CBD: Skincare’s powerful antioxidant

CBD is an active, non-psychoactive naturally occurring compound of the cannabis plant. CBD has a long history of being used in healthcare. It was noted that Queen Victoria, for example used CBD to treat menstrual cramps, but only recently has it become increasingly present in the beauty and wellness industries. The 2018 Farm Bill in the US was a significant contributor to the CBD spike in the market which legalised the production of industrial hemp, bringing the compound into the commercial market.

CBD is one of the thousands of components of the cannabis plant and is not to be confused with its sister component, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the compound of the cannabis plant that gives you a “high”, whereas CBD simply lacks the psychiatric effects. THC is an activator of the CB1 receptors in the brain, whereas CBD lacks the capabilities to activate the CB1 receptor. In fact, CBD counteracts the psychological effects of THC!

In recent years, CBD has been increasingly common in the beauty industry with brands such as MILK, Kiehls and La Mer jumping on the bandwagon. Although scientific studies into the effects of CBD are still fairly limited, preliminary research suggest CBD’s effects include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidising and balancing benefits.

CBD is rich in essential fatty acids (particularly omega 3), Vitamin A, D and E. Fatty acids generally improve the skin’s surface, maintaining soft and moisturised skin. Several studies have also suggested that CBD retains antioxidant properties, some even claim CBD as a more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin’s C and E. Antioxidants prevent damage to your skin against molecules in the environment that can cause harm, i.e. pollution, that cling to collagen and leave the skin less ‘plump’.

Preliminary research suggests that CBD triggers are increase of production of annadamid, which enhances the body’s ability to fight inflammation. Topically applied to skin, CBD can reduce swelling and irritation of the skin. In addition, research has also proposed that CBD aids in balancing and controlling sebum production in the skin, making it the ideal solution skin that’s feeling oily and greasy.

The nature of CBD is so versatile and complementary to different skin types, with its oil reducing, antioxidizing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties modelling it as the perfect addition to your skincare regime. BYBI’s CBD Booster, 100mg Cannabidiol in hemp oil, is a dry oil that can be applied directly to your skin or added to your existing skincare regime in a serum or moisturiser.