It’s no secret that beauty enthusiasts across the nation are hyping up one notable trend: CBD. The benefits of CBD-infused skincare are endless- from soothing inflammation to controlling stubborn, excessive oil production, this earth-derived ingredient has nothing but blessings to offer tired, irritated skin. So, whether you’re looking for a natural aid to heal your post-microneedling face or to reduce that 2 pm shine no powder can prevent, look no further. If you’re curious about the science behind this booming wellness wave, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about how to shop for CBD topicals that actually have the power to enhance your skin’s health.
First, let’s dive into the science behind how CBD interacts with your skin.
Your skin has its own endocannabinoid system
One well-established fact is that the skin is an active organ that hosts its own endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means that, contrary to popular belief, the skin is not just a barrier between your insides and the outside environment. It functions just like any other organ in your body, calibrating many important physiological functions. As such, CB1 and CB2 receptors actively engage with elements – including cannabinoids – to regulate cell turnover, aid inflammatory responses, and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Oil & acne control
Acne is the result of pores clogged by environmental bacteria and excess sebum (oil) that your skin naturally produces. Inevitably, this buildup causes inflammation and eventually pimples. CBD interacts with the skin’s natural processes to stabilize sebum production, thus minimizing subsequent breakouts. Cannabidiol also offers antibacterial benefits, helping ward off free radicals and environmental pollutants that clog your pores.
Redness & inflammation
Treating inflammation is where CBD really shines. Hemp-derived products are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, so it makes sense that the same would apply to skincare. Decades of research show that CBD is an effective way to manage redness, irritation, and even diagnosed skin conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis. That said, whether you’re dealing with temporary inflammation after an aggressive skin treatment or chronic irritation from sensitive skin, CBD is a notable contender among safe, natural ways to manage skin discomfort and appearance.
Environmental protection
Because your skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors, a natural result is skin aging. In addition to the significant benefits above, CBD also activates your skin’s antioxidant defenses to protect against cellular damage caused by UV light, pollution, and oxidative stress.
Sustained hydration
The health of your skin’s barrier is important for it to retain moisture and ward off external irritants. If your barrier is strong, it will lock in moisture from the ingredients in your skincare routine, allowing the deeper layers to access them and receive their benefits. In contrast, if your barrier is weak, it will struggle to retain those quality ingredients you feed it day in and day out.CBD strengthens your skin’s barrier, improving its ability to retain supportive fatty acids that produce that sought-after plump, healthy glow.
If you want to learn more, our CBD bioavailability guide provides important context on how your body absorbs the compound, as well as other factors that influence absorption.
What NOT to expect
Cloud City Supply is deeply committed to customer education and transparency. To that end, we also feel it’s important to highlight what CBD *won’t* do.
First things first: CBD is not an FDA-approved treatment for any skin disease or chronic ailment. Thus far, studies published on CBD’s skincare benefits have been conducted using cell cultures, animal testing, and small sample sizes rather than large-scale, randomized human clinical trials. If you are managing a diagnosed skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, we recommend you speak with a dermatologist before incorporating CBD as anything more than a complementary supplement to your treatment plan.
On that note, if you’re already taking prescription medications for a skin condition, read our recent blog post on how CBD can potentially interact with pharmaceutical meds before adding it to your regimen.
Pro tips for choosing CBD skincare products
- Check the COA. Always ask the store you purchase CBD products from for the Certificate of Analysis. This is how you verify the product’s contents vs. what’s listed on the label.
- Know the difference between isolate/broad spectrum/full spectrum products. In short, full- and broad-spectrum products contain supplemental cannabinoids (such as CBN, CBG, etc.) and other extracts (such as terpenes) that enhance therapeutic benefits. This is affectionately known as the entourage effect.
- Always patch test. Perform a patch test on the inside of your arm before using it on your face. Apply and wait 24 hours to ensure there’s no reaction or irritation. If nothing happens, you have the green light to go ahead and throw it into your daily routine!
Shop CBD skincare products at Silicon Valley’s favorite CBD store
Mercury News readers have voted Cloud City the #1 CBD Store in Silicon Valley for four consecutive years running. We offer personalized recommendations from industry experts, above-and-beyond CBD education, and can guarantee your new CBD products are as pure as they are effective.
Browse our premier selection of CBD topicals online, or swing by our downtown Campbell store for a 1:1 consultation!
