Is CBD oil good for skin?

Some evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) oil may be beneficial for skin health and have uses for a variety of skin conditions. CBD oil can be found in beauty products or taken orally.
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CBD is a chemical compound present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Manufacturers can combine CBD with an oil, such as hemp or coconut oil, to create CBD oil. People can purchase CBD oil or a range of beauty products that incorporate CBD oil to use on their skin.
hemp
coconut oil
CBD oil
Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may be useful for treating many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
acne
eczema
psoriasis
In this article, we will discuss what CBD oil is, what skin conditions it may be useful for, and how to use CBD oil.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
state laws
What is CBD oil?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Another notable cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound responsible for the “high” that people may associate with cannabis. CBD alone will not cause a person to feel high.
many cannabinoids
will not cause
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC here.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC here.
Different varieties of cannabis plants contain different levels of cannabinoids. Typically, hemp plants contain far more CBD and almost no THC, which is why most CBD oil comes from industrial hemp.
Learn more about the differences between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD here.
Learn more about the differences between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD here.
Usually, manufacturers will use heat to extract CBD from the cannabis plant and mix it with a carrier oil to produce CBD oil. Others may use alcohol to create a CBD tincture.
CBD tincture
CBD oil comes in many different strengths, and people can utilize it in many different ways. For example, they can apply it directly to the skin, place a drop under their tongue, or add it to creams or lotions.
The human body contains a complex network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS). Research suggests that cannabinoids and the ECS may play a role in many bodily processes and that the skin contains cannabinoid receptors.
neurotransmitters
endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS)
contains
Does it work for skin?
Research suggests that CBD oil may be beneficial for a number of different skin conditions. These may include:
Research
Acne is the most common skin condition in humans. CBD contains many compounds with oil-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that may help improve acne.
most common skin condition
A 2014 study explored the effects of CBD on human sebocytes. These are the cells that create sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance the skin produces.
2014 study
sebum
While sebum helps protect our skin, excessive sebum can also result in acne. The study indicates that CBD can prevent sebocytes from creating too much sebum.
A 2016 review notes the potential antibacterial and antifungal properties of the cannabis plant. This could help prevent acne due to infections on the skin.
2016 review
infections
A 2019 study suggests that CBD may also be beneficial for treating the appearance of acne scars.
2019 study
Learn more about CBD and acne here.
Learn more about CBD and acne here.
A 2019 study notes that CBD may be useful for treating some common symptoms of skin conditions, such as dryness and itching. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may be particularly useful for reducing potential triggers of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
2019 study
anti-inflammatory properties
As CBD oil can help soothe skin and reduce the appearance of irritation, it may be useful for people with sensitive skin.
Learn more about CBD and psoriasis here.
Learn more about CBD and psoriasis here.
A 2017 study highlights the antioxidant properties of CBD. Oxidative stress can contribute toward the aging process. Therefore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help prevent the appearance of aging in the skin.
2017 study
Oxidative stress
properties
As the cannabis plant may contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, it may be useful for treating infections on the skin.
may contain
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
CBD
Risks
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people generally tolerate CBD well. However, some common side effects of CBD, which may be dose-dependent, can include:
World Health Organization (WHO)
can include
dry mouth
dry mouth
drowsiness
fatigue
fatigue
diarrhea
diarrhea
changes in appetite and weight
weight
It is also worth noting that CBD may interact with certain medications, so it is important that people who currently take prescription medications talk with their doctor before using any CBD products.
may interact
How to use
With any CBD product, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and packaging to determine how often to use the product, how much to use, and how to apply it.
People can apply CBD oil and beauty products containing CBD oil directly to the skin.Learn more about CBD topicals here.
Learn more about CBD topicals here.
To take CBD oil orally, people can place a few drops under their tongue, where they can hold the oil for up to 1 minute before swallowing.
The dosage will vary depending on a person’s body weight and the potency of the CBD oil. People new to CBD should start with the lowest possible dosage. Once they know how their body reacts to CBD, they can gradually increase the dosage.
Read more about the correct dosages of CBD here.
Read more about the correct dosages of CBD here.
How to choose
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not currently regulate CBD products. Therefore, we recommend that people look for CBD oil products that:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
contain no more than 0.3% THC, per the Agriculture Improvement Act
0.3%
Agriculture Improvement Act
have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
ISO/IEC 17025
pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
are not from a company subject to an FDA warning letter
FDA warning letter
are from a company that provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for all their products
Additionally, people may also consider:
CBD potency
price
retailer’s and manufacturer’s reputation
customer reviews
Read our complete buyer’s guide to CBD here.
Read our complete buyer’s guide to CBD here.
Alternative natural skin remedies
Other natural skin remedies that may benefit skin health or reduce symptoms of skin conditions include:
Aloe vera is an excellent moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Studies from 2014 and 2017 suggest that aloe vera can reduce symptoms of both acne and psoriasis.
Aloe vera
has
2014
2017
A 2012 review notes that honey has shown moisturizing, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 review suggests it may also boost the immune system, while a 2017 review indicates that honey can treat burns and wounds.
2012 review
honey
2016 review
2017 review
A 2016 article explains that coconut oil is an effective treatment for dry skin, as it can significantly improve skin hydration. A 2019 study also notes that coconut oil may protect the skin by combating inflammation and improving the health of the skin barrier.
2016 article
coconut oil
2019 study
inflammation
A 2013 review identifies the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties of tea tree oil. A 2015 review notes that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for acne, reducing the number of acne sores in people with mild to moderate acne.
2013 review
tea tree oil
2015 review
Summary
Research suggests that CBD oil may have use as a treatment for a range of skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. This is due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
People can either apply CBD oil directly to their skin, consume it, or use topical beauty products, such as creams or lotions, that contain CBD oil.