We most often think of CBD as a supplement that we ingest through a CBD tincture or CBD edible, or that we inhale. However, there’s been a significant growth in interest about CBD skincare in recent years.
Does CBD really fight acne and inflammation? Is it safe? How do you know what to choose? Let’s be honest, there are more CBD products on the market today than you could possibly use in your entire lifetime, and a lot of them are pretty ineffective because of how they’re processed and formulated. So, how in the world do you know what to pick?
Let’s take a look at how CBD works with our skin, and what products can help you get the results you need.
CBD Skincare: How CBD Oil Works
To best understand what CBD does and does not do for our skin, we first need to know what CBD actually is, and how it interacts with our bodies.
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It’s a type of molecular compound, known as a cannabinoid, that is found in the cannabis plant. CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid present in cannabis. It’s actually one of more than 120 cannabinoids present in the plant, including CBG, CBN, CBC, and, of course, THC.
Unlike THC, CBD and other cannabinoids aren’t psychoactive. That means they won’t get you high.
So, what do they do? Each cannabinoid has its own unique set of beneficial properties that are triggered when they come into contact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system. That’s a cell-signalling system in the bodies of all mammals (and all vertebrates) that is closely integrated with the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as systems that regulate sleep, mood, digestion, immune response and more.
When CBD interacts with an endocannabinoid receptor, it imparts benefits to that particular system, tissue, or organ, as well as interacting with other cannabinoids and biological systems.
We’re familiar with the soothing benefits of CBD. When CBD is combined with other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes and flavonoids found in cannabis, a larger synergistic effect known as the Entourage Effect takes place.
With the Entourage Effect, multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to modify and enhance one another’s effects while also contributing to a more impactful overall effect. Products made with broad spectrum CBD and full spectrum CBD can provide this effect, which we will soon see is important in skin care, as well as treating sore muscles and joints.
Combining CBD formulations for the Entourage Effect with other natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants — like menthol, lavender, white willow bark, and more — creates an even more effective CBD product.
CBD Skincare: CBD and the Skin
If you’ve done even a cursory search on CBD, you’ve already seen that there are a ton of scientific studies currently looking into the potential of CBD for a multitude of applications, from epilepsy and osteoarthritis to acne and skin irritation.
You’ve also probably noticed that those studies are still ongoing, which means they’re currently inconclusive. The FDA prohibits anyone from claiming that CBD products treat specific illnesses or conditions. So we’re not going to tell you that a CBD product will get rid of your zits or alleviate your psoriasis. Because again, by law, we can’t make medical recommendations for dermatology or other areas of medical science.
However, we are going to tell you exactly what we know about how CBD interacts with our skin, and we’re going to rely on overwhelming anecdotal evidence that has accumulated over centuries of holistic use.
Know Your Skin Care Terms
You already know the common terms thrown around when it comes to skincare: free radicals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories … the list goes on. CBD skincare products have shown a lot of potential for soothing irritation, addressing pain, fighting free radicals, and preventing acne.
Research studies show that CBD adjusts how the body creates sebum, which is the waxy substance that contributes to breakouts. In addition, research scientists are studying CBD for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well as incredible potential to fight inflammation on our skin as well as in our joints and tissues.
When you apply a CBD skin care product, your body processes it differently from the way it does when you ingest a CBD tincture or an edible, like a CBD gummy. Whereas ingesting a CBD edible requires your body to first digest and metabolize the CBD product before it takes effect, CBD skincare products absorb directly into the skin.
In 2020, Discover Magazine pointed out that CBD balms and creams skip the endocannabinoid receptors that are triggered when we ingest CBD, and instead go directly to the neurotransmitter that blocks pain and irritation signals.
In other words, not only does a CBD skincare product directly address your skin issue when you apply it, it also works directly with neurotransmitters to make you more comfortable.
CBD Skincare Products: What to Look for
Before you can effectively shop for the best among the zillion CBD brands and CBD skin-care products, you need to know what to look for in a quality CBD skincare product.
First, and really most important, you should shop for pure, clean CBD. Why? Two big reasons:
- Our skin can absorb up to 60% of what we put on it, depending on ingredients. In fact, our skin has been shown to absorb an average of 64% of the contaminants found in drinking water. That’s not meant to scare you. Our skin is a powerful filter. But there are some toxins that can break through that barrier.
- Cannabis is really good at soaking up everything in the soil where it grows. That includes pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. That’s why people use cannabis hemp to clean contaminated soil. But where does all that stuff go? Into the plant and, eventually, into the CBD product.
How can you be sure the CBD product you choose is as clean and safe as possible?
