There’s no doubt that the world of cannabis is living through an unprecedented moment.
Marijuana and cannabis products are gaining ground as natural supplements while legal restrictions preventing research and access to the plant are gradually relaxing.
Medical cannabis is already a reality in most of Latin America, North America and in many European countries, and it is only a matter of time before the rest of the countries gradually decriminalize the use of hemp products for medical purposes.
If you are minimally interested in the world of cannabis, you have probably heard of CBD. CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the most popular active elements of the hemp plant in the last decade due to its great therapeutic potential and non-toxicity.
But... What is CBD?
The particularity of CBD lies in its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system of the human body without generating toxicity, i.e. without “getting high”.
CBD’s range of action in the body is very broad, making it a supplement that can be used for a wide variety of conditions ranging from chronic pain, epilepsy, or cancer, to anxiety, sleep difficulties, or muscle aches.
Its potential has been and continues to be studied in multiple clinical trials with promising results and in 2018 the first CBD-based drug for a type of childhood epilepsy was launched.
Why is CBD becoming so popular?
The potential of CBD is not limited to the medical field.
The market for CBD-based products is constantly diversifying thanks to the wide range of benefits it offers. Whether it is in chocolates, soft drinks, lollipops or candles, CBD is conquering everything and it seems that this is just the beginning.
A quick search on the internet will allow you to enter a world where everything can be reinvented by adding CBD.
Due to the boom that this industry has suffered during the last decade, it is estimated that the value of the global market of CBD will reach 1,700 million dollars in 2025 and there is no doubt that human creativity will come up with a thousand ways to use this extract that seems to have become an elixir of youth.
How is CBD used in cosmetics?
The world of cosmetics is not far behind and there are already hundreds of personal hygiene and skin care products that include the precious cannabinoid among their ingredients.
According to experts, CBD has restorative properties and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.
The most common uses of CBD in creams and lotions are the treatment of dry and inflamed skin as well as the prevention of acne and the control of sebum secretion. There are also studies indicating the potential of CBD to treat eczema and psoriasis.
How to choose a good cosmetic product with CBD?
CBD extraction methods for cosmetic uses are varied, the most common being isolated CBD or whole hemp plant extract. The effects of each method are different and opinions on which one provides greater benefits for the skin are mixed.
Isolated CBD is considered the purest as it does not contain any other element from hemp. On the other hand, some argue that the whole plant extract provides more nourishment to the skin as it has been less processed, although it may be more likely to clog facial pores.
The most important aspect when choosing a cosmetic product with CBD is to look at the labels, the ingredients, and to research the product preparation processes.
Don’t get caught up in the opportunistic marketing of the CBD boom and rely on reputable brands to avoid buying low-quality or misleadingly advertised products.
CBD extraction processes, as well as hemp cultivation methods, are important factors when choosing a cosmetic product with CBD. It is advisable to investigate whether a brand uses clean extraction methods and whether the hemp used is organic to ensure purity.
