There is a serge of hype in the beauty, spa, skincare and wellness market surrounding the benefits of CBD. Finding the truth behind the CBD skincare 7 beauty trends, let's focus on CBD as an antioxidant, and how it will or won't work on your skin. CBD has the potential to manage skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but CBD also has powerful antioxidant properties which may also be helpful for skin problems. Antioxidants are most abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods including nuts, whole grains and some meats, poultry and fish. Plants are also rich sources of antioxidants.
WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?
According to wikipedia, an antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation, that removes potentially damaging and oxidizing agents in a living organism. Oxidation is natural process in the body and aging and can not be avoided. UV rays, air pollution, stress, smoking, alcohol and junk food are just a few external factors contributing to oxidation. This is an inevitable process that comes with aging and environment. Oxidation can never be fully avoided, but can be confronted and slowed to a crawl.
Free radicals are another process of oxidation that breakdown collagen, which result in fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. Antioxidants combat oxidation. Antioxidants can help slow the fight against oxidation. In the context of skin, antioxidants encourage tighter, fresher, cleaner, clearer and a younger appearance. The goal with antioxidants is slow or delay the process of aging for as long as you possibly can. This requires a healthy relationship with food, stress, and skincare routine.
WHAT DOES RESEARCH TELL US?
Research from the 1998 Study by the National Institute of Mental Health [1] Excerpt: Cannabidiol and THC also were shown to prevent hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage as well as or better than other antioxidants in chemical (Fenton reaction) system and neuronal cultures. Cannabidiol was more protective against glutamate neurotoxicity than either ascorbate or a-tocepherol, indicating it to be a potent antioxidant.
There has been follow up research in 2000, Neuroprotective Antioxidants from Marijuana [2], and a patent by the US Government (Patent # 6,630,507), titled Cannabinoids as Antioxidants and Neuroprotectants, which explored how cannabinoids treat a wide range of oxidation-related conditions, and you guessed it.... including related to age-related diseases.
HOW DOES CBD WORK WITH THE SKIN?
Understanding what antioxidants are, and that there is research to support the positive effects CBD has in relation to antioxidants. We can dive into how CBD works with the skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and happens to have the most abundant ECS (endocannabionoid) receptors. What does that mean? CBD's absorption rate will be higher when directly applied to a specific area, and more immediate response because those receptors are on the surface of the skin.
DO WE WANT CBD IN OUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Yes, but we definitely need more research on the topic. CBD is quickly becoming known for its diverse range of benefits whether applied to the skin or ingested. The bottom line is CBD is has therapeutic properties. So far research is showing us when applied to the skin there is very little, if any, side effects. I will leave you with this. CBD is an amazing part of nature, and it deserves to be combined or formulated with other natural and healthy ingredients. Once CBD is added to unnecessary ingredients, like artificial fragrances, alcohols, nasty fillers, life extenders, and other harsh additives, it is no longer a healing or beneficial ingredient. If you are paying a premium for CBD to be in your skincare products you should demand that it be with other organic and natural ingredients that are healthy for you and your body.
I'd say based on today's research, it is a FACT, that CBD is a powerful antioxidant for the skin. Take a moment to check out Clean Coconut's full skincare line on our website.
Author: Wendy Pagaduan, RN, CAT, Cannabis Educator
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