CBD in Skincare | Science shows it’s more than just hype.
Admittedly, it’s slightly cringy to continuously contrast the word “traditional” against whatever the defining nature of CBD products truly is. But this is especially silly, since the back-and-forth dialogue of trepidation so often orbits long-standing practices of health, wellness, and therapy – and it does so in tandem with CBD’s naturally occurring, plant-based power (which seems as ‘traditional’ as the ground it grows from, no?)
If the reason that CBD treatment remains to be perceived as ‘alternative’ lies in the youth of its research, then we’ll take it – after all, this implies that countless new discoveries almost certainly await the future of these products. Plus, let’s get real: however residually stigmatized – due largely in part to our long-standing, but often unsubstantiated, conflicting perceptions on Hemp-derived products – CBD literally continues to trailblaze new ways that we can utilize its diverse healing properties. Perhaps the reason why the Cannabis plant’s role in medicinal treatment is (thankfully) becoming less polarized today is due to our progressing reflections on how it originally came to be of such use. This particular plant has a history of over 6,000 years of documented use in medicine, with recognition of its beneficial properties by a vast majority of cultures (including ours, back in the day). It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that Cannabis, which was widely accepted and used in most over-the-counter medicine here in America, became illegal under the umbrella term Marijuana - originally ‘Marihuana, the more foreign term became standard to perpetuate an unfamilarness and mounting stigma against the plant. (Visual Capitalist)
One emerging cluster of health benefits stemming from Cannabidiol extracts may surprise you in its versatility. It could change the way that we give that good ‘TLC’ to one of our largest, most vital, human biological systems – one that needs it often, in good measure, with pure intentions and a dash of patience.
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Did you guess skin? (If you did, nice job. It is in fact, our largest organ). Skincare is a perpetually advancing avenue of health & wellness that has optimistically welcomed CBD-related treatments into its scope. Thus far, the positive correlation between ingesting CBD (via edible oil or vaporizers) and the alleviation of various ailments has monopolized much of the ‘buzz’. However, topical use of CBD in skincare products has more recently illuminated some rightfully impressive results that deserve sharing!
On a slightly deeper scientific level, CBD’s interaction within our body’s naturally existing Endocannabinoid system allows for communication between cells in various parts of the body; this is how it aids us humans in achieving Homeostasis (or equilibrium) as well as faster healing rates. For skin, this function has proven to not only promote healing in Atopic Dermatitis (also known as Eczema), but also prevent acne by controlling the output of oils in the skin and inhibiting skin cell’s lipid production. Science can also assure you that CBD is not recreational, and definitely carries no unfortunate side-effects of such. One of the biggest differentiating factors between CBD and it’s more notorious relative THC (that plant that can be smoked to produce cognitive effects, or a ‘high’) - is that CBD produces *zero* high. Biologically, there are zero psychoactive effects! No cognitive impairments whatsoever. Using CBD oil, or hemp extracts, on the skin does not lend itself any specific ‘sensations’, rather soothing, calm and glowing skin - so don't expect your face to tingle!
While your skin may not tingle, it will surely thank you. By nature, Cannabidiol is a robust source of antioxidants. As we know in the world of health & wellness, anything that can aid in combating Free Radicals is undoubtedly our friend. Topical antioxidant treatment can prevent skin from outside damages that tend to result in excessive wrinkles and fine lines, to name a few common risks. The neat thing about topical use of CBD oil is the effectiveness in optimizing the compound’s potency. When the oil is ingested, CBD works it’s natural magic by absorbing into the bloodstream and going where it’s needed. But this can take longer, with sometimes more subtle effects. Applying CBD directly on a problematic area of the body, externally, allows the nutrient-rich components to be absorbed straight into the skin, getting to work almost immediately with powerful results.
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Rachel Lapidos, a beauty and fitness editor/blogger, documented her findings after swapping her entire skincare routine for CBD products for two weeks – to summarize, she harbored no regrets! She admitted that at first, she wasn’t sure that the newer-developed CBD products could compete with ‘traditional’ (there’s that word again) market ones, however she changed her tune after coming to find a new kind of alleviation for her previously irritated post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. She also expressed that, as skin issues that stem directly from inflammation become more prevalent, CBD-based skincare products are useful in combatting symptoms like acne, rosacea, dryness, and free radical damage, all in a versatile and balanced way (Well and Good, 2018).
Root Bioscience, a company who produces lab-verified and science-driven Hemp based products (including topical ones), explains that it is the high interaction levels between the CBD compound and our internal Endocannabinoid receptors, that allows for such potent anti-inflammatory action. It should also be noted that, while more extensive research regularly rolls on, there have been positively proven studies established that back up the linkage between CBD and positive healing properties – for the skin, and many other processes!
Tradition is to be valued at the same rate that innovation must be recognized for the great favors it’s done us in the way of health and wellness. Think of developing CBD products as an exciting intersection between the tradition of plant-based healing and the ‘alternative-ness’ that our advanced research methods have allowed us to transform these plants into. As versatile and effective results of CBD products and skincare become more and more apparent, we must embrace and learn about this avenue in the hopes that it will teach us more about ourselves. After all, hemp-based products have the same healthy goals in mind as we do – to move forth the efforts to love the skin we’re in!
Interested in introducing CBD in your daily wellness or skin regime? Shop our products or reach out directly to hello@halorituals.com to speak to our CBD nurse.
Emily is a full-time operations officer with North Carolina based health and wellness company, Raleigh Raw, and part-time content contributor, currently attending school for writing and business-related endeavors. She is primarily passionate about genuine human connection and the endless pursuit of understanding. When not working (which is rare) her current hobbies include re-learning Italian, curating Spotify playlists to run to, and socially mastering the art of being an ambivert.
[Instagram - @emilyjeangray / Website - under construction!].