You probably already know someone who takes CBD oil to relieve stress or anxiety or rubs CBD balm on their joints after sports or before bed. Chances are good that you know the basics about CBD, but what’s the connection to aging and wrinkles?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a component that occurs naturally in cannabis. Unlike the tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in cannabis, CBD won’t get you high, but it does boast a range of medicinal uses. In fact, more and more consumers are now using CBD to treat all kinds of maladies, from insomnia and nausea to muscle pain and depression.
So maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that now CBD is turning up in all kinds of high-end skincare serums, gels, masks, and creams, all of which make different claims. Some aim to alleviate dry skin, others can prevent pimples, and some smooth wrinkles.
How does it work? Like other powerful antioxidants, CBD can help reduce visible signs of aging. CBD topicals can soothe inflammation and counteract damage from free-radicals, improving signs of aging such as wrinkles, ruddy skin tone, and skin dullness and making them less noticeable.
In this post, we’ll cover how CBD can help reduce wrinkles and aging in the following sections:
- Causes of Skin Aging
- What is CBD Oil?
- What Does CBD in Skincare Do?
- CBD Oil vs CBD Topicals for Wrinkles on the Skin
- How Does CBD Treat Aging?
- The Best CBD Products for Wrinkles
- Koi’s Facial Serum
- CBDfx Facial Oil
- How to Find the Best CBD Skin Care
- Final Thoughts on CBD for Wrinkles
Causes of Skin Aging
The vast majority of visible aging of the skin is caused by exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. Stress, pollution, an unhealthful diet, and other factors related to lifestyle are also relevant. In fact, only a small portion of the aging we see on our skin is caused by changes that naturally occur in our bodies as we get older.
After age 20 or so, the skin becomes less elastic and firm as the body produces about 1 percent less collagen each year and also reduces elastin production. The skin becomes thinner and more delicate, and its capacity to heal itself lessens. These problems get worse as less oil is produced by the oil glands beneath the skin’s outer layer, and the end result of the combined changes can be larger pores, fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles—all traits that can make the skin appear even older than it really is.
It’s not yet possible to prevent aging, but there are things we can do to target, prevent, and in some cases reverse premature aging. This is particularly true given that so much of what causes signs of aging skin (such as sunlight exposure or poor diet) originates outside the body and within our control.
The question is, how could CBD help reduce or mitigate the impacts these factors play when it comes to signs of aging?
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a non-intoxicating plant compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Therefore, it occurs naturally in both hemp plants and marijuana plants. Typically manufacturers extract CBD as a powder and suspend it in an oil such as hemp oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Because CBD is fat-soluble and each of these oils has its own benefits, each suspension may enhance the CBD’s effectiveness.
Unlike the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana, CBD oil in skincare products cannot get you high. CBD simply does not share the same mind-altering qualities.
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are not the same thing, but both are excellent for the skin. Although businesses often market the two products interchangeably, the difference is in the CBD concentration itself. Hemp seed oil contains only trace amounts of CBD, if any, though it is derived from hemp plant seeds. Hemp seed oil is among the best non-animal sources of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids, and many of these acids are known for their skin-moisturizing benefits such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
CBD oil is much more concentrated in CBD. All FDA-regulated CBD products follow the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), meaning they should have their name and an ingredient label that actually lists cannabidiol. Any alternative titles or terms on ingredient labels may or may not signal a product that actually contains cannabidiol. For example, “CBD-enriched hemp seed oil” is not the same ingredient as cannabidiol. In any case, you can always request the assay or product specification from the company to be 100 percent certain of what you are getting.
What Does CBD in Skincare Do?
In broad terms, we are just beginning to learn how CBD and skin care work together. It works in the body and in topical CBD products.
CBD is one of more than 100 phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids). The human body produces its own cannabinoids naturally throughout the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, and those cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids. In the body, endocannabinoids bind as neurotransmitters with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body. They help achieve stasis and regulate many internal functions such as appetite, hormones, immune system, mood, sleep, and more.
The ECS cannot always completely regulate all bodily functions or produce the exact right level of cannabinoids itself. This is why introducing phytocannabinoids from cannabis can improve the body’s health in a number of ways.
CBD Oil vs CBD Topicals for Wrinkles on the Skin
Listen, no matter what, do not smoke to help your skin. That is a fail. Whether it’s cannabis, regular cigarettes, or CBD flower, smoking is just not ideal for anti-aging. Smoking can produce free radicals, and other organic materials in the cannabis plant and certainly in some vape pen oils contain substances that are not great for your lungs or skin once they’re burned and inhaled by you.
This essentially leaves you treating skin conditions with CBD topicals such as face cream or balm and CBD oils. One acceptable method for consuming CBD in the anti-aging context is to use a strong, high-quality CBD extract or CBD oil orally. Particularly if you hold the product under your tongue to absorb, you may experience the effects more quickly.
However, for skin treatments including anti-aging and wrinkles, topical CBD lotions and creams can also be beneficial, particularly when applied directly to target areas in high doses. The best of these products also provide other organic compounds such as essential oils, vitamin E, and other skin health ingredients that encourage additional collagen production, tighten the skin, and offer other critical nutrients that boost the skin’s health to the next level.
How Does CBD Treat Aging?
Wrinkles: there are so many reasons we get them, and so much of the damage is done long before we’re adults who care. Anything from a genetic predisposition to crow’s feet, smoking, sun exposure from UV rays, or even just extensive stress can apparently be written all over our faces.
