Cannabidiol popularly referred to as CBD, has lately been the most sought after ingredient in skincare, thanks to the immense research being done on this wonder drug. CBD is extracted from the Cannabis plant, an important folklore medicinal plant, used by many cultures across the globe from times immemorial. It is popularly believed that this plant was used to alleviate many skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, inflammation and has excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively helped in common skin ailments and wound healing. Studies show that CBD products also help with anti-aging. As we grow older, our skin loses firmness and fine lines and wrinkles appear. The aging process also cause the oil glands in our skin to produce less oil making the skin look dull with uneven texture. The age spots and pigmentation gets further intensified by environmental factors like pollutants, sunlight, lifestyle choices, etc. CBD is shown to have excellent antioxidant properties that help to slow down the aging process of the skin by reducing the free-radicals. This helps to keep the skin more youthful, strong, and firm.
However, as CBD is extracted from the Cannabis plant, and amidst a lot of myths and doubts, it is often a source of controversy and raises many questions. Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family of Cannabaceae that has three main species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis is often commonly referred to as hemp and marijuana, differentiated by the amount of THC in the plant. While Hemp contains 0.3% or less THC content and “Marijuana” has more than 0.3% THC. However CBD can be obtained from both plants by using different ways of extraction such as carbon dioxide extraction, steam distillation, and solvent extraction. CBD is one of nearly 100 different cannabinoids and the major non-psychotropic/non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in Cannabis and has enormous therapeutic potential. Human Endocannabinoid system is composed of two main types of cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2, both of which are also present in our skin. Thus CBD when applied to the skin may possibly connect with these receptors resulting in skin regulatory process. However the main functions attributed to CBD in skincare are its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While the studies are still ongoing, preliminary research points to effectiveness of CBD in the management of symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, pruritus, allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and acne. The oil soluble CBD can be used to create wonderful skin beneficial products that may help in combatting common skin problems such as dryness, uneven skin tone, dull texture, wrinkles, fine lines and acne.