Since the Farm Act of 2018 was passed at the Federal level, CBD (“cannabidiol”) has emerged as a potent and versatile ingredient in the skincare industry. Extracted from the hemp plant, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high, but it does offer a range of therapeutic benefits, particularly as a topical. One of the most exciting applications of CBD is in facial serums. These potent formulations are designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients directly to your skin, offering a host of benefits from anti-aging to acne treatment.
Main Benefits of CBD Face Serums:
- Anti-oxidant Properties
- Anti-inflammatory Effects
- Anti-aging Benefits
- Collagen Boosting
- Scar Treatment
- Melanin Reduction
MAIN BENEFITS
Anti-Oxidant Properties
CBD is packed with antioxidants, which are crucial for protecting your skin from free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells. Free radicals are generated by various environmental factors, such as pollution, UV rays, and even stress. By neutralizing these free radicals, CBD helps to prevent the signs of aging and keeps your skin looking youthful and radiant.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
One of the most well-documented benefits of CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. By reducing inflammation, CBD can help to soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing. This makes it an excellent ingredient for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Anti-aging Benefits
CBD’s combination of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties makes it a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It helps to combat the damage caused by free radicals and reduces inflammation that can lead to aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, CBD can improve the overall texture and tone of your skin, giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
Collagen Boosting
Collagen is a protein that plays a key role in maintaining the structure and elasticity of your skin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. CBD has been shown to stimulate collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity and firmness. This can result in a more lifted and toned appearance, with fewer visible lines and wrinkles.
Scar Treatment
CBD’s ability to promote healing and reduce inflammation makes it an effective treatment for scars. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars, surgical scars, or other types of skin damage, CBD can help to reduce their appearance over time. It promotes the regeneration of healthy skin cells, which can improve the texture and color of scarred skin.
Melanin Reduction
Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are common skin concerns that can be effectively addressed with CBD. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color, and overproduction of melanin can lead to dark spots and patches. CBD has been found to regulate melanin production, helping to even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
TYPES OF CBD FACE SERUMS
CBD face serums come in various formulations, each offering different benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best product for your skin type and concerns.
Water-based vs. Oil-based
- Water-based Serums: These might be better known as a lotion, which are typically lightweight and absorb quickly, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. As a layering tool, water-based serums provide hydration and serve as a first layering step, that the oil-based serum can leverage as the next layering step.
- Oil-based Serums: These are richer and more nourishing, making them suitable for dry or mature skin. They offer deeper hydration and help to lock in moisture.
Day vs. Night Usage
- Day Facial Serums: Often contain ingredients that protect your skin from environmental damage, such as antioxidants and sunscreen. They are lightweight and designed to layer well under makeup.
- Night Facial Serums: Typically contain more potent, reparative ingredients, with higher doses of CBD. They are designed to work overnight, when resting, which allows your skin to naturally repair the day’s damage.
Layering with Other Products
- With Makeup: Water-based CBD serums can be used as a primer to create a smooth base for makeup application.
- With Sunscreen: Apply your CBD serum before sunscreen to ensure it penetrates the skin and provides its full benefits.
- With Hydrating Lotions: Layering a hydrating lotion over your CBD serum can lock in moisture and enhance its effects.
By Skin Type
- Dry Skin: CBD serums are excellent for dry skin due to their hydrating and soothing properties. They help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, retain moisture, and reduce dryness and flakiness. Look for oil-based serums with additional moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
- Oily Skin: For oily skin, water-based CBD serums or lotions are an option. They provide hydration without adding excess oil or clogging pores. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce sebum production and minimize breakouts.
- Combination Skin: Most people have a combination of skin types and will benefit from CBD serums that offer balanced hydration. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that can address both dry and oily areas without causing irritation.
BY SKIN PROBLEM
- Wrinkles: CBD’s anti-oxidant and collagen-boosting properties make it an effective ingredient for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It helps to improve skin elasticity, smooth fine lines, and promote a more youthful complexion.
- Hyperpigmentation: CBD can help to regulate melanin production and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Look for serums that combine CBD with other brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.
- Enlarged Pores: CBD’s ability to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation can help to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. A lightweight, water-based serum can help to refine skin texture and create a smoother, more even complexion.
- Acne: CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it an excellent ingredient for acne-prone skin. It helps to reduce inflammation, control sebum production, and promote healing of acne lesions. Look for serums that are non-comedogenic and free from pore-clogging ingredients.
- Eczema: For those with eczema, CBD’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can help to calm irritated skin and reduce flare-ups. An oil-based serum with additional moisturizing ingredients can provide deep hydration and restore the skin’s natural barrier.
OTHER KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN A FACE SERUM
When choosing a CBD face serum, look for products that contain these additional beneficial ingredients:
RICE BRAN OIL is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, rice bran oil helps to nourish and protect the skin. It has a light texture that absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. Rice bran oil also contains squalene, which helps to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
ALMOND OIL is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and proteins that help to soften and nourish the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and improve complexion. Almond oil also helps to lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry skin types.
SHEA BUTTER is a powerful moisturizer that helps to hydrate and repair the skin. It is rich in vitamins A and E, which promote skin healing and protect against environmental damage. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm irritated skin.
OLIVE OIL is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help to nourish and protect the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and irritation. Olive oil also helps to lock in moisture and improve skin elasticity, making it an excellent ingredient for anti-aging products.
PRICKLY PEAR SEED OIL is rich in vitamins E and K, as well as essential fatty acids that help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. It has several medicinal properties appropriate (or suitable) for cosmetics including powerful anti-aging properties that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Prickly pear seed oil also helps to brighten the skin and improve its overall texture and tone.
TEPEZCOHUITE, also known as the "skin tree," is a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries to promote skin healing and regeneration. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help to treat acne and other skin conditions. And famously, according to Salma Hayek, Tepezcohuite also helps to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
CALENDULA is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredient that can help to soothe and heal the skin. It is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage and promote healing. Calendula also helps to improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In conclusion, incorporating a CBD face serum into your skincare routine can offer a multitude of benefits, from anti-aging to acne treatment. By understanding the different types of serums and how they can address specific skin concerns, you can choose the right product for your needs and achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Remember to look for serums that contain additional beneficial ingredients like Rice Bran Oil, Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Tepezcohuite, and Calendula to enhance the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.
