Chain pharmacies and big box stores are starting to feature cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, and skin care items including CBD oil and Hemp oil. Since they are not edibles, these products will soon feature more cannabis ingredients and by-products.

Fact is experience and science are discovering ways cannabis benefits your skin. Cannabis holds a ton of cannabinoids that match with the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Most research focuses on the influence of CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

Science says:

1. A 2013 study in The British Journal of Pharmacology concluded, “the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol and cannabigerol are transcriptional repressors that can control cell proliferation and differentiation. This indicates that they (especially cannabidiol) have the potential to be lead compounds for the development of novel therapeutics for skin diseases.”

That is, CBD and CBG influence the growth and multiplication differentiation of cells. When cells differentiate, they show as conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and more.

2. In 2015, the Journal of Dermatological Science reported, “cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and therefore support a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis.”

Skin cells naturally multiply to replace the old skin cells that have sloughed off and to heal over cuts and wounds. Skin conditions like psoriasis result from the uncontrolled proliferation of skin cells, a problem inhibited by CBD’s mechanism of action.

3. ACS Chemical Neuroscience (2014) published a Johns Hopkins’ project concluding, “cannabinoid receptors therefore represent potentially attractive targets for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids to treat sensory and dermatological diseases.”

Their findings confirm cannabinoids interact with the skin’s processes that convey messages of pain, temperature, and itch perception.

And, the whole subject had generated a high volume of research in recent years although it is still practiced on lab animals.

5 amazing ways cannabis treats your skin:

1. Modulates skin oils: The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine referenced earlier focused on the cutaneous and subcutaneous mechanism that produces body oils to waterproof and lubricate your skin.

Aging shrinks the microscopic sebaceous glands and increases the appearance of aging skin. Because the skin is threaded with the ECS, cannabis endocannabinoids can influence the production of necessary oils.

2. Delivers antioxidants: The free radicals from the sun’s UV rays damage skin cells directly and indirectly. Antioxidants are found in strawberries, kale, blueberries, pecans, chocolate, and Vitamins-E and C.

Other research indicates THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids provide active antioxidant properties.

3. Controls eczema and psoriasis symptoms: Eczema produces ugly red patches and annoying itching. Psoriasis produces embarrassing and irritating skin damage. There is no cure although there are many over-the-counter treatments and steroid prescriptions.

Dr. Robert Dellavalle of the University of Colorado asserts, “There’s a large segment of the population that doesn’t like using steroids, even if they are topical steroids on their skin. CBD could be an alternative, natural product for them to try.”

4. Fights acne: Cannabis hydrates the skin with necessary fatty acids. And, its antimicrobial effects fight the bacterial infections that fuel acne symptoms. This combination of benefits is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.

In addition, cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties and rich oxidants contribute to acne prevention and therapy.

5. Adds skin protection: The antimicrobial benefits and the modulation of skin cell reproduction help fight many skin infections and more study should pursue the connection between specific THC: CBD ratios and dosing.

As is, science, anecdotal reports, and historical use indicate the value of cannabis in the treatment of cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, and skin-affecting MRSA conditions.

5 new cannabis skin care products:

There is more to skin care than topicals and transdermal patches. You need the assurance of quality ingredients and production.

1. Marley Natural Hemp Seed Hand Cream is an easy-to-use daily moisturizer for hands, elbows, and sun-exposed skin. It fuses shea butter with essential oils, lemongrass extracts, and hemp seed oil for a mild clean application.

2. Isodiol CannaCeuticals Repairing Night Cream is the sixth step in their program for CBD beauty conditioning. Its Swiss-acquired CBD oil is blended with dozens of natural botanicals to create a highly bioactive cream restore, repair, and rehydrate skin. Their entire regimen is available as one package purchase.

3. CBD Life’s Pure CBD Face Cream, loaded with various sativa extracts is recommended for morning and night application.

4. Whoopi & Maya Rub. is marketed as a Medical Cannabis Body Balm for skin treatment and P.M.S. support. A select blend of healing herbs and beeswax, it affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors to restore skin and provide analgesic benefits for uterine cramping.

5. Mary’s Medicinals Topical Compound has been formulated with a 100mg THCa and CBDa mix to create a topical balm that relieves muscle soreness and inflammation. The beeswax base keeps it solid until warmed by your hands. It works great as a winter-dried skin moisturizer and chapped lip balm.

Watch the market!

There are many skin care products available in the cannabis universe. Most assure lab testing on quality ingredients and purity processing. Skin care is one nice market worth investing in. The hemp-based products have few legal obstacles, and the products with THC and CBD will end run restrictions. Most products are available online or in stores where permitted. (Note: Even cannabis-legal states have regulations on some products.)

Consumers spend big money on skin care items: lotions, lip balms, moisturizers, eye care, wrinkle creams, and much, much more. Cannapreneurs can and will capture a large part of that market especially as the science continues to define the benefits of cannabis-formulated products.