CBD oil is often touted as a skincare product - but what can it really do for the skin?  There are claims that it can reduce acne, improve eczema, help get rid of eye bags, and even possess the highly sought-after anti-aging ability the Fountain of Youth promises.  Question is - how accurate are these claims?

what is cbd?

Extracted from the hemp plant and into an oil base, cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plants.  Since CBD doesn't cause a 'high' in the way THC does, people have been finding positive benefits of the compound to help improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and improve general wellness.  While more research is needed for CBD to be considered a cure, or treatment, the results we do have are promising and the anecdotal evidence building from CBD users is never-ending.

Despite CBD being hemp-derived, CBD oil is not hemp oil or hemp seed oil  The two are often seen marketed interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference.  Hemp seed oil contains negligible amounts of CBD or other cannabinoids, if any at all.  CBD oil generally extracted under a Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum process, which effectively retains all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other necessary plant matter.

The best way to ensure you're really getting CBD oil as opposed to hemp seed oil or other mislabeled products is to check the ingredients list.  If there is no mention directly of "hemp aerial parts" or "cannabidiol" on the list, then there is little chance there's CBD in the container in any reasonable quantity.

is cbd oil legal?

Regulations for CBD and other hemp-derived products in the US vary from state-to-state.  As of 2018, the Farm Bill effectively rescheduled hemp as a commodity instead of a Schedule I drug the way cannabis is.  Given the change, its cultivation, manufacturing, and consumption is generally legal nationwide so as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

what causes aging?

Aging is a biological process - against our wishes, the body produces approximately 1% collagen each year after the age of 20, resulting in the loss of firmness that's often seen in elderly people.  The skin becomes thinner and more delicate, while moisture is reduced the equally slow decline of natural oil production.  This combination of oil and collagen production loss decreases the elasticity in the skin, thus diminishing the skin's capabilities to heal.

As we age, environmental conditions become a bigger factor that can affect skin health and contribute to obvious signs of aging.  External pollutants and sun damage play a role in causing the skin to wrinkle, become more fragile, show hyper-pigmentation, deep lines, age spots or sunspots over time.  It's actually the external factors that have the biggest impact on how the skin ages, versus about 10% being the direct result of the biological process that it is.

The question is, how could CBD help reduce or mitigate the impacts these factors play when it comes to signs of aging?

cbd and anti-aging

CBD doesn't stop there, though.  On the contrary, there are many benefits to CBD that could be looked at as beneficial for anti-aging, as well.  For example, people that use CBD to reduce inflammation appear to have a more youthful, healthier-looking skin after consistent use.  While this is anecdotal, many people report that CBD visibly reduces the appearance of redness and dullness, as well as their fine lines and wrinkles.  As an effect, CBD supposedly counteracts free radical damage, which is accrued from the sun and other pollutants that touch our skin each day.

A natural moisturizer when using the appropriate base, CBD oil could help overall skin health by managing dry skin and promoting the body's natural oil production.  At the same time, cannabinoid works to improve moisture retention, lessening the chances of dry skin in the future.

When using the right CBD oil, it can soothe certain types of pain, as well as make the skin look naturally refreshed.  While everyone's experience with CBD is different, and the same effects may not be shared by all users, routine, daily use of the same product is what's supposed to optimize the chances that you feel effective and genuine relief.

can cbd help those with sensItive skin?

For people with sensitive skin - in the same ballpark as desiring CBD's anti-aging properties to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, CBD oil may also help with sensitive skin or people that frequently experience an allergic reaction to other skin care products.  As it has significant soothing properties, CBD may help with skin's sensitive and even redness and skin tone.  You may not consider yourself to have sensitive skin, but environmental stressors can affect all skin types.  CBD's soothing properties can help keep senstive skin better regulated to manage discomfort and sensitivity.

can cbd reverse the signs of age?

best cbd products for anti-aging - topicals

When it comes to CBD products that effectively work to preserve the natural youth in us all, there is no better product category than CBD Topicals to do the trick.  Between our Face Cream and Body Lotion, these topical applications not only contain a significant amount of Full Spectrum CBD necessary for protecting against contaminants, but also several other organic compounds that tighten the skin, encourage additional collagen production, and provide other essential vitamins and minerals to achieve a heightened sense of wellness.  Let's break down what each possesses, and you be the judge of its nearly endless potential.

face cream

Highlighted Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice. Reduces the frequency and appearance of acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
• Caprylic/Capric/Triglyceride. Adds a sheen to the skin to help boost the youthful appearance of the face.
• Vitamin B5. Reduces inflammation and softens the skin.
• Vitamin C. Increases collagen production.
• Vitamin D. Reduces the frequency and appearance of acne and psoriasis - which is normally caused by a vitamin D deficiency.
• Avocado Oil. Provides moisturization and other nutrients essential for wellness of the skin.
• Licorice Root Extract. Soothes and hydrates skin, fades dark spots, and offers UV protection against the sun.

body lotion

Highlighted Ingredients:

• Organic Sunflower Lecithin. Lubricates joints and reduces inflammation.
• Bentonite. Heals and revitalizes cracked skin.  Great for minimizing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
• Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate. Anti-microbial that inhibits the spread of skin diseases.
• Magnesium Chloride. Anti-aging compound that tightens pores and restores natural youth in skin.

consistency is key

No matter what skin condition you may be aiming to get minor relief from, the most important thing to remember is having a skin care consistency is the key.  CBD works by interacting directly with our endocannabinoid system, which then helps regulate and improve function of other bodily systems.

This doesn't all happen in one convenient serving of cannabidiol - on the contrary, you need to take CBD every day for a consistent period of time before you'll notice the stacking benefits; with many reporting noticeable results after 3 to 4 weeks of daily use.

the bottom line

Can CBD help with anti-aging?  According to the research and the people we've talked to, it sure does.  By reducing inflammation, limiting collagen loss, increasing collagen production, managing dry skin, and much more, CBD can be a perfect complement to your current skin care routine.