CBD and body care
For a few years now, CBD has conquered the hearts of the French. Used in oil, cream or balm for external application, it has found a place in the essentials of many people. CBD is a molecule found mainly in the flowers of industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa). It is important not to confuse hemp and recreational cannabis, in fact "cannabis" is a general name, designating a family of plants :
Cannabis Sativa, or industrial hemp : This plant is very rich in CBD (cannabidiol), and very poor in THC
Cannabis Indica : This is the recreational cannabis, illegally cultivated for its high THC content
Cannabis Ruderalis : This plant is low in both CBD and THC
THC is forbidden both for sale and consumption because of its psychotropic effects. CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychotropic and is not classified as a narcotic, which is why some CBD products, such as cosmetics or hemp flowers containing less than 0.3% THC, can be sold legally in France. CBD-rich hemp has been used by mankind for thousands of years, some scientists even believe that it is the first plant domesticated by man. Hemp was used as a source of food, clothing, paper, building materials, medicine, and beauty products.
Why choose a hemp skin care product?
Our skin absorbs everything we give it, which is why more and more consumers are choosing to turn to natural products, whose composition is less obscure than some industrial products. Between soap, shower gel, hair or face care, body cream, lip balm, and even a touch of perfume, the quantity of different chemicals can be colossal. It is estimated that our skin is in contact with nearly 150 chemicals every day.
Natural products have many advantages, they contain more essential nutrients for the body, skin and hair. They are full of vitamins, fatty acids, trace elements, and valuable antioxidants. The benefits of some natural products have been known for thousands of years.
Hemp, for example, has been known to mankind for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence of the use of this plant has been found in various parts of the world, the oldest dating back to the Neolithic period. Hemp was used for its resistant fibers, its nourishing seeds, and in traditional medicine. The oil produced from the seeds was used for its nutritive qualities, but also to care for the skin and hair.
This oil has remarkable characteristics, it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and -6, many vitamins (A, B1, B3, B4, B6, E), minerals, and a wide variety of amino acids. All these characteristics give it a restructuring, nourishing and anti-aging power.
Hemp and CBD care
We have seen the qualities of this plant; some cosmetics also add CBD. This molecule interacts with our endocannabinoid system, whose CB1 and CB2 receptors are dispersed throughout our body, especially in the skin, which explains the interest of researchers. CBD cosmetics are used for a daily facial, a relaxing massage after sports, or hydration of the skin. CBD is not a medicine: for any skin disease, ask a doctor or a dermatologist for advice. Here is what is said about CBD care :
- By providing hydration and nutrition, a hemp care can help limit the visible aging of the skin and hair. The vitamins, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, and trace elements contained in hemp oil nourish the skin. Antioxidant properties of CBD, observed in laboratory studies, are also being explored against free radicals, involved in skin aging.
- Possible anti-inflammatory activity: many skin problems are related to inflammatory reactions, and preclinical studies (on cells or animals) explore this property of CBD. The results do not allow any conclusion, and a CBD cosmetic does not treat acne, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis: these conditions require medical advice.
- Possible antibacterial properties: bacteria are organisms that swarm on our skin. There are some that are beneficial to us, and others that can cause us some problems. Laboratory studies dating back to 2008 have looked at the antibacterial ability of CBD; these in vitro results do not show any effect of a cosmetic on acne.
Which CBD cosmetics exist?
There is a wide variety of CBD products; here are the 3 cosmetic forms most often found for the body, the face and the hair.
- CBD oil for external use : Presented in bottles of different sizes, a cosmetic CBD oil is used as a topical application only, never swallowed (CBD foods and food supplements are not authorised in the EU). A small pipette makes its use extremely simple.
- CBD Balm : In summer, as in winter, it will take care of your skin, and help you fight the elements. The balm is rich in CBD, and essential oils.
- CBD Cream : Specially formulated for the facial area, it is designed to moisturise the skin, smooth the appearance of fine lines and bring radiance to the complexion.
3 points to check on the label
- Always choose products where the CBD has been extracted from the plant using the Supercritical CO2 technique. It is generally considered the cleanest method, as it yields ingredients of great purity.
- Hemp is a soil purifier, so if the soil is polluted with pesticides, they could end up in the final product. This is why an organic certification is a useful indicator.
- Is the CBD broad spectrum? Labels mention whether a product is broad-spectrum. In these products, CBD is associated with other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids of the plant.
