It is impossible not to notice that the abbreviation CBD has been popping up all over the place recently. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is being used to alleviate depression, anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, and pain. And the naturally-occurring chemical is now also making its mark on the skin care industry. So what is the hype all about? Read on to find out.
Popularity
Present in edibles, vapes, tinctures, and creams, CBD has been gaining in popularity both among celebrities and those who care about their health. In fact, according to research by Grand View Research Inc., the CBD-infused cosmetics market will be worth $1.7 billion USD by 2025.
What is CBD?
Both CBD and THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, are derived from the cannabis sativa plant, more commonly known as marijuana. And before you get ahead of yourself, rest assured that the effects of CBD are very different to those of marijuana, and the substance will not get you high. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that it will not change your mood or perception.
CBD is purported to have a multitude of benefits. Here is how it can help to improve the appearance of your skin.
Reduces Signs of Ageing
CBD topicals can be used to reduce the signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This is because CBD is infused with antioxidants, which can help to minimize damage done to the skin by free-radicals that come from environmental pollutants. This makes sense since free-radicals are responsible for collagen breakdown, a substance that keeps our skin youthful and firm.
As we age, our skin starts producing less and less sebum oil. Dry skin, in turn, can cause wrinkles. Since CBD can regulate the production of sebum, it is great for alleviating age-related skin dryness.
Eczema and Other Skin Conditions
CBD has powerful skin soothing properties, which can be helpful for individuals suffering from a variety of skin conditions. CBD can alleviate the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and xerosis by gently nourishing the skin and reducing dryness, itching, and redness.
CBD also alleviates inflammation, which is believed to be one of the main causes of eczema, by reducing cytokine production. Cytokines are proteins that regulate inflammatory responses by interacting with the immune system.
Even if you do not suffer from a skin condition or even sensitive skin, the skin-calming effects of CBD can be very beneficial for any skin type.
Acne
Acne is often caused by the accumulation of dead skin and excess sebum oil. This, in turn, can cause the bacteria in the hair follicles on the face to multiply causing inflammation and redness, or acne.
Since acne is an inflammatory condition and CBD is an anti-inflammatory, it can be a powerful weapon in the fight against this annoying condition. According to experts from Nordic CBD, the substance can also minimize breakouts and decrease skin redness by regulating the production of sebum oil, which can clog up pores.
