The Benefits Cannabis Products Bring To The Cosmetic Industry

The cannabis beauty industry has exploded in the past decade. Cannabis usage is not only considered to be crucial to maintain good health for many patients, but it has found its way into the skin care, beauty and cosmetic industry. In this article we will discuss how cannabis-based products can help you look and feel better.

Antioxidant Properties

Your skin is the largest organ in the body. It is the first defense against infection and helps regulate body temperature. Protecting your skin is important to maintaining good health.

Both THC and CBD in cannabis have been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties. They may help protect your skin from becoming damaged by free radicals. Stress, ultraviolet rays and all types of pollution lead to the creation of free radicals that can age your skin and may result in skin cancer for some people.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin E and carotene, which is the precursor for Vitamin A, can be found in good supply in hemp seed oil.

The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids

A healthy diet, which contains a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, is the key to maintaining a strong immune system and healthy skin. Studies show that many common illnesses result in deficiencies or imbalances of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Hemp seed oil contains the following fatty acids:

• Omega-3 Alpha-linolenic acid
• Omega-6 Linoleic acid
• Gamma-linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearidonic acid

These acids appear in many other plants and are already present in the majority of beauty products. However, at 80%, only cannabis has such a high percentage which is comparable to the proportion of fatty acids that naturally occur in our skin. As a result, the penetration rate of the skin by cannabis-based products is very high. This may help keep your skin supple and smooth with fewer wrinkles and lines. They work for every skin type, including oily skin. They may help with a number of skin problems or as an integral part of maintaining good health.

These fatty acids may also help protect your skin from sun damage. Cannabis oil or cannabis-infused creams and lotions may support the growth of new skin cells, which can help keep your skin looking radiant and free from discoloration and rashes. Don’t forget about your lips which can dry out from the sun in the summer or crack from the cold in the winter. Cannabis-infused lip balms can help keep delicate lips in tiptop condition.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Both THC and CBD in cannabis are known anti-inflammatories. The effects of inflammation may lead to elevated oxygen levels which can cause aging of the skin as well as cataracts and retinal degeneration, melanoma and dermatitis. By reducing the oxygen levels, cannabinoids help to reduce inflammation.

Enhances Skin Absorption

The terpenes in cannabis can enhance the skin’s ability to absorb topical treatments more quickly. It is highly recommended that you use your cannabis-based topicals before you use other products on your skin and hair.

Helps Control Skin Conditions

By hydrating cells and stimulating their regeneration, the cannabinoids in cannabis may help protect the skin from irritants. Some research suggests cannabis-infused products may help with the following skin conditions:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Acne and blackheads
• Itching
• Fungal skin infections
• Rashes

Curious whether cannabis use itself affects your complexion? Read can weed make your skin break out.

Great For Your Hair

Cannabis-infused products may provide the following benefits for your hair:

• Strengthens and nourishes your hair
• Increases its elasticity which keeps it from breaking off
• Stimulates hair growth
• Stops your scalp from drying out
• Improves the circulation of blood to your scalp
• Controls dandruff

Hemp seed oil contains a type of fat called ceramides which strengthens cell membranes. These membranes prevent your hair from losing its moisture. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids also contribute to shinier hair and a healthy scalp.

Recommended Delivery Methods

Topicals

The cannabis-infused topical is one of the best delivery methods for your skin and hair. It works by binding to our CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. It is portable, discreet, works quickly and may offer localized relief for several hours. Topicals come in many different forms which include:

• Soaps
• Lotions
• Creams
• Balms
• Pomades or Hair Gel
• Shampoos
• Massage oil

Learn more about how topicals compare with other products in CBD vs. THC flower, edibles and topicals.

Vaporizers

One of the healthiest delivery methods is vaporizing. It provides many benefits while avoiding many of the harmful toxins in smoke. Its effects are immediate and it is very easy to control the dosage. You simply stop inhaling when you have had enough.

Edibles

Many consumers enjoy edibles which typically provide benefits for an extended period of time without having to dose again. However, there is a delay in the onset of the effects and it is possible to take too much by eating too large a portion.

Our Final Word About Smoking

Smoke of any kind, be it cannabis or cigarettes, contains carcinogens. These carcinogens can prevent skin cells from producing collagen. Collagen is a protein responsible for providing structure in the majority of your body, including skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Without an adequate amount of collagen, skin ages much more quickly. If you already have chronic skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, inhaling smoke can exacerbate it.

From the comfort of your home, you can also upgrade your skin and hair care products by adding cannabis oil to them.

Sources:

• cannabismo.org, Benefits of Weed For Beauty, Sept. 10, 2019, Mary J.
• drgreenrelief.com, The Beauty Benefits of Marijuana
• 2020-solutions.com, Cannabis and Beauty: 5 Benefits To Consider, Aug. 16, 2019
• greencamp.com, Cannabis Beauty Products: Everything You Wanted To Know About Marijuana in the Beauty Industry, updated April 28, 2020, Helena Mills
• hempbasics.com, Hemp Seed Nutrition