While cannabis may be popular for its reputed stress-reducing and pain-relieving properties, it also offers skin-health benefits. In fact, many skincare brands are now adding cannabis-derived compounds (cannabinoids) to their products.
Exposing your skin to cigarette smoke can seriously accelerate its aging process, because it contains hydrocarbons that inhibit cells that are chiefly responsible for making new collagen. This slows down your skin’s ability to snap and turgor, which causes sagging and fine lines.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that involves hair follicles getting clogged with sebum–oil that helps keep the skin from drying out–and dead skin cells. The clogged pores make an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which causes breakouts of pustules and pimples. Blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts may also develop, particularly on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.
Most people with acne develop it during adolescence and early adulthood, although it can also appear in adults of any age. Hormonal changes during puberty increase your risk of developing breakouts. These hormones can trigger the production of oil in your sebaceous glands. These changes also occur during midlife and menopause, which can lead to more breakouts as well.
Many factors can contribute to acne, but there are some things you can do that might help reduce your chances of developing it. One of these is to follow a low glycemic index diet, which restricts foods with a high sugar content.
Another thing that might help you with your acne is to talk about your problem with someone who understands. A support group can be a great way to share your experiences and find coping strategies.
Cannabis is a drug that can have a wide range of effects on your body and mind. Some people experience euphoria, relaxation, sedation and even drowsiness. Others can experience a feeling of anxiety or depression.
If you have a history of mental health problems, then it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether or not using cannabis is right for you. The psychiatric effects of cannabis can include anxiety, delusions (including ideas of reference), hallucinations, panic, paranoia and psychosis.
Smoking and vaping cannabis can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them safely. Combined use of tobacco and cannabis is also risky.
Ageing
The impact of cannabis on skin health is largely dependent on the plant used and the effects of the different cannabinoids. A number of different compounds are present in the cannabis plant, with THC being the most well-known.
The cannabis sativa plant is native to tropical and temperate climates, but it is grown around the world. It has a range of varieties, including cannabis (the dried flower buds and leaves), hash (the resin from the flower buds) and oil (made by boiling cannabis flowers in an organic solvent).
Each type of cannabis has its own pharmacological properties. THC, which is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can produce euphoria, sedation and relaxation.
Other compounds in cannabis include cannabidiol, cannabivarins and cannabichromenes. They are closely related to THC, but they have different pharmacological properties and affect the body in different ways.
These cannabinoids are found in the cannabis sativa plant, but some plants contain both sativa and indica qualities. Indica, which is usually grown indoors, has a higher cannabidiol content and is often taken as a sedative.
It is also more likely to produce a wide range of mental effects, such as euphoria, altered states of consciousness, difficulty concentrating and impaired short-term memory. It can also cause anxiety, delusions and hallucinations.
THC and other cannabinoids can also interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain, causing a euphoric effect. They are also known to relieve pain and nausea.
Some people have reported feeling less anxious, irritable and fatigued after smoking cannabis, while others report an increase in their appetite. However, some of these experiences are not desirable and may be considered addictive.
In addition, cannabis can also cause negative physical effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Aging is a natural part of life, but there are things you can do to help prevent and reverse age-related changes in your skin. Regularly applying sunscreen and anti-aging moisturizer, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and not smoking are all ways to improve the look and feel of your skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common problem that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. It can be caused by environmental factors, health conditions or genetics.
Many cases of dry skin resolve by taking simple steps, like drinking enough water and using a moisturizer. But more serious cases may require prescription-strength medication.
Causes of dry skin include cold temperatures and low humidity, aging, certain health conditions and vitamin or mineral deficiency. Those with eczema, a condition that causes scaly patches of skin to appear on the body, are at greater risk of developing dry skin.
The skin normally contains both oil (sebum) and proteins, which help it to retain moisture. When these are deficient, the skin can’t hold as much water, which can make it feel and look drier.
Severe, excessive dryness that doesn’t respond to home remedies can be a sign of a skin condition called xerosis. It’s important to get it treated as quickly as possible because it can cause pain, cracks in the skin, and even a severe rash.
Excessive dryness can also lead to dermatitis or eczema, which are chronic itchy rashes that can spread to other areas of the body, including your arms and legs. These rashes are red in color, and can often turn itchy, painful, and inflamed.
Another complication is infections, which can develop when dry skin breaks open and allows bacteria to enter. Infections are usually a symptom of other health problems, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
It’s important to avoid harsh soaps and other chemicals that strip your skin of its natural oils. The skin needs healthy oils to keep it hydrated, so avoiding them can prevent dryness and itchiness.
Getting regular, gentle massages with a moisturizer can be effective in keeping your skin smooth and supple. Try a lotion that contains glycerin, or one containing lanolin or other moisturizing ingredients.
You should also keep your hands and feet dry as much as possible, because they’re frequently exposed to cold water or wet environments. In addition, avoid wearing clothing that can irritate the skin, and try to stay out of hot showers or baths.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is a common problem that affects many people. It’s caused by excess sebum secretion by your sebaceous glands, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. It’s important to keep your skin clean and free of dirt and oil, as this will help to reduce the amount of sebum produced.
A good cleanser should be gentle on your skin and remove any dirt and oil that may have accumulated during the day. Look for one that is non-comedogenic and doesn’t irritate or aggravate your skin. If you’re not sure what to use, consult your doctor or skin care professional.
It is also important to make sure that you avoid rubbing your face too hard, as this can cause your pores to enlarge and increase your oil production. Try blotting your face with a tissue instead of rubbing it, and consider using a mattifying moisturizer.
The age, climate, and hereditary factors that determine your skin type can also play a role in how oily it is. You may find that your skin becomes oilier in hot, humid weather, which is why you should take extra precautions in those climates to prevent a buildup of sebum and to keep your pores open.
During puberty, hormones like testosterone and progesterone can increase the number of sebaceous glands in your skin, which can increase your oil production. This can result in oily skin that’s prone to acne, as the sebum mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria and gets trapped in your pores.
If you have acne, it’s important to stay away from harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, and other products that can strip your skin of its natural oils and dry it out. A hydrating cleanser or a gel wash is best for most oily skin types.
Lastly, you should avoid picking and popping pimples because this can spread infection. If you have severely oily skin, you should seek out the guidance of a dermatologist or skin specialist. They will be able to prescribe a treatment that will help to tame your sebum production and improve your skin health.
