CBD-based cosmetics have recently become a major trend in cosmetics, as they are not only new, but also offer proven benefits for the skin, proving to be effective and efficient. Suitable for both men and women, they allow the skin to be cared for, leading to the rapid resolution of countless skin problems, without necessarily having to resort to pharmacological preparations, thanks to the presence of CBD, one of the most well-known cannabinoids due to its curative and therapeutic properties.
In an increasingly green, sustainable and environmentally friendly way, hemp-based cosmetics have a place of honour in the beauty routines of all those who like to take care of themselves in a conscious, safe and reliable way, without any kind of compromise. We have therefore decided to compile a guide to hemp-based cosmetics in order to explain the advantages and properties that make this type of product so innovative and popular.
Why hemp is good for your skin
Cannabis sativa is currently the cornerstone of what can be called natural skincare, thanks to the strong nourishing and soothing properties of this botanical species. Hence the trend for CBD-based creams, masks, oils, cleansers and serums, which has been confirmed by scientific research in the dermatological and therapeutic fields.
It is no coincidence that at the World Congress of Dermatology held in June 2019 in Milan, the Dermolife Award was given to a study on the close link between skin and cannabis sativa, which is able to provide benefits even in the presence of irritation, inflammation and redness.
However, it should be pointed out that the cosmetics sector does not use cannabis derivatives as a 'narcotic substance' in the strict sense of the word. Marijuana as a raw material is in fact deprived of the proverbially psychotropic active ingredient THC or tetrahydrocannabidiol.
Specifically, cannabis-based cosmetics generally contain hemp oil, obtained from cannabis seeds and extraordinarily rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and linoleic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as CBD or cannabidiol itself, obtained from female inflorescences and known for its markedly sedative and relaxing properties, to the extent that it is also successfully used in medicine.
So why is hemp so good for the skin? The reason is easy to answer: the high concentration of essential fatty acids in hemp provides significant emollient and moisturising action, reducing dehydration and promoting skin elasticity.
Vitamins and minerals, on the other hand, have an antioxidant effect, helping to combat inflammation, reducing the damaging effects of free radicals and even normalising oily skin or skin affected by excessive sebaceous production.
Many hemp cosmetics appear to be specifically designed to treat sensitive, irritated and reddened skin, affected by blemishes or dermatological conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Cosmetics and CBD: the new beauty frontier
It is known as the 'New Hemp Economy', and the cosmetics sector is in continuous expansion, as demonstrated by the exponential growth of cultivated land in Italy, which has risen from 400 hectares in 2013 to over 4,000 in 2018. It is precisely cannabis cultivation that is increasingly focused on innovative production, which in addition to edibles involves the spread of the now well-known hemp-based cosmetics.
These data emerge from the Indica Sativa Trade in Bologna, the most important international event dedicated to one of the most versatile plants in the world, that of marijuana, now in its seventh edition in 2019.
CBD cosmetics are often made from elements of sustainable cultivation with a reduced environmental impact, and are now the new frontier of beauty. This is because they fully encompass the concept of 'green' and naturalness that the increasingly attentive, scrupulous and aware consumer is looking for in a cosmetic product for body care. For the first time, the commonplace view of cannabis as a mere narcotic substance has been cleared.
Cosmetics with hemp extracts: benefits for face, skin and body
Hemp cosmetics boast significant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids such as gamma-linoleic acid, Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are extremely beneficial to both skin and hair health. These products are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants such as Vitamin E, widely known for its proven anti-radical and anti-ageing action.
One of the main advantages of using CBD beauty products is their ability to deeply moisturise and nourish the skin and hair, thanks to the presence of gamma linoleic acid, which prevents dryness, dehydration and the consequent desquamation of skin tissue. Using hemp cosmetics therefore guarantees a toned, supple and radiant skin, as well as healthier, brighter and more vital hair.
At the same time, CBD cosmetics have strong anti-ageing properties, i.e. they can significantly reduce the damaging effect of free radicals, which are the main cause of skin ageing and any oxidative process. Hemp-based face and body creams, ointments, serums, detergents and shampoos also have a high anti-inflammatory power, which is particularly useful in treating skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and inflammation.
Suitable for even the most sensitive and reactive skin, CBD beauty products are the best solution for reducing dryness and cracking, and limiting redness. Not to be underestimated are the antiviral and antibacterial properties of sativa hemp cosmetics, which can prove invaluable in the presence of acne or excessive sebum production.
Hemp hair products such as shampoo and conditioner are also noteworthy. Used in synergy, they nourish the hair fibre, moisturising and nourishing it in depth, while also normalising the scalp. However, CBD oil is also a faithful ally of beauty. Used as a compress, it restores moisture and nourishment, restoring the natural balance of the scalp and hair.
How to choose the best cosmetics based on hemp extracts
All cosmetics in general are formulated by emulsifying an aqueous fraction to the oily and fatty component: among the first ingredients that make up the same formulation therefore appears water followed by one or more oils and vegetable and functional extracts, together with the characteristic fragrance of the product.
What distinguishes a natural cosmetic product from a conventional one is therefore the presence of chemical and synthetic elements that inevitably affect its quality, thus reducing its beneficial effects. When it comes to CBD cosmetics, it is always a good idea to assess the formulation before making a purchase, carefully analysing the so-called INCI, i.e. the list of ingredients that make up the product, in order of quantity.
The best CBD beauty products boast high concentrations of CBD oils and active ingredients that make each product, whether creams, shampoos or cleansers, effective and truly active in the area of application.
It is equally important, therefore, to check the degree of purity of the active ingredients in the hemp cosmetic and their origin, preferably from organic farming or sustainable cultivation with a reduced environmental impact: the CBD or cannabidiol or cannabis oil should never appear excessively diluted, so as not to lose its effectiveness.
Lastly, it is essential that the product is vegan and cruelty free, i.e. also suitable for vegans and not tested in any way on animal species. Only in this way is it possible to be certain of relying on a natural, effective and high-performance product capable of improving the quality of the skin and significantly reducing any dermatological problems.