When it comes to beauty and wellness, there are so many fads that come and go. We have all heard horror stories from our parents and grandparents about the seemingly ridiculous things they used to do to whiten their teeth or make their pores smaller. Even a glimpse back through a beauty magazine from ten years ago would be enough to make us cringe.
That being said, it is natural to feel an air of skepticism when seeing new wellness routines come on the market. Normally, it is best to apply the rule ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’. But does this logic apply to CBD? Our greenleaf dispensary in Port Hueneme wants to take a closer look at CBD and how it helps with skin care, as well list a few of our favorite products you should try.
What is CBD?
To sum it up quickly, CBD is an oil that is extracted from a cannabis plant. Its longer, scientific name is ‘cannabidiol’, and is one of the 100+ different cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. These cannabinoids are found in the leaves and the buds of cannabis plants and are then extracted and separated.
Once it has been extracted, CBD is a colorless, crystalline structure. At room temperature, it exists in its purest form. CBD can either be derived from a marijuana or a hemp plant. However, CBD that comes from marijuana crops tend to be more potent and effective than when it comes from hemp. The use of CBD has many benefits, including pain relief, stress relief, helping with anxiety and mood swings, and yes, this can even include helping with skin conditions!
Skin Benefits of CBD
One of the primary characteristics of CBD is that it is an anti-inflammatory. This means that it can help lessen any irritation on the skin. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis are all known for causing skin to become inflamed and irritated.
Eczema and Psoriasis
In one study, 20 participants with eczema and psoriasis were given CBD cream to use over a span of two months. They were to apply the cream twice a day. The majority of participants showed improvement, especially in regards to inflammation. While none of the participants reported any issues as far as allergic reactions of flare ups, it is important to remember that every person and skin type is different.
Treating Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, and it can occur for any number of reasons. Oily skin, poor diet, a hormonal imbalance – you name it, and it can make our face break out. However, when CBD is combined synergistically with other ingredients such as tea tree oil, the results can be quite positive!
Jeanette Jacknin, MD, who is a board-certified dermatologist in Solana Beach, CA and specializes in CBD skin care, states the following: “There are CB2 receptors on sebaceous glands, which produce oil. According to research, CBD influences the sebum production of cells and has an anti-inflammatory component.”
Sunburns
Now that summer is in full swing, it’s all the more important to be mindful of skincare, especially in regards to sun protection. When outdoors for long periods of time, whether you are hitting the beach or doing some lawn care, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen as well as a hat and sunglasses. Though if you forget or you still wind up with a sunburn, CBD can help.
Again, thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities, CBD can help lessen the redness and stinging sensation associated with sunburns. Apply to the affected area and keep an eye on the difference that it makes!
Ongoing Research
While more in-depth research needs to be done, further studies are being conducted all the time, and in growing frequency. This is thanks to the continued widespread legalization of CBD and other cannabis products. At long last, cannabis research is getting the time and effort it deserves.
5 Tips to Be Mindful Of
Just like when using any new beauty or wellness product, it is vital to do your research first! We recommend talking to your dermatologist to get their insight prior to completely swapping out any prescription medications for CBD. Here are a few other suggestions we have:
1.) Apply to a Small Area
Whether you are trying to treat your eczema or a simple sunburn, don’t get overly carried away with your new skincare product. Instead, use it on a small area at first to see how it reacts. Trying to apply this to your full body only to receive an adverse reaction would not be ideal. While most individuals don’t have a negative reaction to CBD, it is still wise to be mindful of that first application.
2.) Do Your Homework
While we are very confident in the products that we sell here at our greenleaf dispensary in Port Hueneme, when shopping elsewhere, it is important to do your research. Unfortunately, some companies slap ‘CBD’ on the label without actually putting any quality behind their work. Read through reviews, research the company, and if you are visiting our store, talk to one of your knowledgeable staff members.
3.) Check for Legal Status
While CBD is legal in most of the United States, it is still important to make sure that you are purchasing from an authorized and licensed cannabis dispensary. These stores are the ones that are truly legalized to sell CBD and/or other cannabis products.
4.) Shop Smart
Is the product you are buying actually infused with CBD, or is someone just trying to cash in on the title? Again, this is where doing your research and shopping at a real cannabis or greenleaf dispensary will come in handy.
5.) Start with a Serum
One of the best things you can try to start out with is a serum. That is because they are easy to layer and are highly concentrated. They don’t come with other ingredients such as what you might find with a cream or lotion.
Have Questions
If you have questions about using cannabis skin care products, no worries! Pop by any of our locations, including our greenleaf dispensary in Port Hueneme, and allow us to get you helped out. We want to be a guide for your CBD journey, and make sure that you are getting the best product for you!
