CBD, also known as cannabidiol, has been all the rage for a while now. I’m sure you’ve seen, or probably even tried, your fair share of CBD-infused products on the market (from gummies and honey to chocolate and almonds). Unsurprisingly, the ingredient has also managed to infiltrate the beauty industry and garner a modest following. But what exactly is this ingredient? And what does it do?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is a compound that’s naturally derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart, THC, CBD does not contain psychoactive properties (they’re extracted from different parts of the plant). In other words, it won’t get you high.
Image courtesy of notpot.com
It’s important to note that CBD oil is not the same as hemp oil. While CBD oil contains a high concentration of cannabidiol, hemp oil only contains trace amounts of the compound.
So What Does it Actually Do?
Well, the jury is still out on that. Despite claims of CBD easing anxiety and improving sleep, these are mostly anecdotal as there’s limited scientific research corroborating such assertions (its pain-relieving properties is more widely documented). That is not to say it is completely ineffective, recent findings have been promising, and these anecdotes are still worth considering.
Anti-Inflammatory
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil could be good for acne-prone skin. There have been claims about its ability to soothe skin, reduce redness and diminish the occurrence of breakouts. CBD oil’s soothing properties could also be beneficial for sensitive skin, and research indicates that it could target skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Sebum Regulation
Acne and oily skin sometimes occur as a result of excess sebum being produced by the skin. Recent findings have shown that CBD oil has the potential to reduce excess sebum production, which means it could be a good option for those struggling with acne or oily skin. While it might seem counterintuitive to use oils on oily skin, sometimes the skin overproduces sebum to compensate for lack of moisture. Using face oils could actually help restore this balance.
Although more research is needed on this ingredient, recent findings seem promising, so don’t dismiss it just yet.
Are you sold on this ingredient? Or do you think it’s a gimmick?