First of all, let’s look at what we mean when we talk about cannabis and CBD. Cannabis plants are classified as cannabis hemp and cannabis marijuana. Cannabis hemp is a cannabis plant that has less than 0.3% THC — not enough to get you high, but enough to contribute to the Entourage Effect. Cannabis marijuana can contain upwards of 30% THC. That’s why it’s a controlled substance in most countries. When we talk about CBD products, we’re talking about hemp-derived CBD products.
Look for CBD skincare products made with organically grown, pesticide-free, non-GMO cannabis hemp. Second, always look for a lab report from a third-party lab that will tell you impartially and accurately exactly what is and is not in your product.
Finally, look for healthful and clean additional active ingredients. This can be an ingredient like shea butter to soothe and hydrate the skin, white willow bark to address pain, or lavender to soothe irritation.
A Quick Note About CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil
We should make a quick note to explain that the oil used in CBD products is not the same oil as hemp seed oil. CBD oil is derived from the buds, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. This is the oil that contains all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of the plant. Hemp seed oil contains none of these compounds, and does not interact with the endocannabinoid system. This oil does have some skincare benefits, though, and is used in beauty products — and as a secondary ingredient in some CBD skin care items.
The Best CBD Skincare Products
Now that you’re armed with the info, let’s look at our favorite skincare products — the best of the best!
CBD Calming & Moisturizing Balm Stick
Formulated with broad spectrum CBD for the Entourage Effect, as well as shea butter and Roman chamomile oil to moisturize and calm, this balm stick is our favorite way to address dry, irritated skin. We packed it with beneficial natural botanicals, like lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil, that soothe both skin and mind. The CBD Calming & Moisturizing Balm Stick is available in two strengths, one with 750mg of broad spectrum CBD, and another with 3,000mg of broad spectrum CBD.
While we’re on the subject of CBD skincare balms for dry and irritated skin, we also make a version specifically designed for pets! It’s made with broad spectrum CBD, odorless Alaskan salmon oil, and pet-safe essential oils, and it’s great for dry or irritated noses, pawpads, and skincare.
CBD Face Masks
By combining the soothing power of CBD with carefully chosen natural ingredients, we created a special line of CBD face masks designed to address your specific skincare needs. Each of them are made with 50mg of CBD, and you can choose from:
-
- • Soothing and Tightening made with CBD and aloe vera
- • Purifying and Brightening made with CBD and activated charcoal
- • Hydrating and Tightening made with CBD and cucumber
- • Relaxing and Soothing made with CBD and lavender
- • Toning & Moisturizing made with CBD and rose
They’re all easy-to-use sheet masks with a 10-minute activation time, and they’re suitable for all skin types.
CBD Foot Masks
Hey, if you’re masking up your face, you might as well hit those tootsies, too. You can choose refreshing lavender and CBD or cooling peppermint and CBD to soothe those tired feet after a long day. They’re formulated with coconut and sweet almond oil for smoother skin, and they’re easy-to-use slip-on booties.
CBD Muscle & Joint Cream
A go-to for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as well as folks like me who somehow manage to hurt themselves sleeping, this CBD cream is designed to target sore muscles and achy joints. It’s made with broad spectrum CBD, as well as natural pain relievers like white willow bark, caffeine and menthol. It’s available in three strengths, ranging from 500mg to 3,000mg.
CBD Muscle & Joint Balm Stick
Like the calming and moisturizing balm stick mentioned above, this little stick is a tidy and portable addition to any gym bag or toiletry kit. It’s formulated with broad spectrum CBD, camphor oil, peppermint oil, and wintergreen oil to cool and soothe soreness.
CBD Bath Bombs
Our final CBD skincare entry is maybe the most fun — and definitely the fizziest skincare option. These are made with 200mg of pure CBD isolate (that’s just CBD with no other cannabinoids), plus powerful essential oils and some of the best skin-nourishing botanicals, like arnica, peppermint, and more.
-
- • The CBD Recharge Bath Bomb is made with eucalyptus and spearmint oils to ease sore muscles and joint pain while hydrating and protecting skin.
-
- • The CBD Soothing Bath Bomb is formulated with lavender oil and Hawaiian black salt to detoxify, soften, and soothe. This is our favorite way to unwind after a long day, and it leaves skin feeling smooth, clean, and nourished.
CBD Skin Care: The Final Word On CBD Products for Your Skin
Yes, CBD can do a great deal to soothe and calm our skin, treat acne, and provide extra relaxation to any skincare routine. In fact, CBD is one of the best (or most underrated) products you can buy for health and beauty (just check for CBD skincare CBD reviews!).
By choosing products for skincare that are made with the purest possible ingredients, and looking for the presence of additional ingredients chosen specifically for different skin types, conditions, and needs, you can find a CBD skincare product that exceeds your expectations.
Give one of these best of the best products a try, and let us know what you think!
Try our CBD Calming & Moisturizing Balm Stick for a soothing, skin-nourishing, skincare treat!
