Lipsticks and sunscreens probably aren’t the first things to come to mind when you think of “CBD.” But ever since the passage of the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill in the United States and the Cannabis Act in Canada, the budding CBD market has rooted itself across a diverse array of industries — which includes the $50 billion beauty industry.

CBD is one of the main non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. Its use comes with many of the same health benefits as its psychoactive counterpart, THC, without the traditional high associated with using cannabis.

These benefits include alleviating inflammation, chronic pain, stress, and sleep disorders, among many others, making it a natural fit for the beauty industry.

Plus, its current legal status makes CBD Canada, the United States, and many other parts of the world easy to find. You can purchase CBD beauty products online, in department stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies without having a medical marijuana card.

In order to understand the legitimacy behind these CBD beauty products, we have to first dive into the science of how they work and why.

CBD Tackles the Fight Against Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, leading to the foundation of a $2 billion acne-fighting cosmetic industry.

Unlike many of the products, cleansers, and prescriptions currently on the market, CBD offers an effective naturalistic, plant-based alternative to reducing acne, says a Journal of Clinical Investigation study. 

CBD primarily reduces acne by alleviating the inflammation that contributes to such blemishes. The cannabinoid also helps regulate skin cell growth, which could prevent breakouts from arising in the first place.

Thus, it makes perfect sense that CBD has made its way into facial cleansers, toners, and serums.

CBD Turns Back the Clock on Aging

Free radicals and oxidative stress are known to contribute to the typical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and changes in skin pigmentation, according to a Journal of Dermatological Science review.

CBD contains antioxidants that help protect your skin and reduce signs of aging. It can also keep your skin firm and hydrated, providing that youthful glow that’s so sought after in the beauty industry.

CBD Rejuvenates Your Hair

CBD oils are incredibly rich, thick, and hydrating — and not just for your skin. Many of these same benefits are useful for rejuvenating your hair and scalp, as well.

The moisturizing properties of CBD help reduce scalp dryness, itchiness, dandruff, and irritation. These same properties rehydrate your hair, preventing damage from breakage. This supports healthy hair growth, too.

You can enjoy the benefits of CBD in your hair through various shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and hair masks.

CBD Reduces Redness and Skin Irritation

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD aren’t just useful for combatting acne and aging. They are also useful for reducing redness and irritation from skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

For example, a study in the Biomolecules Journal demonstrated CBD’s effectiveness in treating psoriasis. The researchers found the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CBD reduced the imbalances caused by UVA/UVB radiation — which are the main UV rays emitted by sunlight.

In their study, CBD assisted in restoring metabolic imbalances in skin cells that psoriasis causes, as well.

You can use CBD lotions or oils to target the affected areas directly, or you could apply these lotions all over your body as you would with any other moisturizer. 

CBD Soothes and Protects Against Sunburn

For as lovely as basking in the sunlight is, the after-effects are merciless. Sure, sunburn is a nuisance at the moment. But over time, excess sun exposure leads to an increased risk of developing skin cancer, says a Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology article. This is largely due to the DNA damage caused by UV radiation.

CBD sunscreens and lotions are very moisturizing, which reduces the itchy, peeling skin associated with sunburn. They also protect against oxidative stress while reducing the pain and redness caused by sunburn-induced inflammation. 

Although it’s most important to use sunscreen during the summer months when the sun is closer, stronger, and therefore more intense, it doesn’t hurt to use sunscreens year-round, either. 

After all, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the sun’s not emitting UV rays. That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology Association says you should wear sunscreen every day, even during the winter months.

In Conclusion

CBD has revolutionized the beauty industry as a natural, plant-based remedy for protecting and fighting against a variety of the most common skin conditions, including acne, aging, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

While it may seem like a trendy fad, there’s a plethora of research backing the safety and efficacy of CBD. Thus, it’s not likely that the CBD trend is going anywhere any time soon. In actuality, the CBD industry is projected to continue growing at its rapid rate and reach a value of $23 billion in the US by 2025.

Furthermore, cannabinoid’s healing composition is incredibly versatile. Whether your skin is dry, red, wrinkly, or in need of protection against the sun, people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders can benefit from CBD beauty products.