The benefits of edible CBD are well-known but you may be less familiar with the topical applications of CBD in skincare. Does adding CBD to your daily skincare routine deliver an effective solution for certain skin conditions? Here is everything you should need to know before deciding to add CBD to your skincare routine.

How Does CBD Works Within Your Body?

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system and helps your body maintain a state of balance. Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signalling system that plays a significant role in regulating a range of functions including:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Stress
• Pain
• Memory
• Appetite 
• Fertility
• Immunity

All these functions contribute to homeostasis (stability of your internal environment). The endocannabinoid system exists and is active in your body even if you don’t consume “cannabinoids”. For example, if an external stressor such as infection or injury disturbs your body’s internal environment; ECS itself activates to help your body return to its ideal/healthy state.

Although your body produces its cannabinoids on its own, you can boost its supply by consuming CBD products.

How Does Topical CBD Work?

Topical CBD is absorbed through the pores and interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your skin to maintain skin homeostasis. Recent research has indicated that ECS plays a critical role in maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function. Dysregulation of ECS has been implicated in multiple skin disorders such as itch, acne, dermatitis, hair growth/loss, and hypo/hyperpigmentation (1)(2)(3). 

Topical CBD provides localised effects keeping the benefits to a specific area. It doesn’t penetrate your skin deep enough to enter your bloodstream.

How Can CBD Support Healthy Skin?

CBD is known to be particularly effective in addressing the following skin conditions:

• Acne: CBD possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and oil-reducing properties that may help prevent acne. A study demonstrated the beneficial effects of CBD on regulating the oil production (4) in your skin (as excessive sebum is a contributing factor to acne). Another study explored the potential antifungal and antibacterial properties of cannabis (5). This may help prevent acne caused by skin infections. A study also suggested that CBD may be beneficial for treating the appearance of acne scars (6).
• Dryness and Itchiness: CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties (7) and therefore may be able to help reduce swelling, irritation, redness, and breakouts from certain skin conditions such as eczema.
• Ageing: CBD possesses antioxidant properties (8) and therefore may help prevent the appearance of ageing by reducing free radical damage to the skin. Free radical damage is the leading cause of skin ageing.

Should You Add CBD Into Your Skincare Routine?

CBD skin care products are beneficial to your skin, no matter what your skin type and concerns.  If you are in search of a natural way to improve your skin health, the OTO CBD skincare range can be a powerful addition to your skincare regimen that will leave your skin hydrated, protected, and revitalised.