We’ve touched on hemp seed oil for skin before, but now it’s time to talk specifically about cannabidiol (CBD) skin care and the benefits your skin can gain from using CBD-rich products.
As a reminder, while hemp seed oil, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are often confused with one another, they are separate ingredients with individual regulations.
Hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant, and both CBD and THC are forms of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a group of closely related compounds that are constituents of the cannabis plant.
THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid that can be extracted from the cannabis plant, and is therefore regulated and illegal in many countries, including the UK. Whereas in the UK, CBD is legal and not controlled. The only stipulations for CBD is that the product should not contain any controlled substances, including THC.
CBD skin care products have become increasingly popular, with more brands diving into using natural ingredients in their products. However, it’s important to ensure that you stick to companies with sound ethics when choosing who to shop with.
CBD oil benefits for skin
There are many cannabidiol skin benefits, hence why so many products are being formulated using CBD oil. From helping to combat inflammation and fight off free radicals to repairing the skin barrier and helping with wound healing, it’s no wonder why CBD is so popular.
1. Effective anti-inflammatory agent
CBD is known to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, making it an ideal skincare ingredient for those who struggle with acne or other facial skin conditions including dermatitis and eczema.
A recent study found that topical treatment with CBD-enriched ointment significantly improved the skin for people with severe chronic skin diseases.
2. It could help with wound healing
Another reason why CBD is used in skincare for acne, the ingredient can potentially help with wound healing. This would be beneficial to those struggling with acne because it could help to heal the small wounds that appear on the skin, especially if someone tends to pick their spots – as hard as it is, leave them be!
A review conducted in 2022 found that topical cannabis has anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, analgesics, wound healing and anti-proliferative effects on the skin.
3. Wonderfully moisturising
One of the main benefits of CBD on skin is that it is intensely hydrating for the skin. Dry or dehydrated skin can appear dull and lose its elasticity. Including products with highly moisturising ingredients in their formulation can help to combat this.
4. Helps to repair the skin’s natural barrier
The skin has a natural moisture barrier which helps to protect the skin, keeping the moisture locked in and environmental stressors out. Toxins from the outside world can easily cause damage to the skin, including UVA and UVB rays, pollution and smoking. Studies have found that CBD has a protective effect on the skin barrier, helping to protect membrane integrity.
Protecting and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier is essential as in strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, the skin is better able to protect itself from environmental aggressors and free radical damage. A healthy skin barrier is key to healthy, happy skin.
5. Minimises free radical damage
Free radicals are what is released in the body when an oxygen atom splits after coming into contact with another chemical.
Antioxidants bind to free radicals and donate an electron, providing free radicals with an electron pairing. This in turn minimises the damage caused by free radicals as they do not need to seek an electron pairing from a healthy cell by damaging it.
It has been scientifically proven that CBD is a strong antioxidant and helps to prevent free radicals by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body. The endocannabinoid system is a cell signalling network which involves endocannabinoids, enzymes and cannabinoid receptors and is responsible for regulating many of the body’s critical functions.
Is CBD good for your skin?
CBD has a wide range of benefits for the skin, but is probably most well known for its role in skin healing. With this in mind, that’s why we added it to our lip balm formulation through hemp seed oil, making it especially great to use on chapped lips.
Cannabidiol skin care with UpCircle
We’ve embraced the power of cannabidiol in our lip balm that is made from upcycled hemp seeds leftover from the food industry. A derivative of the cannabis sativa plant and consequently a cannabinoid, the hemp seed oil we use in our lip balm is a responsibly sourced, active oil with a standardised level of natural CBD that is rich in linoleic acid (omega-3).
The hemp seed oil used in our lip balm is a potent antioxidant and is especially ideal for dry and sensitive skin on the lips. The antioxidant properties also mean that the ingredient helps to shield your lips from environmental damage and free radicals, while also helping to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
You’ll find our sumptuous Lip Balm with Hemp Seed Oil in our festive gift options – including in our “The Festive Trio” Cracker and in the “Under the Mistletoe” Bauble. But fear not, once the festive season comes to an end, you’ll still be able to get your hands on it, as our lip balm will launch as its own standalone product very soon, so watch this space!
As well as hemp seed oil with a standardised level of cannabidiol in our lip balm, you’ll also find nourishing shea butter, rosehip oil and grapefruit oil. Shea butter is naturally high in vitamins A and E and is intensely moisturising; rosehip oil is filled with linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) essential fatty acids and Vitamin A, to hydrate your lips and promote skin regeneration; and grapefruit oil is rich in antioxidants which helps to support the skin barrier.
Combine them together, and you have our lip balm that leaves your lips buttery soft, while also plump and full.
Discover our full range of vegan and cruelty-free products at UpCircle.