The ABCs of CBD
Beneficial or Not? Many Are Finding Therapeutic Value in CBD Oil Use.
By Cora Ciaramello
L.E., C.P.E., LMT Aesthetician
CBD; yet another acronym? The latest “miracle du jour?”
Neither; although it may seem that way. We have been deluged for over two-plus years now with information about the uses for CBD and claims about its curative impacts.
So … exactly what is CBD (also known as cannabidiol, hence the acronym CBD)
Simply put, CBD oil or hemp oil “contains the benefits of the cannabis plant without the potential drawbacks of psychoactive compounds,” industry professionals state.
Its medicinal use is ancient and in recent years has come to the fore as a therapeutic aid. There has been some controversy in its reintroduction to the market because of its association with marijuana.
While CBD does come from the same plant, it is sourced differently from marijuana. CBD is the non-psychotropic component of marijuana or hemp. CBD oil is a mixture of the CBD isolate (pure CBD) plus an oil like olive, hemp, or coconut.
CBD oil has none of marijuana’s tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, which is the mind-altering substance.
Benefits of CBD
Recent studies have concluded CBD oil does have several benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, improved sleep, reduction in inflammation and sebaceous gland regulation.
The last two benefit claims – inflammation and sebaceous gland regulation – can be especially helpful for skin care. CBD oil, therefore, might be used topically to treat skin conditions.
Because CBD oil functions as an anti-inflammatory, it could help calm skin, particularly skin that is prone to acne, which is an inflammatory condition. CBD’s soothing properties may help reduce breakouts and redness.
Studies also indicate that CBD has the potential to lessen excessive sebum (oil) production, offsetting acne triggers. In addition, CBD oil contains many nutrients like vitamin E, which is known to help improve and protect the skin.
Acne may not be the only skin condition to benefit from CBD. According to recent studies, it’s been determined that CBD oil “has a high potential for treating skin conditions like eczema by encouraging abnormal cell death.”
Additional Benefits
According to recent studies CBD oil also has antioxidant properties that may help lessen visible signs of aging skin.
Sensitive skin may also benefit from topical CBD oil, which has been found to have soothing properties.
Reports state that CBD oil has “substantial skin-calming and skin-normalizing effects that can help minimize issues related to skin sensitivity, including redness.”
Since all skin types are impacted by environmental stressors, it’s possible CBD’s soothing mechanism can help keep all skin types in check.
While the debate continues regarding the absolute benefits of CBD and its medicinal value, we are seeing more and more skin care and beauty products that contain CBD.
And from what we see and hear, there are definitely more pros than cons being reported; especially by people who are enjoying the therapeutic effects of CBD … whether it is pain relief, restful sleep, or reduction of inflammation throughout the body – including skin.
As the debate continues, we will keep you posted right here so that you – like us here at Changes Spa & Aesthetics – will always be in the forefront of body wellness and essential skin care.
To make an appointment, call 973-588-3668; or book online here @ChangesSkin.com.
Changes Spa & Aesthetics
420 Boulevard
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
(973) 588-3668
PS: If you have experienced therapeutic benefits from using CBD, we would love to hear about them. Please share your experience in a comment on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChangesSkin. Thanks!