CBD (cannabidiol) has been slowly taking over for the past few years. People have been singing its therapeutic praises, taking it as an oil, infusing it into lattes, and even vaping it. But now a new branch of CBD has arrived – CBD cream.
Before delving into CBD cream, it is important to understand what CBD is. To give it its full name, cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound (or phytocannabinoid) found in cannabis plants. CBD is extracted from hemp, which is a variety of cannabis. The other well known variety of cannabis is marijuana which contains psychoactive elements which are not present in CBD products.
Phytocannabinoids affect the human body by interacting with a set of receptors and enzymes called the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are present in the nervous system, the immune system, and the skin.
CBD has many natural properties which make it an ideal skin care supplement:
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CBD – Antioxidant
Antioxidants are vital for our bodies to fight free radicals appear in our bodies due to factors like fried food and tobacco to factors that are often out of our control, like air pollutants. When left, free radicals can cause damage to our cells, proteins and DNA. To counter the effects of these molecules an antioxidant is needed to neutralize them, and scientists have observed that CBD can act in this way. Antioxidants allow for skin to repair, recover and rejuvenate.
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CBD – Anti-inflammatory
Skin inflammation is a result of the body’s immune system acting in response to infections, diseases, and allergic reactions. When skin is inflamed it will appear red, swollen and sometimes feel raw. Muscles tissue can also become inflamed when overworked during exercise. CBD works to control and manage inflammation via the endocannabinoid system.
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CBD – Analgesic
An analgesic is something that acts as a painkiller. The most common painkillers are over the counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, more and more people are looking for natural alternatives to avoid the potentially negative side effects of painkillers. Research has found that CBD has analgesic properties, and by rubbing it into the skin you can target the place of pain.
Because CBD contains all of these naturally occurring properties, CBD producers have recognised its potential in skincare. CBD cream is particularly popular in multiple forms including: extra moisturising body butters, rejuvenating facial creams, and muscle recovery gels.
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Interesting related article: “What is Cannabidiol?“