CBD skincare is shaking up the beauty industry, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? Wellness expert and co-founder of GreenBox CBD, Paul Gurney explores the four science-backed benefits of CBD for the skin.
A quick Google of the “benefits of CBD to the skin” and quickly it becomes a minefield. There are many claims made by many different voices across the internet. So, what are the facts? Is CBD good for the skin or is it all hearsay and rumour today?
The wellness experts at GreenBox decided to dig into it. In particular, we refer to the European Commission’s Cosmetic Ingredients directory as a source for facts. This is a useful and credible source that records what functions are proven about this exciting ingredient.
CBD as an anti-sebum agent
The skin naturally produces an oily substance called sebum. It serves to moisturise and protect the skin. However, sometimes the skin can produce an excess of it. As a result, our skin ends up feeling oily and greasy.
Worse still, too much oily sebum is often the root cause of acne. It builds up on the skin, mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug in the follicle. This can form into a whitehead. Ouch!
CBD is now officially confirmed by the European Commission to provide anti-sebum effects for the skin. It may work by helping the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce less sebum. The skin is less oily, and if this is the cause of the acne, it could help clear it up.
CBD as an antioxidant
Antioxidants are the white knights of the body. They roam around and help fight off nasty free radicles. As we know, free radicles are largely responsible for the body’s ageing process. For example, they damage healthy skin cells. Over time, they cause wrinkles, pigmentation and fine lines on the skin.
It is good practice to provide the skin with a healthy supply of antioxidants. It will help with skin firming, reduce wrinkles appearance, repair sun damage, and calm inflammation.
Many people think of retinol when they think of an antioxidant for the skin. However, CBD is now also a contender as a good antioxidant, according to the European Commission.
CBD as a skin conditioner
We condition our hair as standard, but we often overlook the benefits of conditioning the skin. The purpose being to hydrate and soften the skin. A good skin conditioner can leave the skin feeling baby soft and radiant.
Next time you apply hyaluronic acid as a skin conditioner, consider adding a few droplets of a CBD skin serum, too.
CBD as a skin protector
The skin is the body’s barrier to the outside world. It helps protect us, but what protects the skin? The skin needs a bit of help holding off the constant attack from the sun’s rays and free radicals. Pollution especially is not to be overlooked, too. Toxic air with microscopic particles can worsen skin conditions and promote skin ageing.
The beauty industry is responding to this need now we are increasingly aware of it. Additionally, CBD can now be officially referred to as a skin protector, too.