Suddenly, it seems like CBD is everywhere, showing up in products as diverse as cocktails and clothing. Now, the most talked about ingredient is becoming a significant player in the skin care and beauty field. The component is used in a range of lotions, balms, and sunscreens. Celebrities like Olivia Wilde and Mandy Moore are fans of CBD-infused skin products. MarketWatch found that the CBD skin care market was valued at more than $633.6 million as of 2018, and that amount is only expected to grow: Forecasts anticipate that the CBD skin care market could reach $3.4 billion in sales by 2026.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a chemical compound that naturally occurs in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants are better known as marijuana. CBD is one of the two main active ingredients in this plant: The other is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC has a psychoactive effect, but unlike THC, pure CBD doesn’t make you high: It’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
CBD is believed to effectively treat a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety and pain. Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has shown that CBD may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s as well.
Is CBD Legal?
Under changes introduced in the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD derived from hemp that contains THC at a level of less than 0.3% is legal. Seventeen states have passed legislation legalizing CBD, and a 2017 update to the United States Drug Code also signaled that products containing CBD are fine under U.S. Law. However, manufacturers must hold back on making health claims. The FDA has only approved a handful of prescription substances that contain CBD, and it has not approved the sale of foods with CBD added to them or the sale of CBD as a nutritional supplement.
Why Is CBD Good for Your Skin?
CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help to address skin issues like dryness, free radical damage, and inflammation. CBD also can benefit those dealing with acne because it can reduce the amount of sebum produced. Additionally, some studies indicate that it’s an effective treatment for issues like eczema and psoriasis.
The Different Types of CBD Skin Products
The first CBD skin products were the result of DIY projects: Users would add CBD oil to their existing moisturizer or add it to sea salt to make a one-of-a-kind bath soak. But now, commercially prepared products are available aimed at a wide range of skin issues, from acne to dryness to aging, and in a large selection of formulations, including face washes, lotions, body butters, and balms.
How to Choose the Right CBD Skin Products for You
The first thing to know is that all CBD-infused beauty products are made with either full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD oil is a type of CBD oil that includes all of the compounds that are found in hemp, which includes small amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD oil will still have a range of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids that are found in hemp but will not have any THC. CBD isolate does not contain any of the other compounds found in hemp: It’s pure CBD. CBD isolate is believed to be the best for skin care because due to its purity, it doesn’t clog pores. It’s also filled with antioxidants.
If you want to try CBD skin products, pay careful attention to the label. Sativa seed oil and hemp seed oil are not the same things as CBD oil; notably, hemp seed oil is greasier than CBD oil. Always note the percentage of CBD in the product. For medicinal applications, you’ll want to find products with a higher concentration of CBD to increase effectiveness. Also, look for the highest-quality products you can find. Research has found that a large percentage of CBD products sold online are mislabeled. Read reviews carefully, and choose a CBD brand and retailer known for its high-quality products.