What Can Cannabis Cream Do for Skin?

*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, cannabis has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure skin problems. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have skin problems, talk to your doctor.*

The skincare industry is booming. Many experts attribute this to more informed consumers and social media influencers whose public skincare regimen often is used to advertise younger-looking, wrinkle-free skin. For the first time in a long time, the skincare industry is growing at a faster rate than cosmetics. 

The sale of skincare products increased by 13% in 2019, while makeup grew only 1% during the same year. A growing desire for healthy skin products and an increasing interest in skincare routines are at the heart of a high-growth market.

One of the natural choices people are making includes CBD skincare creams. In 2019, a report by Grandview Research, Inc. estimated the CBD skincare market would reach $1.7 billion by 2025, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 32.9%. North America leads the market with a share of more than 40%, and hemp-based products generated $147 million in revenue in 2018.

What Damages Your Skin?

There's a reason behind the growth in the market that is not all related to consumers following the latest social media influencer or natural trend. As we discuss below, there are reasons why CBD skincare creams are proving to potentially be effective. But first, let's quickly explore the environmental factors that affect skin aging.

Twenty years ago, this mainstream list of environmental factors that negatively affect your skin health may have made the “woo-woo” list. However, scientific evidence continues to support the unseen damage your skin experiences that ultimately results in premature aging. As your skin ages, it becomes rough, loses elasticity, and becomes more transparent. Much of this is related to the loss of elastic tissue in the skin and the thinning of the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin.

Over time, damage from ultraviolet light, also called photoaging, can reduce elastin and break down collagen. This leads to sagging, loose skin. Given the right nutrients, the skin can begin to help repair itself. However, long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the primary external factors associated with skin aging.

Other external factors include air pollution, smoking, and poor nutrition. Each of these factors affects the skin uniquely. But each also increases the inflammatory process, which in turn develops the visible signs of aging skin more quickly.

How CBD May Benefit the Skin

The Cannabis sativa plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids. In the 1990s, when researchers were analyzing the effect of cannabinoids on the body, they discovered humans have a network system of receptors that respond to cannabinoids. Receptors are structures on the outside of cells that bind with chemicals and tell the cell what to do. 

The scientists named the network of receptors after the cannabinoids they were studying. The system is the endocannabinoid system. Further research led to scientific evidence that your body is hardwired to respond to cannabinoid-like chemicals it produces naturally.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of those cannabinoids that science has isolated and studied. In addition to being one of the most studied, it also plays a significant role in skincare creams and products. This may be due in large part to the role it may play as an anti-inflammatory agent in the endocannabinoid system. 

Dermatologists have discovered a relationship between cannabinoids and the immune system that have a significant effect on skin conditions, such as pruritus, eczema, and psoriasis. In each of these conditions, CBD potentially acted as an anti-inflammatory.

Studies have suggested that CBD skincare creams may also help balance your endocannabinoid network of receptors in your skin. This helps regulate oil production, reduces inflammation, and hydrates your skin. Each of these benefits ultimately results in clearer and younger-looking skin. 

If you're considering CBD skincare cream, choose one with a full-spectrum CBD oil as it contains many of the compounds from the plant that work best in combination. Begin using the product slowly and follow the product label directions. Overusing any product can have a negative effect on your skin. However, when used correctly, many people report exciting results. This is likely the reason the CBD skincare cream market continues to grow.