Roads tinctures utilize a hemp seed oil formula, useful for topical application and oral consumption alike. Others may use a different base with its own helpful properties, and CBD skin products also come in a specific topical variety. 

Of course, any effects will vary depending on whether the CBD and oil are being absorbed by the skin or internally. But as discussed, CBD covers a wide range of supportive properties either way and is only further bolstered by those of hemp seed oil. 

1. Safe on Different Skin Types

While some essential oils might incite an allergic reaction, cannabidiol is non-toxic and non-irritating. This means that regardless of your skin type and the kind of skin problem you’re facing right now, the use of CBD will likely not create adverse effects. This is one of the best features one can enjoy from CBD that is usually non-existent from over-the-counter skin products. 

That’s not to say there’s no chance you or your skin could react poorly. CBD oils contain other ingredients in their formulas, too. As with anything, test its application and pay attention to any adverse response. 

But as long as everything else agrees with you, CBD can be great for even the most sensitive or irritable skin types.

2. May Help Damaged Skin Improve in Appearance

There is a multitude of antioxidants that protect from damaged skin or rejuvenate after the fact; CBD is one such antioxidant. By supporting healthy skin in this way, CBD—especially combined with other antioxidants—may lessen the look, and counter some consequences, of aging. Hemp seed oil also contributes to this regard.

Wrinkles, lines, dryness, or dull complexion? Put them all on notice.

3. Moisturizing Without Oily Aftermath

Speaking of dry skin, both CBD and hemp seed oil make excellent, nourishing moisturizers. Yet neither will leave your skin with excessive oil despite being oil products. In fact, they might actually reduce how oily your skin is.

That’s because CBD and hemp oil may target excess production of sebum—a natural, oily skin secretion—as they hydrate and provide vitamins plus fatty acids. CBD can regulate the production of sebum in your body to ensure you won’t have oily skin. The ability of CBD to regulate the sebum production will also help you minimize and treat acne in the long run. 

Having normal level of oils in the body will also keep your skin moisturized, and prevent pollutants from irritating your pores. Over time, the use of CBD can become your ticket to having clear and healthy skin!

4. It’s Soothing

CBD seems to pair with your endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation inside and out, and hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is also anti-inflammatory. Ingesting CBD oil may be your approach for widespread problems, while massaging it directly onto irritated skin would localize the effect.

If you want to relax after a stressful day at work, massaging some CBD oil or cream onto your skin is one of the best ways to go. You can even try it for things like itchiness, redness, and bumps in other areas of your body as well. 

What Does Research Say?

Early research and our understanding of the endocannabinoid system support CBD’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and overall regulatory substance. One study seemed to verify CBD could be an effective oil blocker that only encourages the body to produce normal levels of oils. 

The available data at this time is very limited and thus, inconclusive. Hemp and CBD were banned substances in the United States until recently, and proper clinical trials for humans are still in short supply. 

Dermatological professionals don’t have much scientific reason to recommend CBD products yet, but some may have firsthand anecdotal evidence that has influenced their opinion. If cannabidiol is a route you are interested in, do not hesitate to bring it up to your doctor or give it your own trial run.

Which Type of Product Should I Use?

Green Roads CBD oil with a hemp seed oil base is appropriate for sublingual ingestion or can be applied as a skin topical in small areas, so it’s the perfect product to pull double duty. Gentle and simple and good for sensitive skin since there are few ingredients.

For larger areas of skin and more persistent irritation, a dedicated topical comes in a cream or lotion and contains other essential oils and extracts. Green Roads has one formulated especially for skincare rather than for muscle aches. 

CBD skin care-oriented products like ours exist, but the ones designed for soreness are much more common. Make sure to pick up the correct topical—one designed with your purpose in mind and made with ingredients that are right for you.

Talk To A Pro

CBD can do wonders for your skin. In fact, this product might even provide benefits that you can’t experience from over-the-counter skin products. 

However, before you start using and applying CBD for your skin, it’s always best if you consult your doctor first. They can provide pieces of advice to ensure that you’ll only use CBD products that suit your skin problems.