What is CBD?
CBD also known as Cannabidiol is the non-intoxicating molecular compound found in the hemp/marijuana plant proven to be an effective holistic treatment for a wide range of health ailments.
Many people do not recognize that the cannabis plant has a male and female part. While marijuana is classified as the female version of the cannabis plant, hemp is considered to be the male version of the plant. The hemp plant contains a higher amount of cannabidiol with low amounts of THC whereas the marijuana plants contains high amounts of THC with low amounts of CBD. It is important to note the difference when determining which type of CBD will be most beneficial to you.
There are several variations of CBD oils including:
- CBD isolate means pure CBD, no other cannabinoids or other naturally occurring substances like flavonoids or terpenes can be detected.
- Full spectrum CBD includes all contents of the hemp plant alongside the CBD, including trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol) and antioxidant compounds.
- Broad spectrum CBD means no THC is detectable. Trace amounts of THC can be detected in full spectrum CBD, but must fall below 0.3% in order to not be considered active.
CBD oil is not the same thing as hemp seed oil, which is another great ingredient for skin. The two are often marketed interchangeably, but CBD oil is richly concentrated in cannabidiol, whereas hemp seed oil only contains trace amounts of cannabidiol, if any.
The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce inflammation through endocannabinoid receptor activity by leveraging CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CAN CBD BE ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN?
CBD can be absorbed in the skin. However, it is important to understand that this technique is much different than ingesting CBD sublingually or via inhalation. When CBD is absorbed topically it does not enter the bloodstream but rather connects with nearby cannabinoid receptors through the skin pores.
It is important to note that human skin is generally highly resistant, meaning the immune system will attempt to block many substances from entering. Research recommends that CBD topical application is potent enough to overcome the resistibility of our immune system.
The potency required is typically determined by the case being treated as well as the bodyweight of the subject. All in all, CBD is permeable to the skin through its pores and can be used for several different reasons.
IS CBD OIL GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
The emergence of CBD research suggests that CBD oil for skin can provide many health benefits by leveraging the cannabinoid receptors that are accessible beneath the pores of the skin. Overtime products such as CBD lotions and oils have been recommended to many for several different skin ailments.
CBD FOR ACNE
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are plugged with excess sebum oil and dead skin cells. This blockage causes white heads, black heads or pimples.
Research can prove that CBD is considered to be an effective all natural anti-inflammatory.
CBD for acne is well known for its ability to reduce the visibility of breakouts especially acne related redness. By reducing inflammation and redness CBD oil for skin is able to improve the look and feel of acne prone skin.
In addition, CBD acts as a hormonal balancer, this suggests that CBD can potentially decrease excess sebum oil production; helping reduce the likelihood of future breakouts.
CBD FOR WRINKLES AND AGING
CBD is well known for its antioxidant properties. An antioxidant can be defined by a substance such as vitamin C or E that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.
By offsetting free-radical damage; free radicals cause collagen to break down faster, so ultimately antioxidants are also helping to slow down the process of collagen loss
visibly reducing the look of wrinkles, skin dullness and deterioration overtime related to ageing.
In this case, research suggests that CBD is ingested sublingually in order to receive its full benefit.
CBD FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin can be described as easily irritable or reactive. CBD is known for its soothing properties. CBD oil for skin can help reduce redness, inflammation and reactivity that may be related to skin sensitivity or environmental stressors.
CBD AND PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the life cycle of skin cells are accelerated. Psoriasis is considered to be very similar to eczema in its physical appearance while appears red or pink with a silver lining.
By leveraging the endocannabinoid system we can help the human body find balance again, CBD also known as cannabidiol can interact with this system in order to regulate skin pathogenesis.
Although Psoriasis doesn’t have a cure, CBD oil for skin is becoming a popular natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the effects of this disease while providing relief from itchiness/irritation.
CBD AND ECZEMA
Similarly to Psoriasis, Eczema can be characterized by rashes that are painful, itchy and inflamed. Research suggests that these responses are modulated by the endocannabinoid system, insinuating that CBD can potentially provide relief. According to Mary’s Nutritionals’ Chief Scientist, Jeremy Riggle, Ph.D., CBD “CBD interacts with this system and may help the skin re-establish or maintain homeostasis, the result, in this case, being a reduction in symptoms associated with eczema.” When CBD is applied topically to the affected area it avoids dilution and targets the dermal cellular level of the skin allowing this method to be most effective.
