Cannabis and Your Skin

By Rebecca Olmos | TheCannifornian.com Correspondent

Cannabis topicals are creams, lotions, or oils that can be applied directly to the skin without causing any intoxicating effects. Many people use cannabis-infused topicals to alleviate pain, arthritis, joint issues, and muscle aches. But this study from The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that cannabis may also help with other skin conditions like acne, eczema, and aging.

According to the British Journal of Dermatology, at any given time, a third of the world’s population is dealing with some skin issue. Skin is the body’s largest organ. It is one of the leading medical concerns in all communities, and topicals are one of the fastest-growing categories of cannabis infusion, expected to reach 4.5 billion in sales by 2025, according to a survey by CWI Consulting Services.

So how might cannabis help with your skin?

The two most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), both antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial for the skin because they protect from free radicals like pollution and UV rays.

THC and CBD are also anti-inflammatories which may be helpful when addressing issues like acne, wrinkles, and psoriasis.

Dispensary or beauty store?

Skincare products are no different than other cannabis-infused products in that they can be cannabis-derived, found in dispensaries, or hemp-derived and found on any health and wellness shelf.

Which one you choose to apply will depend on the issue you’re trying to address and your comfort level. Products higher in CBD might be better for managing any conditions related to inflammation and pain, while THC will be better for skin concerns like wrinkles and dark spots.

Like any new addition to your skincare regime, be mindful of all the ingredients in any product you choose. Start by using a small amount on your skin to see any adverse reactions before committing to a complete application.