Let me get one thing clear, I am not of the opinion that CBD is the silver bullet that many people make it out to be. I’m very aware that like most things, using CBD in concert with other natural products is what’s probably most beneficial for most folks.

But for those of you that have been sleeping under a rock, let me break down exactly what it is. CBD short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils, creams, soaps and foods to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s not psychoactive.

With regards to our skin, CBD is a potent antioxidant with highly anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown in multiple studies to reduce lipid product from the sebaceous glands (overproduction of sebum is what often leads to acne). In other words, if you’re looking for an ingredient to soothe irritation and reduce redness or scaring  and potentially combat acne, CBD could be a great option for you. Among these benefits there are some studies where it shows potential for soothing psoriasis and even helping slow down signs of aging because of its neuro-regenerative and antioxidant properties.’

Recently, I switched my skin care routine to include only CBD products. Now mind you, I’m a complete minimalist when it comes to skin care. I’ve always been that way. Far from a product ‘whore’, I typically find one to two good products and stick with them. Currently I’m using a natural CBD soap that consists of full spectrum CBD & hemp extract among a few other natural ingredients. What I’ve noticed is that my skin looks more moisturized and bright. When I use the soap on my body I notice that it helps with inflammation that I typically get around my achilles, feet and knees due to high volume distance running. I typically have very dry skin so anything that’s natural and moisturizing really excites me.

Fatty acids are essential to various mechanisms within the body such as tissue function but particularly to the maintenance of healthy, hydrated skin. Cannabis sativa, is one of the richest plant sources of omegas -3 and -6 around.The oil extracted from the plant’s seeds in particular is full of these fats as well as proteins, which all help dehydrated skin to repair and replenish its lipid barrier, heal damage and boost elastin fibers. This results in soft hydrated skin.

I can only speak to what I know and what’s worked for me. And right now CBD soap and creams have worked really well to moisturize, cleanse and replenish my skin. But who knows…ask me next year and it might be something else.