Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. Some evidence suggests that CBD oil may be beneficial for skin health and has been used for a variety of skin conditions.
CBD is a chemical compound present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Manufacturers can combine CBD with an oil, such as hemp or coconut oil, to create CBD oil. People can purchase CBD oil or a range of beauty products that incorporate CBD oil to use on their skin.
Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may be useful for treating many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
In this article, we will discuss what CBD oil is, what skin conditions it may be useful for, and how to use CBD oil.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Another notable cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound responsible for the “high” that people may associate with cannabis. CBD alone will not cause a person to feel high.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC here.
Different varieties of cannabis plants contain different levels of cannabinoids. Typically, hemp plants contain far more CBD and almost no THC, which is why most CBD oil comes from industrial hemp.
Learn more about the differences between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD here.
Usually, manufacturers will use heat to extract CBD from the cannabis plant and mix it with a carrier oil to produce CBD oil. Others may use alcohol to create a CBD tincture.
CBD oil comes in many different strengths, and people can utilize it in many different ways. For example, they can apply it directly to the skin, place a drop under their tongue, or add it to creams or lotions.
The human body contains a complex network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS)Trusted Source. Research suggests that cannabinoids and the ECS may play a role in many bodily processes and that the skin contains trusted Source cannabinoid receptors.
Does it work for the skin?
ResearchTrusted Source suggests that CBD oil may be beneficial for a number of different skin conditions. These may include:
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition trusted Source in humans. CBD contains many compounds with oil-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that may help improve acne.
A 2014 study trusted Source explored the effects of CBD on human sebocytes. These are the cells that create sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance the skin produces.
While sebum helps protect our skin, excessive sebum can also result in acne. The study indicates that CBD can prevent sebocytes from creating too much sebum.
A 2016 review trusted Source notes the potential antibacterial and antifungal properties of the cannabis plant. This could help prevent acne due to infections on the skin.
A 2019 study suggests that CBD may also be beneficial for treating the appearance of acne scars.
Learn more about CBD and acne here.
Dryness and itching
A 2019 study trusted Source notes that CBD may be useful for treating some common symptoms of skin conditions, such as dryness and itching. The anti-inflammatory properties trusted Source of CBD may be particularly useful for reducing potential triggers of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
As CBD oil can help soothe skin and reduce the appearance of irritation, it may be useful for people with sensitive skin.
Learn more about CBD and psoriasis here.
CBD For Aging and Wrinkles
A 2017 study trusted Source highlights the antioxidant properties of CBD. Oxidative stressTrusted Source can contribute toward the aging process. Therefore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties trusted Source of CBD may help prevent the appearance of aging in the skin.
CBD Anti Aging Cream
Infection
As the cannabis plant may contain trusted Source antibacterial and antifungal properties, it may be useful for treating infections on the skin.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD skincare products, please visit our dedicated hub.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, people generally tolerate CBD well. However, some common side effects of CBD, which may be dose-dependent, can include trusted Source:
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite and weight
It is also worth noting that CBD may interact with Trusted Source with certain medications, so it is important that people who currently take prescription medications talk with their doctor before using any CBD products.
With any CBD product, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and packaging to determine how often to use the product, how much to use, and how to apply it.
People can apply CBD oil and beauty products containing CBD oil directly to the skin.
Learn more about CBD topicals here.
To take CBD oil orally, people can place a few drops under their tongue, where they can hold the oil for up to 1 minute before swallowing.
The dosage will vary depending on a person’s body weight and the potency of the CBD oil. People new to CBD should start with the lowest possible dosage. Once they know how their body reacts to CBD, they can gradually increase the dosage.
Read more about the correct dosages of CBD here.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source does not currently regulate CBD products. Therefore, we recommend that people look for CBD oil products that:
- contain no more than 0.3%Trusted Source THC, per the Agriculture Improvement ActTrusted Source
- have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
- pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
- pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
- are not from a company subject to an FDA warning letter trusted Source
- are from a company that provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for all their products
Additionally, people may also consider:
- CBD potency
- price
- retailer’s and manufacturer’s reputation
- customer reviews
Other natural skin remedies that may benefit skin health or reduce symptoms of skin conditions include:
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an excellent moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Studies from 2014 and 2017 suggest that aloe vera can reduce symptoms of both acne and psoriasis.
Honey
A 2012 review trusted Source notes that honey has shown moisturizing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 review suggests it may also boost the immune system, while a 2017 review trusted Source indicates that honey can treat burns and wounds.
Coconut oil
A 2016 articleTrusted Source explains that coconut oil is an effective treatment for dry skin, as it can significantly improve skin hydration. A 2019 study also notes that coconut oil may protect the skin by combating inflammation and improving the health of the skin barrier.
Tea tree oil
A 2013 review trusted Source identifies the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties of tea tree oil. A 2015 review notes that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for acne, reducing the number of acne sores in people with mild to moderate acne.
Summary
Research suggests that CBD oil may have been used as a treatment for a range of skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. This is due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
People can either apply CBD oil directly to their skin, consume it, or use topical beauty products, such as creams or lotions, that contain CBD oil.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.