CBD in skincare: everything you need to know

Ology Essentials is my favorite CBD line and has a toner that everyone LOVES.

CBD is an ingredient that I really love for skincare and wellness products. This anti-inflammatory ingredient has anti-redness and calming benefits for the skin, aids in muscle & joint relief, and promotes an overall sense of relaxation. I love using CBD toner and serums during my facial treatments and so many of you have loved incorporating CBD products into your homecare routines. I wanted to do a mini deep dive into this plant-based ingredient and give some tips on how it can best help your skin.

scrub me secret: applying topical CBD products can do more than relieve sensitivities, inflammation, and redness in the skin. CBD body oils and massage balms, & bath bombs help to relieve muscle soreness and tension.

What is CBD?

CBD’s scientific name is cannabidiol. While cannabidiol is a part of the marijuana plant it is actually derived from the hemp plant. Hemp is different from a cannabis (marijuana) plant. CBD does not create any “high” or drugged-like feelings and according to Harvard Health Publishing research, it’s shown not to cause dependence. CBD is extracted from hemp plants via distillation to either make oil or a CBD powder.

scrub me secret: CBD is not suggested to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Adding CBD to your skincare routine:

CBD is an ingredient in a wide range of products. With this ingredient gaining so much popularity, you can find it in just about any skincare product category: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, balms, and masks. Below you’ll find information based on your skin type.

CBD for treating Acne:

CBD is helpful for random breakouts and cystic acne. Its ability to relieve redness and inflammation makes it great for reducing the appearance of breakouts. Some studies in recent years have suggested that CBD can help control oil production; this is great for those with skin that overly produces oils, which can make skin congested.

Acneic skin can benefit from astringent CBD cleaners and toners. CBD masks that contain clay are always great for spot treating blemishes or to use as a weekly treatment for congested skin. Make sure to avoid any products with waxes or rich oils, these could possibly be pore-clogging. You can learn more about plant-based waxes, oils, etc in this article.

scrub me secret: in my blog post “Don’t pop that pimple, do this instead.” I give step-by-step instructions on the best way to deal with a new, inflamed pimple. Click here to read!

CBD for Sensitive Skin:

Those with sensitive skin, reactive skin, rosacea, and psoriasis rejoice! CBD targets and affects neurotransmitters in the body that create these inflammatory responses like rashes, bumps, rosacea flare-ups, and psoriasis flare-ups. This means that applying a topical CBD product, especially one with other added calming ingredients can help visibly reduce redness and inflammation.

CBD-based balms, creams, hydrating toners, and CBD bath products are all good options for sensitive skin, rosacea, or psoriasis. Products that are specially formulated for psoriasis or rosacea may have a higher concentration of CBD in order to have even more of an anti-inflammatory effect. Results are different for everyone but in my experience, I have had many clients with sensitive and redness-prone skin notice a great reduction in redness after incorporating a calming CBD product into their skincare routine.

scrub me secret: products that include ingredients like oats, lavender, aloe, and chamomile are amazing for treating flare-ups and skin sensitivities.

CBD for Anti-aging:

Find this at Credo beauty!

Other than SPF, what is my favorite thing for antiaging? Antioxidants! Cannabidiol (CBD) contains antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals in the skin. In other words, it helps to slow the process of aging! CBD also contains anti-aging vitamin A and wrinkle-fighting omegas. That means adding this ingredient to anti-aging skincare can boost the effects even more!

Skin nourishing moisturizers, antioxidant-rich serums, and CBD facial oils are great choices for slowing the process of aging and diminishing fine lines. This CBD booster serum I found is a really cool product; you can add some drops to your current night cream to give it those extra CBD benefits.

My CBD product recommendations:

A few of these I have placed links to in this article but I’ll list everything out here for you all!

Favorite CBD toner:

Favorite CBD Cleanser:

Favorite CBD face serum:

Favorite CBD facial mist:

Favorite CBD facial oil:

Favorite CBD body oil:

Favorite CBD Bath product:

Favorite place for a CBD facial:

At scrub me skincare studio I offer a facial called the “Exclusive plant-based facial”; this facial treatment combines plant-based skincare, holistic face massage, and CBD infused items. It’s the best facial for treating acne, sensitive skin, or normal/dry skin. Come for a visit next time you’re in Chicago!