The state of our skin is important to each and every one of us, from maintaining a healthy and blemish-free glow to reducing some severe skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The more research that is conducted, the more we are seeing CBD making its way into products used specifically with anti-ageing and skincare in mind.
There are anecdotal stories on the internet that claim that CBD can do almost anything, from using CBD for wrinkles to it curing acne. But, how true are these claims and can CBD work for you?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found exclusively in the cannabis plant which can be extracted for use in an array of products. It is non-intoxicating, which means it won’t get you high, and it can be mixed with oils that can be ingested or into lotions and balms for topical use on the skin.
CBD products are legal in the UK and are considered to have many positive benefits for humans such as reducing anxiety, improving quality of sleep and even reducing tremors for patients with conditions such as epilepsy and MS.
It is important to note that CBD oil and hemp seed oil are different products, despite both being extracted from hemp. CBD oil is extracted from the buds and contains the chemical cannabidiol, whereas hemp seed oil is just extracted from the seeds and doesn’t contain any CBD.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD products are everywhere. Claims of using CBD for wrinkles or using CBD for anti-ageing are rife across the internet. But, are there any substances to the claims? To understand this, it is important to understand how CBD interacts with our body.
Our body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, that interact with a network of receptors as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). As well as being responsible for regulating appetite, memory and pain perception, the ECS is also responsible for regulating collagen production, adipose tissue formation and works as an anti-inflammatory.
We can consume cannabinoids from plants that interact with our body’s ECS to elicit a number of effects. Consequently, this means that CBD products work with our body’s ECS to cause a variety of anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle effects.
CBD for Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a natural part of the biological process of ageing but can be exacerbated by a variety of external influences. People can be genetically predispositioned for more wrinkles, or by spending more time in the sun or smoking they can be made worse.
As time goes on, the elastin in your skin begins to break down. Elastin is a protein that is responsible for giving your skin its elasticity, and therefore its ability to bounce back to its original shape. When elastin is no longer present in the skin, then wrinkles form.
CBD is an antioxidant, and as such it reduces the number of free radicals in the body that break down elastin. Consequently, you can use CBD for wrinkles.
CBD for Anti-Ageing
So, we can use CBD for wrinkles, but its anti-ageing properties don’t just stop there. Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, it can also slow the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Collagen is responsible for keeping the skin looking youthful, firm and strong.
CBD is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, reducing the redness and swelling caused by our immune response. Strong links have been made between inflammation and the ageing of the skin. So, by controlling the inflammation of the skin, you can reduce the visible signs of skin ageing.
CBD for Skin Conditions
The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD combined with the fact that it regulates production of the natural oils our skin produces means that it is also perfect for a variety of skin conditions. In addition to using CBD for wrinkles and ageing, it has also been shown to help with a variety of medical skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
CBD interacts with the sebaceous glands, which secrete the oil called sebum which can cause oily skin. The oilier the skin the more our pores get clogged which can cause problems with skin health. The anti-inflammatory effects also mean less swelling and redness of the skin, all factors that can exacerbate skin conditions.
Top 5 CBD Topicals for Wrinkles and Anti-Ageing
We have seen how using CBD for wrinkles, ageing and for a variety of skin conditions works, but some products on the market are better than others. Ingesting CBD products is very important for maintaining skin health, but we can also purchase products that are applied topically.
This list is for the best CBD products for topical use and is not ranked in any order:
5. Element Vert CBD Anti-Ageing Cream
Combining the powerful anti-ageing effects of CBD from natural hemp with Apple stem cells, this topical cream promotes vitality and longevity for our skin. Daily use of this cream promotes a tighter, brighter and naturally younger look. One container contains 20 mg of CBD that is easily absorbed into your skin.
4. Cibdol Anti-Ageing Cream
This wonderful product from Cibdol soothes, moisturises and prevents fine lines and wrinkles, nourishing the skin for complete 24-hour care. Specially formulated with CBD, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and vitamins A & C, it covers all the bases where your skin health is concerned.
3. CBDfx Face Mask Range
What better way to relax on the weekend (reducing both anxiety and your number of wrinkles) than with a soothing face mask. This range from CBDfx comes in 5 different varieties:- Aloe Vera, Rose, Charcoal, Lavender Night-Time and Cucumber, all of which smell great and leave your skin feeling fresh.
2. Poko Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser
Alcohol and silicone-free, this vegan moisturiser is designed to help prevent the signs of ageing while keeping the skin looking youthful. With 300 mg of CBD per 50 ml container, it has the highest concentration of cannabinoids for a CBD cream out of our top 5 and is also infused with Matrixyl 3000, which scientifically proven to increase collagen production to give the skin a firmer and plumper look.
1. Cubid CBD Rejuvenate Cream
Last but certainly not least is the CBD-laden cream from Cubid. Packing an amazing 500 mg of CBD into 100 ml of cream, this product is perfect for both oily and dry skin, as it perfectly regulates the skin’s natural oil production. In addition to CBD, it also contains a variety of compounds that promote healthy skin such as arnica oil, St.John's wort and tea tree oil.
Conclusion
The science behind using CBD for wrinkles and to promote healthy skin is starting to be irrefutable. More and more products hit the shelves every day so it is important to keep a grasp on brands you can trust against brands which you cannot.
