In recent years, CBD has taken over the wellbeing, supplements, beauty and skincare industries. CBD, also called Cannabinoid, is derived from the Cannabis plant. It is commonly extracted from the Sativa (hemp) strains of the plant. There are actually more than 100 cannabinoids, three important cannabinoids when it comes to skincare and cosmetics are:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive
• Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive, it doesn’t make you feel high and is not addictive but is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
• Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid and has potential therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its beneficial effects. It has shown to help in the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, inflammation, rare forms of epilepsy, diabetes complications, and arthritis. It has also most recently taken the skincare industry by storm. It’s now starting to be included in a number of skincare products and cosmetics. In this article, you will learn how it promotes skin health, radiance and how it treats certain skin conditions. Join us on a transformative CBD skincare journey, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about incorporating hemp derived CBD products simply into your skincare routine

Is CBD legal?

As it has no addictive or psychoactive effects, it is legal in the UK. CBD products are legal for you to buy in the UK if the THC content is negligible or its quantity is no more than 1mg per container or 0.02% ⁽¹⁾. Rest assured that hemp derived CBD food products approved by the UK's Food Standard Agency have met stringent requirements and are completely legal for consumption, ensuring your peace of mind.

So what skin conditions can CBD help manage?

CBD for Acne:

Acne Vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder in teens and young adults but can also effect men and women throughout their lives. In acne, skin pores in your hair follicles get blocked, causing sebum to build up, and in presence of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) results in the formation of pimples. CBD can be beneficial in the treatment of acne. According to a study ⁽²⁾, the ways in which CBD can reduce the formation of acne are as follows:

• CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect as it decreases the formation of inflammatory markers
• CBD is shown to inhibit the excessive production of human keratinocytes ⁽³⁾ and the overgrowth of
• CBD also hinders the excessive production of sebum, as a result, less sebum is produced which prevents the clogging of pores. All these effects help in preventing the breakout of acne.

CBD for treatment of wrinkles and fine lines:

As you age, your skin's moisture content and elasticity naturally decreases, resulting in signs of ageing, such as creases, wrinkles and fine lines. Other factors which are responsible for the ageing of the skin are prolonged sun exposure without using sunscreen, smoking, air pollution, and alcohol use. CBD, according to research, can protect your skin in the following ways ⁽⁴⁾:

• Direct antioxidant effects: CBD decreases the level of oxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and free radicals and increases the level of other natural oxidants present in the body
• Indirect antioxidant effects: CBD increases the effect of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the modification of redox balance
• Anti-inflammatory effect: Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD stops the free radicals formed as a result of inflammation that causes damage to collagen

A topical combination of CBD and retinol can synergistically promote skin rejuvenation, visible anti aging, wrinkles and fine lines, and diminishing skin dullness.

CBD for sensitive skin:

If you have sensitive skin, you are often in search of skin product which is soothing and effective. Luckily, both CBD and CBG are known to have a soothing and calming effect when applied to skin. Both compounds of the cannabis plant can relieve skin redness, irritation, and inflammation. In sensitive skin, irritants damage the skin barrier, which can be repaired and restored by topical cannabidiol ⁽²⁾. The soothing effect is due to CBD working harmoniously with the endocannabinoid system, restoring the skin’s balance. If your skin is sensitive or reactive to specific ingredients, we would recommend first checking the ingredients lists for each product.

CBD and it’s uses in cosmetics

There is much focus on CBD and hemp seed oil in the cosmetic and beauty industry at the moment, as it can enhance your skin’s overall beauty and appearance when applied topically. Due to its beneficial properties, these ingredients are often included in several beauty products.

It’s been shown to improve your skin’s overall beauty in the following ways:

• It promotes a natural skin barrier which helps in retaining moisture. Its ability to retain moisture helps avoid dullness leaving skin smooth, plump, and soft, resulting in an even complexion and youthful glow.
• CBD can help regenerate and renew skin cells by removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new cells. This helps in improving skin tone and texture.
• It helps in clear and even complexion by reducing redness and irritation in sensitive.
• CBD can act as a vehicle for other skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, this combined effect further enhances your skin's health and overall wellbeing.
• Stress has a negative effect on the skin. CBD also has a calming effect on the mind reducing stress and thus promoting skin health.

Side effects

Generally, CBD is safe for you to use and is usually well tolerated by most people. The side effects can vary from person to person and are usually temporary and mild in severity.

You should consult your GP or health care provider in case of any side effects.

Although side effects are not common with hemp-derived, topical CBD and skincare products, here are some of the most common side effects experienced when ingesting CBD in the form of oils, gummies, edibles and capsules.

• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Decrease appetite
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Irritability

You should not use CBD products if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any liver disease.

Forms of CBD skincare products:

CBD skincare and cosmetics can come in many forms, including lotions, creams, balms, oils and salves.

Here at Simply Serene CBD Apothecary, we’re delighted to announce that we are one of the first retailers in the UK to be stocking the all new and improved ElixinolSkin Cosmetics range.

Designed to help you embrace life with a fresh and rejuvenated feel, these all-natural, hemp-enhanced CBD skincare products and range of cosmetics are the ultimate daily essential for all skin types.

The increased CBD content in each product sets this innovative range apart, now featuring up to five times the active cannabidiol (CBD) compared to the previous generation. Developed in the UK, ElixinolSkin products are not only effective but also very importantly sustainable, packaged in reusable containers and widely recyclable.

Indulge in CBD Cleansing Balm, a luxurious balm-to-oil cleanser infused with 500mg CBD, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E for a gentle and soothing cleansing experience.

Hydrate your skin with Hemp Lotion, a light moisturiser enriched with 500mg CBD and a blend of natural ingredients.

Revitalise your skin with CBD Day Cream, featuring 500mg dual-action CBD and CBG for a refreshing feel.

Experience the magic of CBD Miracle Oil, a multi-purpose oil with 300mg CBD, Rose Hip Oil, and Vitamin E, perfect for a radiant complexion.

Finally, treat yourself to aromatherapeutic CBD Bath Oil, infused with 500mg CBD and calming essential oils, for a truly heavenly soak and the ultimate me-time!

CBD, CBG and hemp seed oil are emerging as game changers in the beauty industry. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with promoting collagen, can be useful for treating fine lines, and wrinkles, calming sensitive skin and controlling acne, whilst visibly improving skin tone and texture.

 

References

1. CBD Laws UK. (n.d.). Retrieved 06 19, 2023, from Medic Pro: https://medicpro.london/cbd- laws-uk/
2. Olah A, B. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest. , 124(9):3713–3724.
3. Wilkinson JD, W. E. (2007). Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential therapeutic value in the treatment of J Dermatol Sci. , 45(2):87–92.
4. Sinemyiz Atalay, J.-K. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel) .