CBD Skincare: How Much CBD Is The Right Amount?
If you’ve been curious about buying CBD skin care, or even if you already use it in your beauty regimen, you may be wondering just how much CBD you need for your skin to reap the benefits of this increasingly popular cannabinoid.
Let’s demystify the benefits of CBD skin care, how much CBD is the right amount, and how often you should use these hemp-derived products. Keep reading for everything you need to know about CBD and how it can help care for your skin.
The benefits of CBD skin care
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most well known of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, a member of the Cannabis sativa family. With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp was legalized, paving the way for CBD to be sold in the U.S. and opening the doors for cannabinoids to finally be studied.
CBD has enjoyed numerous studies that focus on its benefits to humans—including the positive impact it may have on skin. CBD works within our endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex biological system that regulates myriad functions such as metabolism, inflammation, pain, and sleep—to bring the body to equilibrium, or homeostasis. Our skin contains cannabinoid receptors, allowing CBD to act as a regulator for the skin.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, effects of cannabinoids in the skin include “regulation of epidermal homeostasis, regulation of pain sensation, regulation of skin inflammation, and regulation of skin appendages.” In addition, CBD has been linked to helping to soothe and prevent acne, calm irritation, and with its high concentration of antioxidants, help skin ward off free radical damage that causes fine lines and wrinkles while delivering a more radiant glow.
How much CBD do you need in skin care?
The science-backed benefits of CBD on skin may be crystalizing, but discerning how much CBD you need in your skincare can be murkier territory.
“Because the FDA does not regulate the amount of CBD in skin care, it’s important for brands to educate customers on how they formulate their products,” notes Sarah Mirsini, founder of MASK CBD Skincare.
“It’s important to take into account, for instance, the power of CBD in a particular product, and how that will affect the skin. 300mg of CBD in a 1 oz. bottle of MASK face serum is much more impactful than if the same amount was diluted in an 8 oz. bottle of body lotion, for instance.”
A good rule to remember? The bigger the product—say, a body lotion, as noted above—the higher the amount of CBD will probably be needed to make it effective. Buying a full sized body lotion with only 30mg of CBD most likely won’t do a whole lot for your skin, but 300mg might be plenty. And for targeted skin care concerns like dryness, acne, and aging, 300mg in a small product that you use on your face, such as this serum, has a much better chance at delivering on its promises.
One more thing to consider: When it comes to skin care, not all CBD is created equal. “We know that CBD is most advantageous when paired with other cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids; this is known as the ‘entourage effect,’ and in order to benefit from it, consumers should look for full spectrum CBD,” advises Mirsini. “Full spectrum CBD is minimally processed, allowing for the multiple compounds to act synergistically with each other, and with skin.”
How often should I use CBD skin care?
For many people, using CBD skin care daily is optimal to keep their skin calm and more radiant looking. For others, a once a week treat with a CBD bath bomb is ideal. “Have fun experimenting with your CBD skin care,” says Mirsini.
“When you choose organic skin care with full spectrum CBD, you’re already doing well by your skin. Try using it several times a week and build up from there as your skin responds positively. And don’t forget to slow down enough to enjoy your skincare routine! CBD works wonders to de-stress us; honoring yourself with a few quiet moments will allow it to work its magic.”
