What is CBD and how can it benefit you and your skin!

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound sourced from the cannabis plant. Overseas it has been lauded for its multiplicity of uses towards potential positive health benefits such as relieving pain, stress, anxiety, and much more. CBD is one of about 120 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It is not psychoactive and does not cause a high. 

CBD cream is a topical formulation infused with CBD. Its reported benefits include reducing pain and inflammation, helping with skin issues, and even helping to heal wounds. By using CBD infused cream, you will be able to penetrate both the dermal and subdermal layers of the skin. Nerve endings are located in the dermis, so being able to penetrate this skin layer allows the CBD cream to react with your endocannabinoid system (a body-wide network of neural transmitters that affect many important functions in the body) directly in the area of application. 

CBD oil has been shown to reduce sebum when applied topically to the skin and the anti-inflammatory properties may also help combat acne breakouts. CBD oil may even help in healing and rejuvenating acne scarred skin.

HealthyTOKYO interviewed Dr Blair, a medical doctor specialising in the field of Endocannabinoids. Here are some highlights of that interview:

 What should you look for in high quality CBD oil?

There are many important factors to consider when looking for CBD oil because not all CBD oils are created equal. To ensure you’re only getting the highest quality CBD oil, you need to check for these three things:

  • That it was grown organically.
  • The product undergoes a strict lab analysis for purity.
  • The company provides transparency and high quality products.

In both my personal and professional opinion, there are numerous benefits to consuming CBD oil and the science of its effects speak for themselves.

  • CBD oil optimises cellular function.
  • CBD also appears to restore or maintain homeostasis (which means it will rebalance your system and steer you away from extremes).
  • CBD also acts as a signalling molecule to all cellular structures, tissues and systems
  • CBD oil is a neuro-immune-endocrine modulator
  • CBD also affects many biologic pathways besides the endocannabinoid system. (According to a review of medical literature, I count over 91!)

Does CBD oil benefit the skin? If so, in what way?

CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory so it promotes skin renewal and cell growth. It also blocks inflammatory cytokines. CBD oil is also effective for wound healing if applied topically.

Are these health benefits only physical or does CBD also provide mental clarity?

  • Improved mental focus
  • Relief from anxiety and depression
  • Promotes calmness
  • Enhanced memory recall
  • Faster speed of processing
  • Quicker reaction times, physically and mentally
  • Improved visual acuity
  • Improved sleep quality
  • And more 

Are there any risks associated with CBD oil?

There is no risk of toxicity at any dosage level of CBD oil. In my opinion, there are no significant adverse side effects. CBD oil exhibits rare drug interactions and has no effect on coagulation. If you are sensitive to THC, then a smaller amount of CBD oil is recommended. If you are highly sensitive to CBD oil, you may experience some general fatigue. To most, CBD oil is calming but can also work as a stimulant and produce vivid dreams for a short period. Paradoxically, CBD can make some people alert during the day but help sleep at night.

Thank you to HealthyTOKYO for providing the above information. You can read more from the links below as well as visit one of their stores!

https://healthytokyo.com/faq/

https://healthytokyo.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-acne/

https://healthytokyo.com/blog/cbd-cream-all-you-need-to-know/

https://healthytokyo.com/blog/cbd-oil-and-the-science-doctors-perspective/