If you’re like most people, your skin is one of your biggest beauty concerns. You want to keep it healthy and glowing, and find new ways to treat it.
If you consume cannabis on a regular basis, it’s likely that you might wonder about its impact on your skin health. We’re here to answer all your questions!
1. Antioxidants
The antioxidants in cannabis are a big part of its ability to reduce aging and help protect your skin from the damage that can happen from the sun. It also helps fight free radicals that cause inflammation in the body and can damage the skin on a cellular level.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in many different plants and help to combat free radicals that are created by a number of factors including toxins, chemicals, and the environment. They can also help reduce the effects of aging and prevent the development of cancer, among other health concerns.
CBD (Cannabidiol), which is one of the most popular cannabinoids in the plant, has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce swelling and puffiness. As a result, it is being added to a range of skin-care products to help treat and protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and aging.
A recent study found that cannabinoid oils differ in their antioxidant activities depending on which of the main cannabinoids they contain. The results of this study show that hemp oil containing the neutral or acidic form of THC (i.e., Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabidiol (CBD) or D9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) had significantly higher antioxidant activity than those containing the same main cannabinoid but prepared in a different way.
The research also shows that the application of salicylic acid (SA) increased the antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals, and cannabinoid compounds in C. sativa, as compared to untreated plants. The researchers recommend that SA, especially when used in high concentrations, should be added to the formulations of cannabinoid products.
2. Anti-inflammatories
The anti-inflammatories in cannabis are a great natural solution for many skin problems. From acne to rosacea, these powerful compounds can reduce puffiness, swelling and even soreness.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for your body’s natural immune response to inflammation. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, interact with this system and activate the ECS’s cannabinoid receptors.
These cannabinoids also have a range of other benefits for the skin. They can help to reduce dryness, improve circulation and reduce oil production. They can also scavenge free radicals and keep your skin youthful by blocking the effects of UV rays.
However, it’s important to note that smoking marijuana can actually exacerbate some skin conditions. The carcinogens in both tobacco smoke and possibly marijuana smoke can irritate your skin.
This may be especially true for people who have sensitive skin or suffer from chronic inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
Another way that cannabis can impact your skin is by suppressing the growth of immature skin cells that cause itchy, red patches in psoriasis. Using cannabinoids to control the skin’s inflammatory response is a powerful and natural treatment for psoriasis, which affects an estimated 7.5 million Americans.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis has antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and prevent them from damaging your skin. These antioxidants are found in the cannabinoid CBD and other compounds within the plant, including terpenes Pinene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene and Humulene.
The antioxidants in cannabis can also improve your skin’s elasticity by helping to restore collagen. Collagen is the protein that provides structural strength to your skin and helps it maintain a youthful appearance.
3. Anti-aging
Cannabis can affect your skin in several ways. First, exposure to smoke can lead to premature aging because it damages blood vessels and prevents nutrients from getting into your cells. In addition, cigarette smoke can cause your skin to absorb more free radicals than it should. These are unstable molecules that damage your DNA, lipids, and proteins.
Another way that smoking weed can make your skin look older is by causing inflammation. Inflammation causes fine lines, wrinkles, and scars to form. This is because the cells in your skin don’t receive proper nourishment when they are stressed.
Smoking marijuana can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and eczema. This is because the nicotine in tobacco and weed can make the body produce more of its own inflammatory chemicals.
However, studies have shown that CBD and other cannabinoids found in marijuana can help alleviate psoriasis and rosacea by reducing the production of immature skin cells. They can also reduce the itching and redness associated with these diseases.
If you’re interested in trying cannabis for your skin, there are many products available. Some are designed specifically to treat different skin issues, and others contain a blend of cannabinoids that work together to promote healthy skin.
One of the most popular is a cannabis cream that contains both THC and CBD. Taking this cream daily can help to treat a wide range of skin problems.
Other cannabis-based skincare products include moisturizers, toners, and masks that can help reduce the appearance of age spots, dryness, and fine lines. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to minimize puffiness, swelling, and soreness. These products are great for calming down sensitive skin, and they’ve even won the praise of celebrities like Olivia Wilde.
4. Skin-healing
There is increasing evidence that cannabis can improve skin health, especially when applied topically. Topical uses of cannabinoids, such as marijuana oils or tinctures, can reduce inflammation and relieve itching associated with skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis.
One of the most common autoimmune disorders is psoriasis, which causes itchy, raised patches of silvery scales on the skin. This condition is caused by a rapid build-up of immature skin cells, known as keratinocytes, which triggers inflammation and itching. Studies have shown that cannabinoids can actively slow down the growth of these cells, thereby reducing itching and discomfort.
The same can be said for many other inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea. Inflammation is caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the production of inflammatory cytokines (proteins) and other immune cells that cause swelling, redness and irritation.
Inflammatory skin conditions are linked to a number of health problems, including premature aging and obesity. Inflammatory skin conditions can also lead to skin cancer and chronic pain, which is why they’re often treated with anti-inflammatory medications.
CBD, a naturally occurring compound in cannabis, can help control the production of lipids that are responsible for inflammation. It has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that make it a powerful treatment for acne and other skin infections, such as boils and impetigo.
It can also help heal wounds and prevent scarring. The process is similar to how it heals a burn or ulcer: Wounds enter an inflammatory phase where blood vessels constrict, platelets gather to form a clot and white blood cells flood the wound area. After this, the wound begins to heal by forming new skin cells that repair the injury.
5. Pain relief
The pain relief effects of cannabis are often overlooked, but it is a major part of its effect on a person’s overall health. Chronic physical pain can cause a number of negative effects, including poor sleep, depression, weakened immune system and anxiety. The opioid crisis has increased the number of people who are turning to cannabis as a way to ease their pain.
The cannabis plant has many different cannabinoids and terpenes, each of which has its own unique pain-killing properties. However, more research is needed to find the best ways to use these compounds.
When used topically, the cannabinoids in cannabis can also help to soothe itchy skin. They are especially effective for rashes, bug bites, and dry skin.
As a result, they are also popular among those who suffer from eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. They can also be used to treat psoriasis, a chronic skin disease that causes itchy red patches and swelling.
It is also possible to take a cannabis-based oil orally. This type of product is called full extract cannabis oil (FECO). It usually contains a balanced cannabinoid profile with equal parts THC and CBD. It is recommended to only take small amounts of this type of product, and it should be taken regularly.
In addition, cannabis-infused products can be used to relieve headaches. They are also effective for treating severe neuropathic pain, which is a symptom of cancer that can be difficult to treat.
It is important to note that the best pain relief effects of cannabis are obtained from a well-balanced product with a balanced cannabinoid profile and a good terpene content. Terpenes are the essential oils that make up the cannabis plant and can interact with cannabinoids in interesting ways. These compounds can have different effects based on their content, so it is best to experiment with a variety of products until you find one that works for you.
