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One of the many benefits of CBD is its ability to soothe inflammation and treat skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation.
The rise in CBD topicals continues to grow as more people start to see the benefit that CBD offers in skin care. From moisturisers to facial washes, masks and other products, CBD can greatly help to ease the symptoms of a variety of skin conditions.
One such condition is hyperpigmentation – a harmless but frustrating skin issue that causes dark spaces on the skin. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be a powerful ally in combating the signs and effects of this skin condition.
Hyperpigmentation causes
Hyperpigmentation is a very common, typically harmless condition where patches of the skin are darker than the surrounding skin.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common being sun damage.
Darker patches can form after long exposure to the sun and generally start occurring in old age. Sometimes, these patches are referred to as liver spots, or 'solar lentigines'.
Another form of hyperpigmentation is called melasma, which occurs as a result of hormonal changes.
These spots can be triggered by pregnancy, or if a woman starts taking a form of birth control, which alters her hormone levels.
Acne can also cause a form of hyperpigmentation, leaving behind a dark mark where the blemish had been.
The body may treat the area affected by the acne as if it were an injury, increasing the amount of melanin to the area and causing a dark spot to appear.
Natural hyperpigmentation treatment
There are various ways that this skin condition is treated. For those wanting a natural hyperpigmentation treatment, CBD skin care products can be a natural yet effective alternative to traditional creams.
According to Dr Nima Gharavi, dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at the Cedars-Sinai Cosmetic Dermatology Program, the primary way that inflammatory conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne and other issues is the use of topical corticosteroids.
The problem with this is that topical steroids can have side effects. The thin skin around the eyes and the skin in the armpit and groin area can end up discoloured or affected.
CBD can offer the anti-inflammatory benefits produced by steroid creams, without causing any side effects. This makes CBD a powerful treatment for hyperpigmentation and many other skin conditions.
CBD and skin health
We know that CBD benefits are vast. CBD promotes overall well-being, naturally treating a wide variety of concerns and promoting good health – physically, emotionally and mentally.
The link between CBD and skin health shows us that CBD can also help to promote healthier skin.
CBD has been shown time and time again to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very beneficial for skin health (see our blog on CBD's anti-inflammatory properties).
CBD can help regulate hormone levels, lessen acne, and treat psoriasis and eczema (see our blog on CBD for skin). All of these, if reduced, can make hyperpigmentation less likely to occur.
CBD has also been shown to have antibiotic properties, helping to kill off harmful bacteria. This can prevent any infection in the skin that could then lead to hyperpigmentation later on.
But if hyperpigmentation that has already occurred from acne, or due to the body trying to heal the skin from sun damage, is treated with CBD, it will become less inflamed or irritated.
The dark colour should subsequently fade as the skin no longer sees this area as an “injury.”
CBD oil has also been shown to be calming and hydrating, two characteristics that will again help with hyperpigmentation by soothing the skin. When the skin is soothed, it is likely to return to its natural colouring.”
Is CBD skin care safe?
Is CBD skin care safe and can you use CBD topicals without any worries about side effects?
CBD does not contain any harmful chemicals. As it is a natural product that contains pure hemp-derived cannabinoids, topical application of CBD is unlikely to cause any harm to your skin. Most CBD face cream, cleansers and CBD ointment is enriched not only with CBD but also nurturing ingredients that provide even more benefit to your skin.
If, by chance, you do experience any irritation, rash or allergic reaction, speak to your doctor or dermatologist.
CBD hyperpigmentation study results
What does the science say about CBD topical products?
While research is still being done, CBD face cream and product studies show promising results.
Initial studies show that CBD can be effective in reducing acne, thanks to its ability to decrease sebum production. The endocannabinoid system regulates cell growth and differentiation. It can have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce skin irritation that triggers acne and other causes of dark spots.
CBD is associated with therapeutic benefits for a range of skin and cosmetic disorders. Preclinical evidence shows that topical CBD can be effective in treating skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, pruritis, and inflammatory conditions.
Can CBD help skin issues?
With these studies in mind, can CBD help skin issues?
Absolutely. Both studies and anecdotal evidence support the fact that CBD helps to soothe, protect, hydrate, cleanse, and nurture the skin.
The two biggest ways that CBD helps skin include reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.
CBD benefits for your skin
The body's endocannabinoid system is a complex system that balances numerous functions within the skin. This includes such as oil production and melanocyte production or pigmentation. Some of the ways that CBD helps the skin include the following:
CBD for skin inflammation
As we've mentioned already, CBD skin care plays an important role in reducing inflammation. When the skin is irritated, sensitive and inflamed, breakouts, redness and other problems are more common. It is these problems that often lead to pigmentation.
Inflammation is caused by irregular functions within the body's endocannabinoid system. When you reduce inflammation, there is less chance of breakouts. This, in turn, means that there is less chance of dark spots.
CBD for skin repair
One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation is damage from the sun and other environmental stressors. Free radical damage can lead to sunspots, thinning the skin and causing dry, sensitive skin. Over time, it can also increase signs of ageing, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles that cause even more pigmentation.
Studies done in 2009 show that CBD can help hydrate dry and dehydrated skin. By fighting free radical damage and increasing antioxidants within the skin on a deeper level, the skin's natural barrier is strengthened. This, in turn, helps to reduce dark spots and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Best CBD oil skin care products
Numerous CBD oil skin care products can help promote healthy, problem-free skin. The goodleaf CBD skin care range includes a selection of moisturisers, cleansers and other products.
The CBD After Sun Spray is essential to prevent dark spots and sun damage. It contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, hemp seed oil, and witch hazel to minimise the effects of sun exposure.
For skin that is hydrated, youthful and energised, our CBD Glow Serum is highly recommended. This serum contains broad-spectrum CBD along with mongongo oil and baobab oil.
Our Hemp Infused Face Cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin, with no added fragrance or harsh chemicals. It is enriched with green Rooibos and aloe vera, soothing irritation and balancing the skin.
For gentle exfoliation, try the Hemp Infused Exfoliating Wash. This wash contains green Rooibos and other ingredients that stimulate cell regeneration, soothes redness and cleanses the skin.
For dryness and balance, the goodleaf CBD Face Mask reduces inflammation and dryness. It contains cucumber, aloe vera and witch hazel, along with mineral-rich clay.
Follow your daily skin care routine with our CBD Morning Moisturiser and our CBD Night Moisturiser to nourish your skin even further.
CBD topical benefits
As you can see, there are many benefits of CBD for hyperpigmentation.
CBD skin care products are a great way to ease the symptoms of this condition, promoting healthier, happier skin the natural way.