We can find a variety of CBD (cannabidiol) products on the market. The ingredient is often used in oil or consumables and is supposed to have the positive benefits of cannabis consumption without the psychoactive compound that classifies cannabis as a (in some locations) illegal drug.
What is CBD?
To understand the purpose of CBD cosmetics, we need to look at the origin of the ingredient. CBD is short for Cannabidiol. As such, it is one of many Cannabinoids that can be found in hemp and cannabis plants.
The most famous cannabinoid is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for the high that classifies cannabis as a narcotic. However, it is just one of many components present in the plant.
It is possible to remove THC from cannabis strains or extracts derived from hemp and cannabis. Without the psychoactive characteristics, the result can be used without legal constraints regarding drugs and narcotics.
The Positive Effects of Cannabinoids
These positive effects have been studied in regard to cannabis consumption, where researchers are still trying to find out which compounds present in cannabis are responsible for which effects triggered in the human body.
Their goal is to determine which elements provoke which processes. This way, they can isolate specific compounds for targeted use and eliminate unwanted effects like the psychoactive high. The result could be new medical treatments and other applications of active substances that have the positive benefits of cannabis consumption without its downsides or unneeded and harmful side effects.
In the context of this research, the so-called endocannabinoid system was discovered.
The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System is a part of our nervous system. Here, the compounds found in cannabis attach themselves to receptors to trigger a variety of effects in our body. The name is tied to cannabis because researchers first noticed these processes when they were studying the consumption of cannabis and its effects on humans.
The terms cannabinoids and endocannabinoid system might falsely lead you to believe that they exclusively relate to cannabis and its compounds. However, since their discovery in context with cannabis consumption, similar and identical elements have been found in other plants and even created naturally by our own bodies.
This makes them very promising compounds with a high compatibility with the human organism. In cosmetics, this leads to more gentle products causing fewer irritations.
Within examinations of the endocannabinoid system, researchers could isolate some cannabinoids and the processes they are related to in our body. In case of CBD, these are tied to:
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The Effects of CBD on the Human Body
CBD and its effects have mostly been examined in regard to oral consumption. Since the studies are very young, there are no verified and widespread conclusions with enough scientific data and appropriate sizes of test groups yet.
However, many smaller examinations have found promising patterns that could be traced back to CBD. These developments have already led to CBD being used in medication for chronic illnesses, childhood epilepsy, and pain regulation.
Overall, studies and user reports describe CBD’s benefits as follows:
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Since the effects of CBD are still being examined, new developments are found and released frequently. At the same time, the negative effects of CBD are very limited, which leads to little to no downsides when trying out whether cannabidiol can help you manage mood disorders, pain, anxiety, or insomnia.
The Benefits of Topical Application of CBD
As opposed to oral consumption, topical applications of CBD, as used in cosmetics, have similar effects, which makes it a very promising ingredient for sensitive care products.
In cosmetics, CBD leads to:
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Additionally, data suggests that it lowers the oil production in the skin, making it a very suitable treatment for zits and acne as it treats inflammation while also fighting the source of the problem and keeping new pimples from developing.
Thanks to its organic nature, it is very compatible with our system, leading to little irritations or allergic reactions. It can be used to help with sensitive skin, reduce lines and wrinkles, and protect our skin from outside influences like pollution and UV rays.
Some studies suggest that is can help repair and uphold the skin’s protective barriers and replenish it with liquids to support our skin’s resilience, refine its texture, and soothe irritations.
Conclusion
CBD is a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. In tandem with THC, it leads to the many benefits of cannabis consumption. When we eliminate the THC content, CBD extracts can be used without the psychoactive abilities of the plant and still trigger many beneficial effects.
Studies about the topic are still very young and need to examine further data to reach definite conclusions. However, many user reports and research papers suggest common positive effects like reduced pain and inflammations.
Overall, whether we use CBD orally or apply it topically, the compound can be used to fight psychological and physical stress. In cosmetics, it helps fight inflammations, redness, dryness, and pain. Thanks to its high biocompatibility, it leads to little irritations. Sensitive skin can benefit from the anti-inflammatory treatment against conditions like acne and eczema, without causing additional problems created by synthetic products.