CBD Oil has exploded into the world of beauty, featuring in many 2019 and 2020 wellness trends lists (#2 in Vogue for example). It is fast gaining exposure as an active ingredient in skincare and haircare, so we take a look at its benefits and applications when used topically.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a compound that can be extracted and separated from specific varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabidiol you will find in CBD Oil has been extracted from the buds and flowers of hemp, the non-psychoactive variant of cannabis.
Hemp has been used to treat health problems for thousands of years, and is packed full of naturally occurring phytocannabinoids. The CBD is obtained by CO2 extraction and then mixed with hemp seed oil, which acts as the carrier.
CBD Oil is considered to be the most valuable of all available oils. It has a wide variety of medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic uses, making it a wonderful multi-purpose ingredient.
Qualities
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain relief
- Anti-acne
- Moisturising, firming and regenerating
- UV skin protection
- Strengthens nails and hair
The science
Cannabidiol interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, regulating aspects such as mood, appetite, pain sensation and inflammation control. When applied to the skin, CBD Oil acts as a supplement to the body’s own endocannabinoids, balancing the production of lipids and helping nervous system receptors around the body to work at the optimal level. This brings about the following benefits:
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Inflammation is common among skin conditions in which the skin displays extreme dryness, rashes, sores and redness. Studies have confirmed that CPD is effective against skin inflammation when applied topically. CBD Oil relieves and improves eczema, psoriasis, skin allergies, bites and burns.
Pain relief
CBD Oil offers pain relief when applied to the skin by interacting with the body’s nervous system receptors. This has proven to be highly effective, no matter what the source of the pain or discomfort.
In addition, the moisturising properties of CBD Oil can relieve discomfort by making dry skin more elastic. In this way, CBD Oil can be used to soothe and treat blisters, cold sores, burns and other skin conditions.
Anti-acne
Acne is caused to some degree by inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands in the body. Alongside its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD Oil also controls the production of lipids, with studies finding that CBD helps to lower the production of sebum.
Moisturising, firming and regeneration
As cannabidiol is involved in the production of lipids, it is a powerful moisturiser and emollient that helps to control dry skin and stimulate the peeling of dead skin cells. It’s non-greasy, easily absorbed and penetrates through the dermal layers.
CBD Oil has anti-aging properties. Damage to cells caused by oxidation accelerates the aging process and can cause dark spots, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Due to its powerful antioxidant properties, CBD Oil helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
The addition of hemp seed oil also enhances the moisturising properties of CBD Oil. Hemp seed oil is composed of 80% essential fatty acids, with the ideal ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 for our skin cells, preventing the loss of moisture at a physiological level.
UV skin protection
CBD Oil is a natural sunscreen, and has proven to be effective in absorbing UV-B and UV-C ranges without affecting the skin’s ability to absorb vitamin D. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD Oil also reduce and soothe any redness and swelling caused by sun exposure.
Strengthens nails and hair
CBD Oil is high in fatty acids and vitamin E, moisturising and strengthening hair and nails. It also hydrates and nourishes the scalp, giving flexibility to the skin which allows hair follicles to expand more rapidly, which in turn will strengthen the hair and encouraging growth.
Applications
CBD Oil is a powerful natural ingredient that is rapidly gaining popularity in a wide variety of beauty, skincare and haircare formulations. Use CBD Oil in:
- Body and face creams, oils and lotions
- Acne, eczema and dry skin treatments
- Shampoos and soaps
- Anti-dandruff treatments
- Hair conditioners, oils and masks
- Sunscreen applications
- Lip balms and cold sore treatments
- Post-sports massage oils
- Post-operative rehabilitation creams, oils and lotions
Chemlink Specialities offer CBD Oils that contain a very low level of THC (0.2% max), complying with both EU and FDA requirements (0.3 % max). Our range consists of CBD Oils with 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 20% CBD content. Organic grades are also available.
Contact us today to request a sample and to find out more.
