CBD

How CBD Works to Improve Skin Health and Overall Wellness

Joan Sutton, founder and CEO of 707 Flora, explains how CBD works to improve skin health and overall wellness. 

Following the passing of the Farm Bill, which legalized the production of hemp cannabis, CBD-based products have quickly become the center of debate within the wellness community. Hemp cannabis’ former status as a Schedule 1 controlled substance has understandably made consumers wary of the benefits it supposedly provides. CBD in particular has fallen victim to various misconceptions, misinformation, and myths surrounding how it works, and as it grows in popularity, only more questions will arise. A quick Google search will show thousands of articles asking, “What are the benefits of CBD?”, “Is CBD really effective?”, and even, “How safe is CBD?” It’s clear that though people have a lot of questions about CBD and its effectiveness, they still don’t really understand how CBD works.  

As licensed skincare and wellness professionals, it’s crucial that we answer our clients’ questions with accurate information that is digestible and easily understood. At the same time, there is a lot that we are all still learning, and it is important to convey that as well if she asks something you may not have the answer to. So when it comes to a topic as misunderstood as CBD, I find it best to start off with the basics.

What is CBD?

CBD is a phytocannabinoid that has been found to help the human body maintain homeostasis. But how does it work, exactly?

Let me introduce you to the Endocannabinoid System, also known as the ECS.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The ECS is a nerve-signaling system responsible for maintaining our physiological, emotional, and cognitive stability. There are three core components of the ECS:

Endocannabinoids: Cannabinoids which are (fun fact!) also naturally produced by your body.

Cannabinoid Receptors: Located throughout our body, the receptors are the signaling system to introduce CBD and cannabinoids to the body. There are two main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor type. 

Enzymes: Simply put, these are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are cellular messengers that are released from one cell and signal cells nearby. They can help to create balance where imbalance is detected in the body. These endocannabinoids must bond with the appropriate cannabinoid receptor to trigger the chemical response needed to balance out our internal functions. Once done, enzymes break down the endocannabinoids, officially setting our bodies anew. Without a properly functioning ECS, our bodies can experience a wide range of health problems including insomnia, nausea, and acne.

Fortunately, scientific research has shown that phytocannabinoids, like CBD, function similarly to endocannabinoids and, when used, can help the ECS regulate balance within the body.

How is this relevant to skincare professionals? Studies show that currently, the most popular form of CBD is CBD-based skincare. 

The Science of Skincare

Before we discuss how CBD-based skincare works, it’s important we understand how the skin itself functions. Our skin is comprised of three layers: 

Epidermis

The topmost layer of skin.

Dermis

Sandwiched between the epidermis and hypodermis.

Hypodermis 

Refers to the innermost and thickest layer of skin.

Skincare products are only able to penetrate the epidermis, which itself is made up of five layers. Its deepest layer, also known as the basal layer, is where our skin cells are produced. 

The Skin Cycle

Skin cells act as the barrier between our bodies and the outside world and must be continuously replaced to keep the skin plump and healthy. When produced, skin cells begin a 28-day journey to the surface of the epidermis, pushing existing older cells higher upward in the process. Eventually, the skin cells reach the outer epidermis and ultimately flake off, marking the completion of their life cycle.  

Unfortunately, the turnover of skin cells does not always go so smoothly, and factors such as age, hormones, and environment can cause the skin to slow down in the renewal process and can become imbalanced. For example:

  • Aging slows the skin cycle; dead skin cells may accumulate on the surface layer of our skin, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines.

  • Outside bacteria can become trapped alongside dead skin cells, causing blemishes and breakouts.

  • Irregular and discolored skin cells may cause spots and discoloration to appear on the surface of our skin.

Typically, the ECS would be responsible for reviving the imbalanced skin. However, if your client suffers from these types of skin issues, recommending a CBD based skincare could be an effective solution.

CBD in Skincare

Studies have shown that CBD is able to help the ECS maintain homeostasis within the body when used appropriately. Although experts are unable to make hard claims about how exactly CBD interacts with the ECS, many believe that CBD prevents endocannabinoids from being broken down by enzymes. If true, the phytocannabinoid could be the solution to treating endocannabinoid deficiency, but more research is still needed to properly prove the hypothesis. And a very important and effective function of CBD on the skin has proven anti-inflammatory benefits and can help soothe inflammation caused by the condition. 

A wide range of skin problems — redness, puffiness, winkles, dehydration, and acne — are caused by inflammation and, if not dealt with properly, can lead to long-lasting damage to the skin. Today, most of the skincare found on the market addresses only the symptoms of inflammation, and not the actual problem. CBD, on the other hand, is more than just a band-aid; if you suffer from inflammation, it’s a solution. The phytocannabinoid activates our cannabinoid receptors to suppress inflammation in the epidermis, allowing our body to properly heal from the inside out. 

CBD has a wide range of benefits, and we’ve only just started to scratch the surface of its research. Remember, when answering your client’s questions, it’s important to provide information clearly and accurately. And share with her that since we have only had access to this ingredient since the end of 2018 after the Farm Bill passed, and we are still learning so much. With all the misconceptions surrounding CBD, your clients will value having access to a trusted source of information and appreciate knowing whether using a CBD-based skincare brand is right for them.

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