There are many skin care products that contain cannabis and promise to help improve your complexion. These can be oils, creams, balms and serums.
However, if you consume these skin care products via smoking or vaping then you may need to take extra precautions. This is because the smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that may affect your skin health.
1. Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough water or eat foods that have a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness, exercise, and environmental factors such as cold and dry weather.
A person who is dehydrated has a reduced ability to absorb water and electrolytes, which is why they may feel thirsty or experience headaches and fatigue. In severe cases, dehydration can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
The key to recognizing dehydration is to keep track of your skin’s moisture levels. This can be done by doing the “pinch test.” Choose an area of your face, hand, or stomach and pinch it lightly. If it wrinkles beneath your finger, or doesn’t bounce back quickly when you let go, you are likely dehydrated.
If your skin doesn’t appear to be able to absorb as much water, try drinking more water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which both are diuretics that remove water from the body.
It’s also important to exfoliate your skin, which will help it properly absorb products. Over time, dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, preventing it from absorbing and retaining moisture.
Changing your diet to include more plant-based, hydrating foods can make a big difference in your skin’s health and appearance. Aim to consume a diet that is low in sugar, dairy, and fried foods, which are known to affect the flow of nutrients to your skin’s surface.
2. Dry Eyes
Dry eye is a common condition where your tears can’t effectively lubricate your eyes, which can lead to discomfort and blurred vision. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Insufficient tear production or an imbalance between the three layers of the tear film (oil, water and mucus) that helps keep your eyes from becoming dry. Problems with the meibomian glands – which produce oil to help hold moisture in your tear film – can also be a cause of dry eye.
Your eye doctor may prescribe medication, such as over-the-counter artificial tears or prescription eye drops to increase the amount of tear production and decrease inflammation. You may also use a humidifier to improve the humidity in your home.
Medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control pills and certain blood pressure medications can increase the risk of dry eyes. You can reduce these risks by talking with your doctor and discontinuing them, or switching to an alternative medication if needed.
A healthy diet can help reduce symptoms of dry eye. The vitamins and minerals you consume connect deeply with your skin health.
For example, vitamin A and D are key components to keeping your skin healthy. These nutrients contribute to your skin’s natural barrier function, preventing toxins from entering your body and protecting your skin against sun damage, smoke and other environmental pollutants.
The impact of cannabis on your skin is significant because it contains essential properties, vitamins and fatty acids that can help with a range of skin concerns. The best way to reap these benefits is to incorporate it into a skincare routine that suits your needs.
3. Inflammation
Inflammation occurs in our bodies when it’s necessary to fight off infections, disease or injury. It’s usually short-lived (usually less than six weeks) and helps heal your body to its normal state.
There are two main types of inflammation: acute and chronic. The latter can last longer than a few weeks, and can cause many health problems.
It also affects the cells in your skin, causing rashes, itching and even discoloration. Inflammation can also speed up aging and the loss of antioxidants that protect your skin from UV rays and other environmental hazards.
CBD and other cannabinoids have the potential to prevent this damage by working with your endocannabinoid system to elevate the skin’s anti-inflammatory response. That can be very beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.
However, there are some side effects associated with consuming cannabis. One is that it can make you feel fatigued and dehydrated. Another is that it can lead to dark circles under your eyes.
This is because cannabis constricts your blood vessels, which decreases the flow of oxygen to your skin. It can also cause dryness of the skin, mainly in the eyes and mouth.
A reputable dermatologist can help you determine whether or not cannabis is harmful for your skin and what steps you can take to reduce these effects. They may also recommend you drink more water or a specialty beverage, such as Radford’s favorite alkaline lemon water, to keep your skin hydrated.
Inflammation is an important factor in the progression of many autoimmune diseases, and can cause a variety of symptoms including itching, rashes and swelling. It can be a serious problem, so it’s best to consult with your doctor about its impact on your skin health.
4. Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles underneath your skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This leads to outbreaks of pimples or zits, most commonly on the face but can also appear on other parts of your body.
Many people think that smoking cannabis will aggravate acne, but there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. In fact, it’s been found that smoking marijuana may actually help your skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to cause positive effects on your skin. These effects include reducing the inflammation that causes breakouts, promoting healing and regrowth, and easing pain.
Another way that the endocannabinoid system affects your skin is by suppressing overproduction of immature skin cells. This is a key reason why cannabis can be effective in treating psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes silvery scales on the skin.
In addition, CBD has been found to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, so it can slow down the aging process of your skin. It also contains nutrients that protect your collagen, the protein in your skin that makes it strong and supple.
If you are struggling with a skin condition that is affecting your confidence and self-esteem, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Dermatologists can work with mental healthcare facilities to address depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that could be contributing to your skin issues.
5. Ageing
Ageing is a gradual process that starts in the deep layers of the skin (dermis). As we age, the collagen, elastin and blood vessels in the skin become less elastic and weak. This leads to wrinkling and sagging of the skin. The result is a leathery appearance that can be more apparent in sun-exposed areas.
Marijuana smoke is high in hydrocarbons which damage the lining of the skin’s cells. The resulting build-up of these hydrocarbons reduces the production of the protein collagen, which provides structural strength and elasticity to the skin.
This can lead to sagging and loss of elasticity, which increases the risk of premature ageing of the skin. Smoke also accelerates the formation of wrinkles, rashes and blemishes.
Another issue associated with smoking marijuana is that it constricts the blood vessels and decreases blood flow instantly, causing deprivation of oxygen to the skin. This can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin, leading to dryness and itching.
One way to combat these problems is to use cannabis infused skin products, which contain antioxidants and fatty acids that can help reduce the signs of ageing such as fine lines and uneven skin pigmentation. They also can treat acne and reduce itching.
CBD has also been shown to help with psoriasis, an incurable autoimmune disease that causes red, itchy patches of skin. A number of studies have shown that CBD can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis by limiting the growth of immature skin cells and reducing inflammation.
Cannabis may also help with the effects of ageing by reducing the effects of UV radiation and other environmental factors on the skin. Topical applications containing cannabis can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars and inflammatory conditions.
