For years the consumption and use of cannabis has been stigmatised.
However, society is beginning to become aware of its benefits in the field of cosmetics, wellbeing and health.
As a result, more and more brands are incorporating cosmetic lines with CBD, in the search for more natural cosmetics, although there is still much to be researched and discovered.
Do you work in the cosmetics sector and are curious about all the benefits of CBD and hemp oil? Then this article is for you.
CBD: what it is and its properties
To understand what CBD is, you first need to understand where it comes from.
CBD is obtained from a plant called hemp, which is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant species. Specifically, it is extracted from the resin found in hemp flowers.
It was in 1975 that doctor and researcher Raphael Mechoulam discovered that within the cannabis plant there are different types of cannabinoids with different functions:
- On the one hand we can find THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is responsible for the plant’s narcotic effect.
- On the other hand there is CBD or Cannabidiol, which lacks narcotic effects, but it does have many benefits and properties that we will see below.
But how does our body react to CBD?
CBD is synthesised in our body by the endocannabinoid system, which is a very complex biological system of intercellular communication. It is therefore difficult for us to perceive.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates essential functions such as blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate and glucose levels.
The main purpose of the ECS is to help our body achieve homeostasis or equilibrium, i.e. the maintenance of our internal stability despite variations in the environment.
As for the properties of CBD cosmetics, they are characterised by being nourishing, moisturising and soothing.. It can be found in creams, serums, oils and even lipsticks and shampoos. In short: it is a natural and versatile ingredient.
Its growing use in skin cosmetics is not surprising, as it has many benefits:
- Smoothes the skin.
- Promotes regeneration, helping to restore the skin to a healthier appearance.
- Calming and soothing.
- Helps to visibly reduce redness and reduces skin inflammation.
Hemp oil: what it is and its properties
Hemp oil or hemp seed oil differs from CBD, as its name suggests, in that it is obtained from hemp seeds by cold pressing.
It contains 70% omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) essential fatty acids. Although other vegetable oils also contain these polyunsaturated acids, in the case of hemp seeds the high content and quantitative balance between the two is very significant.
In fact, scientific studies such as this one have shown that the high omega 3 and omega 6 content of the oil can positively influence the symptoms of eczema, such as itching and pain.
In addition to this benefit, hemp oil has other very interesting properties for cosmetic use:
- Calms stressed skin: therefore used in oils and night serums.
- It is an intense moisturiser: therefore ideal for products for dry skin.
- It has a great sebum-regulating capacity: this is due to the fact that it is not a comedogenic product, i.e. it does not clog the skin pores and does not contain excess oil. It is therefore recommended for sensitive skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, dry and mature skin.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties: this again makes it a great ally for the therapeutic treatment of acne.
- Strengthens the skin’s natural moisturising factor and restores the skin barrier: thus keeping the skin more hydrated and plumped up.
- Has mild UV sun protection properties: can be a good component to enhance the effects of sunscreens.
- Promotes the elimination of toxins from the skin: thanks to its high omega 3 and omega 6 content.
- It can also be used to soothe or eliminate pain: hemp oil reduces the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances responsible, among other things, for the sensation of pain.
Do you want more information about CBD and hemp oil?
If you work in the cosmetics manufacturing industry and would like to know more about CBD and hemp oil, we would be happy to advise you and explain everything you need to know about these natural ingredients.
To do so, simply fill out the contact form below and we will be in touch to help you.
