Although anti-aging, texture smoothing, wrinkle prevention, and fostering a healthy skin barrier are not new ideas in skincare, they have undoubtedly become popular trends in the era of social media, where everyone from dermatologists with licenses to skincare enthusiasts shares their favorite skincare products and techniques. If you’re exploring CBD or cannabis for skincare benefits, consider getting an online medical card for legal access to high-quality products.
However, skincare is more than just appearances; prevention of infections, skin cancer, and other health risks are equally, if not more, significant in the discussion of skincare.
Are there ways for medical cannabis users (or anyone wishing to improve their health with plant-based medications) to use the therapeutic properties of marijuana for skincare in light of all these objectives? Indeed, with CBD.
Just five of the numerous advantages of CBD for skin health are covered in this guide, along with advice on how to mix CBD-based skincare products with traditional ones.
5 Benefits of Using CBD for Your Skin
Let’s begin with a summary of the five main advantages of CBD for skin health—ways that using medical cannabis can improve overall wellness.
- Pain Relief
Similar to its sibling cannabinoid THC, CBD provides patients with a wide range of conditions with significant pain relief. CBD skincare products, such as transdermal balms and topical lotions, give patients access to this healing power.
How might CBD improve the condition of the skin?
- Decreased irritation: Skin care products containing CBD may help lessen the discomfort caused by acne blemishes, which are painful.
- Recovery from a sunburn: Anyone who has ever had a severe sunburn understands how uncomfortable it can be to have widespread skin pain. The pain from sunburns and other related skin conditions can be reduced with CBD topicals.
- Accelerated Wound Healing
In recent years, there has been a fair amount of research on the use of CBD for wound healing applications. It should come as no surprise that topical formulations containing both CBD and THC have been demonstrated to speed up wound healing in both in vitro and animal studies.
There are several reasons why speeding up wound healing is good for skin health:
- It decreases infection risk – It lowers the risk of infection because bacteria have less time to colonize your system the shorter you keep your wound open. Effective wound healing following a skin injury can help shield you from further illnesses, whether they are skin-related or not.
- It could improve scar tissue formation rates – Scar tissue formation (especially in deep wounds) is a normal part of the healing process. The faster scar tissue forms, the more quickly a wound will completely close (resealing the body against threats from bacteria).
Overall, increasing the speed of wound healing with CBD could have applications across the medical landscape.
- UV Protection
Clinical research on CBD and UV protection has some exciting news: preliminary studies suggest that CBD may protect skin cells from damaging UV radiation.
Whether you’re a skincare expert or hesitant to spend money on self-care, protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial. Skin cancer, painful sunburns, persistent hyperpigmentation, and other adverse effects can result from sun damage.
CBD as a sun protection formula may increase options for patients who want to use plant-based products to meet as many of their health needs as possible, even though we still advise using traditional sunscreens until we learn more about CBD’s UV protection properties (for more information, see our comprehensive guide to CBD sunscreens).
- Hydration
Along with studies on UV protection, researchers are also looking into the possible hydration advantages of moisturizing with CBD.
According to a recent rodent study,
- Mice’s dermal water levels were considerably raised by a 1% CBD solution applied for 14 days; in other words, CBD enhanced skin hydration.
- During the study period, applying CBD did not cause any irritation or inflammation.
- Additionally, CBD had no effect on the genetic expression of other substances related to the skin, such as the enzymes that break down ceramide and hyaluronic acid. Therefore, CBD may enhance hydration with negligible adverse effects.
Hydration is a top skincare priority, much like UV protection. The appearance and functionality of skin can be enhanced by optimal hydration; dehydrated skin is more prone to cracking, inflammation, and lack of elasticity.
Because of its effect on hydration, CBD is a particularly appealing ingredient for skincare products.
- Anti-inflammatory Action
Eczema, psoriasis, chronic acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions may be significantly improved by CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD include:
- Localized: Patients can identify particular areas of inflammation (such as eczema flare-up areas and acne blemishes) by applying a topical CBD solution.
- General: Patients may benefit from more widespread anti-inflammatory effects by consuming CBD (through edibles or sublingual products), inhaling it (through smoking), or applying a topical solution to a large area. Therefore, CBD can encourage the reduction of inflammation both internally and externally.
How to Combine CBD Skincare with Traditional Skincare for Best Results
Is it possible to combine CBD-infused skincare formulas with more traditional products (such as moisturizers, toners, and active ingredient cosmetics)? Yes, but after giving it some serious thought.
Consult a Dermatologist or Medical Cannabis Clinician for Expert Advice
Before combining several skincare products, whether or not they contain CBD, consult a specialist such as:
- A dermatologist – A dermatologist is a specialist in the skin. They assist patients in achieving general wellness, achieving their aesthetic objectives, and safeguarding one of their most important organs. They can be relied upon when you have questions concerning the interactions of skin formulas and are particularly informed about skincare products.
- A cannabis healthcare provider – To access their local network of dispensaries and buy medical cannabis products, patients in many states need a recommendation from a licensed provider. Clinicians with extensive cannabis knowledge are in a unique position to discuss how marijuana interacts with other substances, including topical medications.
- Your primary care physician – You can also ask your primary care physician about possible skincare product interactions if you rely on them for the majority of your medical needs, including cannabis treatment and dermatology issues. They can use their professional networks and resources to assist you in deciphering crucial health information, even if they lack specific expertise in possible interactions.
Test Patch First: Experiment with Skincare Combinations
Conduct a patch test prior to incorporating a product into your routine or beginning a new skincare routine in earnest:
- Apply your new product (or combination) to a small, relatively hidden area for at least a week. Your belly, upper legs, and under your chin are all excellent options.
- In the test area, record voice notes, take pictures, or gather other individualized information to monitor how your skin reacts.
- Consider enlarging your test patch if your skin reacts without experiencing any negative side effects. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can proceed directly to the generalized application. The good news is that you avoided a widespread reaction that might have disrupted your comfort and everyday life if you do experience adverse side effects.
Avoid Sensitive Areas for Safe Application
Avoid sensitive areas, such as the skin around your mouth and eyes, when experimenting with new skincare products.
Your particular physiology may determine whether you have other sensitive skin areas. Use caution when experimenting with new products, or stay away from them completely.
Discover Personalized Cannabis Care with Online Medical Card
One of the many therapeutic advantages of medical cannabis, which includes CBD, a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant, is that it can improve the health of your skin.
Are you unsure of where to begin using medical marijuana? Speak with a Online Medical Card licensed cannabis clinician. Our network of providers can help you obtain your medical card, make recommendations, and customize your treatment plan to meet your specific requirements. If you’re interested in cultivation, learn how you can grow 99 plants in CA legally with the right licensing.
Are you prepared to enjoy the advantages of medical cannabis? Schedule a meeting with us right now.
