Can CBD Oil Deliver a High Standard of Skincare?

Key Points

• CBD oil is having something of a "moment" in media and popular culture.

• Unlike THC, CBD does not cause intoxication of any kind.

• CBD offers many potential benefits for pain relief and skincare that are still being studied.

• This article considers CBD's potential use in skincare and recommends a CBD oil-based product.

There's been a lot of media and societal "ado" in recent years regarding a relatively new product on the pain relief and skincare markets. Some people claim CBD oil is a wonder product with the capacity to address a range of health and skin issues, while others aren't sold on it. Some even claim it's little more than an excuse to consume a compound derived from a controlled substance. What's the truth?

CBD Oil and Skincare

This article explores existing research surrounding CBD oil's impact on skin health, gathering insights from skin care professionals to provide a comprehensive overview. This article also breaks down the potential benefits and drawbacks of one of the latest and most controversial products on the market.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD — a.k.a. cannabidiol — is found in large proportions in marijuana. In fact, after THC (the psychoactive element that causes intoxication), CBD is marijuana's second-most prevalent compound. This is largely where CBD's "bad rap" comes from.

Can CBD Get You 'High?'

The perception that CBD can cause the same hallucinatory and intoxicating effects as THC is easy to understand. Both are present in the marijuana/cannabis plant, sometimes colloquially known as "grass" or other colorful names.

However, the perception of CBD as an intoxicant is a misperception — and a big one. Researchers, scientists, and medical professionals all agree that CBD doesn't have the capacity to cause hallucinations or intoxication of any kind.

Writing for Harvard Health, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, MD, notes of CBD, "One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a 'high' by itself."

In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."

Another key point to consider in the "Is CBD an illicit substance?" debate is that most CBD oil used in most products is derived from hemp, a cousin of marijuana. Hemp primarily contains CBD and hardly any THC. CBD oil can also be synthesized in the lab, providing another primary source of the CBD used in products.

So no, CBD oil cannot get you high.

Lawmakers Board the CBD Train

The good news is that lawmakers in the United States appear to be grasping the difference between marijuana and hemp and THC and CBD. Natural Products Insider reports that, in July 2023, lawmakers from both Houses in the U.S. Congress from both parties are considering a bill that makes selling and trading CBD and other hemp-derived products 100 percent legal across the country.

As of now, a hodge-podge of laws across states and local jurisdictions make the legality of selling CBD oil uncertain and in some cases, potentially illegal. This bill would uniformly fix the problem, acknowledging CBD's non-illicit nature and making it a legal product to buy and sell across the United States.

Extracting CBD Oil

CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant's flowers, leaves, and stalks. The resulting compounds are used as ingredients in various skincare products.

Exploring the Potential Benefits of CBD Oil

The potential benefits of CBD oil for skin are rooted in its unique properties:

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Inflammation is a common factor in skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. CBD has recognized anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

• Antioxidant Effects: Antioxidants are essential for protecting the skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. CBD oil is rich in antioxidants, which may help maintain the skin's overall health and radiance.

  CBD oil is so rich in antioxidant content, in fact, that many practitioners sing its praises for hair and skin. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman is one of those. “[CBD oil is] rich in vitamins A, C and E,” she says. “Vitamin A stimulates the cells responsible for producing the tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy; vitamin C stimulates collagen production, and it helps to reduce signs of aging; [and] vitamin E blocks free radicals from the body [which] helps slow down the aging process."

• Moisturization and Hydration: CBD oil contains fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, that are beneficial for skin hydration. By improving the skin's ability to retain moisture, CBD oil contributes to a smoother, more supple complexion.

• Regulation of Sebum Production: Excessive sebum production is a common contributor to acne. Some studies suggest that CBD oil helps regulate sebum production, potentially reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts.

• Potential Pain Relief: When applied topically, CBD oil is believed to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, offering localized pain relief. This makes it potentially beneficial for conditions like sunburn or sore muscles.

Insights from Research Studies

While the anecdotal evidence surrounding CBD oil's skincare benefits is compelling, it's essential to examine the scientific research to gain a clearer perspective:

• A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation evaluated CBD's effects on human sebocytes, the cells responsible for producing sebum. The study found that CBD could potentially reduce sebum production and, consequently, the likelihood of acne development.

• A 2019 review featured in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology emphasized the potential anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties of CBD. The review concluded that while promising, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects conclusively.

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• A 2020 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science explored CBD's impact on psoriasis. The researchers discovered that CBD could slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation, potentially offering relief for individuals with psoriasis.

Choosing a CBD Oil Product

Before deciding on a CBD oil product or using on, it's important to remember that individual responses to CBD oil can vary. What works for one person may not work for another — or may work differently.

Beyond this, the other important factors to consider when choosing a CBD oil product include:

• Choosing products from reputable brands that provide sourcing and testing transparency.

• Looking for products that provide a Certificate of Analysis from third-party testing. This ensures the product is free from contaminants and accurately labeled.

• Looking for products with no more than 0.3% THC.

Age-Defying Pick: Lazarus Naturals RELAX + UNWIND CBD BALM

Lazarus Naturals' RELAX + UNWIND CBD Balm is a carefully crafted product designed to provide a soothing, calming experience for both the body and mind. Infused with high-quality CBD oil extracted from hemp plants, this balm offers the potential benefits of CBD in a topical application.

This balm is thoughtfully formulated with a blend of botanical ingredients known for their relaxation properties, including lavender and chamomile. These ingredients make Lazarus Naturals RELAX + UNWIND CBD BALM an ideal choice for anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the demands of daily life.

This product's aromatic blend of essential oils enhances the overall experience, enveloping the senses in a gentle, soothing fragrance. Whether used after a long day or as part of a self-care routine, Lazarus Naturals' RELAX + UNWIND CBD Balm offers a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Road Ahead is Paved with CBD Oil

While CBD oil shows promise as a potential skincare ingredient, further research is needed to fully understand its effects on various skin conditions and concerns. Existing studies suggest CBD's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sebum-regulating properties could offer benefits for conditions ranging from acne to psoriasis.

However, the efficacy of CBD oil can be influenced by factors such as concentration, formulation, and individual skin type. Still, the evidence to date is compelling enough to recommend consumers seeking alternative skincare solutions to try one of these products. Just be sure to choose a product from a reputable brand that's third-party tested, and contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.

If you're considering incorporating CBD oil into your skincare routine, as with any other new skincare product or regimen, consult a skin care professional or dermatologist first, especially if you have underlying skin conditions. As the research landscape continues to evolve, CBD oil is looking more and more likely to become widely adopted as a valuable addition to the realm of natural skincare. There is already an assortment of products available and that seems likely to grow in years to come. When it comes to skincare and battling the hands to time, most consumers won't care about CBD's link to marijuana and THC. All that matters is its potential to help users achieve and maintain healthy, vibrant skin.

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