CBD: The Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer You Need in Your Skin Care
CBD—or cannabidiol—is one of the hundreds of active ingredients in hemp plants, a cousin of the cannabis (marijuana) plant. While CBD does not contain the properties that will cause the sensation of being “high,” it has been shown to work in our ednocannabinoid system to help soothe feelings of anxiety and stress—and when CBD oil is used in skincare, it works as an anti inflammatory and well tolerated moisturizer. But that’s not all. CBD also acts as a powerful anti aging ingredient. Here’s why CBD is the natural wrinkle reducer you need in your skin care routine.
The Anti Aging Benefits of CBD
Extracted from hemp seeds, CBD oil contains powerful antioxidants which protect skin from free radicals, invisible molecules that are ever present in our food, air pollutants, environment (and pretty much everywhere) which can prematurely age skin—causing extrinsic aging— by damaging cell proteins. The breakdown of these proteins is the result of an imbalance between free radicals in the environment and antioxidants in the body, a condition known as oxidative stress. When under a state of oxidative stress, our fatty tissue, DNA and proteins can become damaged, leading to heart disease, high blood pressure or even cancer. And of course, oxidative stress leads to signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
Luckily, the antioxidants in CBD are so noteworthy that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has applied for a patent to use CBD to possibly treat certain age-related diagnoses, citing, “Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.”
When used in skin care, CBD’s anti aging properties may improve collagen production—which decreases by 1% annually after the age of 20—encouraging a more firm and plump skin appearance ; it may also help reduce the look of skin discoloration from scars or discoloration that appears as skin ages.
Fighting Fine Lines and Wrinkles with CBD
CBD topicals like face oils and serums— especially when combined with hemp oil and its high fatty acid content—can help to alleviate dry skin, which can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
CBD is well tolerated and received by most skin types, so while it cannot claim to diagnose or treat skin conditions, it has been growing in popularity for its positive effects on the skin. Just a few drops of CBD oil incorporated into your natural skincare routine can help balance skin, calm inflammation, reclaim vibrancy and enhance radiance—all things that help skin look younger. And, because CBD sinks into skin and moisturizes it on a deeper level, CBD can claim credit for reducing the look of wrinkles and making skin look more firm.
