Did you know that cannabis can be used topically? The herb can be infused into creams, balms, salves, and other skincare goods. Unlike smoking, topical cannabis does not make you “high.” Instead, it can protect skin from damage and may even reduce pimples and blemishes. How? Here are 3 reasons why cannabis is great for your skin.
If you were convinced and want to give cannabis topicals a try, heres is a more in depth guide to cannabis topicals.
3 Reasons why Cannabis is great for your skin
Cannabis has been used as a topical treatment for skin ailments for millenia. In ancient times, many cultures around the world used the herb as a remedy for wounds, pain, and other ailments of the skin.
Now, after 80 years of prohibition, consumers around the globe are reconnecting with the plant’s usefulness as a household pain reliever and general first aid solution. However, wounds and pain are not the only reasons to love topical cannabis.
Cannabis holds surprising potential as an antiaging and beauty tool. The herb is expected to help modulate the skin’s immune system and protect the organ from environmental . Here’s why cannabis is excellent for the skin:
1. Anti-aging
Hoping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles? What about aging caused by environmental damage? Cannabis plants produce an abundance of antioxidant compounds, including unique chemicals called cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are considered the active components in cannabis. Psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that provides the famous “high”, is an antioxidant cannabinoid.
In fact, according to a U.S. Government patent (US6630507), the cannabinoid molecules in the cannabis plant are more potent antioxidants that vitamins C and E.
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent damage to cells and DNA caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that can destroy the structure of DNA and cellular membranes.
Some free radicals are created naturally in the body and others come from environmental pollutants and toxins.
Free radicals can have a detrimental effect on the skin, harming skin cells and speeding up the aging process.
The powerful antioxidants in cannabis can neutralize free radicals and may thereby protect the skin from aging.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Topical cannabis is a potent anti-inflammatory. Cannabis compounds engage special cell receptors in the skin that help control the body’s inflammatory response. While this is excellent for wounds and sprains, applying topical cannabis to the face can also help reduce unwanted puffiness and irritation.
Yet, it is important to note that many of the beneficial qualities of cannabis for the skin go away with smoking. Smoke can expose the body to more external free radicals which can contribute to aging and inflammation.
3. Blemish treatment
Tired of acne and pimples? Preliminary research suggests that one particular cannabis compound, cannabidiol (CBD), may be able to help. CBD is non-psychotropic, meaning that it does not cause a high or changes in cognition when consumed.
However, an early study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD may be able to reduce inflammation and excess oil production that contributes to acne.
The research found that CBD has sebostatic properties. Sebum is the scientific term for the oil that the skin produces to waterproof and lubricate the skin. Blemishes and acne are caused in part by an overproduction of sebum, which clogs pores and traps bacteria in the skin.
As a sebostatic, this research suggests that CBD reduces the amount of oil produced by acne blemishes. CBD can be found in particular strains at dispensaries and other access points, or ordered online in some regions.