While CBD, or cannabidiol, is usually associated with its anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties, the naturally-occurring compound has recently also started being recognized for its anti-ageing properties. As such, it is little surprise that CBD is becoming an increasingly more common ingredient in wrinkle and acne creams. And, along with good nutrition and exercise, CBD skin care products can be a game changer.
What is CBD?
The two most well-known components of the cannabis sativa, or marijuana plant, are CBD and THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. While THC is highly psychoactive, and can produce the high usually associated with marijuana use, CBD is not. This is because CBD oils, capsules, vapes and creams tend to contain only negligible amounts of THC. CBD is believed to work by directing the body’s own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, to produce a variety of therapeutic benefits.
What Causes Aging?
The skin produces one percent less collagen per year after we reach the age of 20. Since collagen is a protein responsible for the structure of connective tissues, including skin, as the substance reduces, so does our skin elasticity and firmness. This, in turn, causes our skin to become thinner. As we age, our body also produces less natural skin oils, which can reduce our skin’s ability to heal.
In addition to biological factors, environmental conditions play a huge role in aging and skin health. External pollutants, or free radicals, and sun damage can have a huge effect on our skin, reducing collagen and elastin production, and causing sun spots, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
CBD for Anti-Aging
Crams infused with CBD are full of antioxidants, which can counteract the damage caused by free radicals by stabilizing them before they can have a negative effect on the skin. This can reduce visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, redness and skin dullness. CBD also has a hydrating effect on the skin. This is important, as our skin becomes drier as we age due to the reduction in natural oil production. Since CBD also has a positive effect on the endocannabinoids system, it may also help promote our skin’s oil secretions.
CBD for Sensitive Skin and Skin Conditions
Even if you do not have sensitive skin, CBD’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can be great for counteracting daily environmental stressors. The compound can also alleviate the symptoms of eczema, a condition characterized by red, inflamed and cracked skin. Not just unsightly, the condition can also cause severe itchiness, which can be very uncomfortable. According to experts at Nordic webshop, CBD’s connection to the endocannabinoid system in the body can also reduce inflammation, which is believed to be one of the causes of eczema. The same connection is also believed to alleviate psoriasis by reducing skin cell multiplication.
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