But antioxidants are one of the keys to fighting the ravages of aging, and that’s the first reason that CBD topicals can help visibly diminish issues like skin dullness, wrinkles, and ruddy skin tone.
CBD oil helps combat wrinkles and reduce signs of the aging process in the following ways:
Has an Antioxidant Effect
CBD from the hemp plant has even more powerful antioxidant properties than vitamins C and E. These antioxidants help reduce free-radicals which wreak havoc throughout the body—including attacking the collagen fibers. CBD also fights harmful free radical byproducts of natural bodily processes such as toxins, not just externally sourced free radicals.
Fights Inflammation
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat skin inflammation, relax the skin, and reduce redness, leaving existing damage such as wrinkles less visible. These anti-inflammatory effects also make CBD topicals effective treatments for eczema and psoriasis. GLA and the essential fatty acid omega 3 also reduce inflammation and gently moisturize the skin.
Encourages Sebum Production
One of the keys to dealing with both signs of aging and acne is regulating sebum or oil production in the face. CBD and hemp oil both regulate the oil glands to maintain the correct level of sebum production. Optimal sebum production means smoother, less sensitive, more supple skin.
Soothes Sensitive Skin
CBD oil also boasts notable skin-normalizing, soothing, and calming benefits and can help minimize skin sensitivity issues, including reactivity and redness. These benefits can help anyone’s skin cope with the rigors of exposure to environmental stressors.
When you think about anti-aging properties and CBD, you might have mostly prevention of skin damage in mind. There is some evidence, though, that CBD may help reverse existing signs of aging as antioxidants. And there are still other ways that using CBD topicals could help develop a more youthful appearance:
- Less stress means less cortisol production—and cortisol exacerbates skin issues.
- Treating pain, especially chronic pain, reduces facial expressions that create wrinkles.
- Better quality sleep improves health overall.
Koi Facial Serum
We loved Koi Facial Serum for so many reasons. This was our pure CBD option—no THC in this facial serum, for those who need the peace of mind. But that’s not why we love it.
Koi Facial Serum is moisturizing, nourishing, hydrating, and all around provides that perfect replenishing feel for your skin. Every 30 mL (1.01 fl oz) bottle is infused with 500mg of CBD, so there is some serious potency there. But the rest of the ingredients are also amazing for your skin.
Koi uses a blend of algae, apricot, camellia, jojoba, pomegranate, prickly pear, and other oils to reduce dark under-eye circles, fine lines, and restore the natural beauty of the skin. The algae oil is filled with highly concentrated omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the appearance of aging and prevent dryness, while jojoba oil is a humectant that seals in moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin.
Hemp seed oil is a natural moisturizer that is non-comedogenic, while camellia oil contains vitamins A, D and E, oleic acid, essential fatty acids, and plant collagen—all critical for the skin.
Pomegranate seed oil soothes the skin and hydrates it. Prickly pear oil contains fatty acids that help to restore elasticity and replenish lost lipids, along with vitamin K which can brighten under-eye dark circles, dark spots, and other areas of hyper-pigmentation.
To use CBD topicals to treat wrinkles and other signs of aging, first clean and tone your skin. Then gently massage your CBD topical into your skin until it is absorbed.
CBDfx Facial Oil
We chose CBDfx Rejuvediol facial oil as our full-spectrum option, and what it lacks in sheer strength or potency it makes up for in the entourage effect. It is also vegan, without any fillers or additives, which we love.
Each 30mL bottle of CBDfx Rejuvediol facial oil contains 250mg of full-spectrum CBD. It also contains other skin-calming ingredients such as jojoba, rose extract, vitamin E, and red raspberry seed to help fight signs of aging.
Together, those ingredients stimulate cellular turnover, improve oxygen delivery to cells, and strengthen collagen, renewing skin elasticity. This allows the CBDfx facial oil formula to prevent wrinkles and diminish signs of aging by shielding against free radical damage.
To use CBDfx Rejuvediol facial oil, first wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Prepare the serum by warming 8 to 10 drops in your hands to bring it to body temperature. Pat your facial skin gently with the serum—never rub it. Make sure you apply an even coat across your entire face and neck.
What else do we love about CBDfx Rejuvediol facial oil? Gorgeous, sleek packaging that feels luxurious to use. A nice, light smell that is definitely not overpowering. Additional relief for other sensitive skin issues and even acne. And hey—we do love a full-spectrum option.
Beyond that, we trust this brand and know them well. Customer service is excellent, and you will never be left out in the cold with these products.
How to Find the Best CBD Skin Care
We know which CBD oil for wrinkles we like best, but there are a ton of options out there. Just know what you’re shopping for to ensure you get a great product. Here are some tips for getting the best CBD skincare:
INCI-compliant terminology. Only “cannabidiol” on the ingredients list is INCI-compliant. Anything else is not the same, and remember, hemp seed oil and hemp seed extract are not the same as CBD oil.
Total cannabidiol content. Look for total cannabidiol content in milligrams on the packaging. Brands that produce and sell legitimate CBD skin products know exactly what is in them, so although there’s no scientific answer yet about how much CBD to use on the skin, look for the ability to measure and monitor dosage in some way.
Third-party testing results. Look for evidence of third-party certification of the amount and purity of the CBD. If you can’t find it, ask the brand.
Packaging. CBD skincare products should be sold in stable packaging. This means no clear bottles, clear jars, or any packaging that leaves the delicate plant ingredients exposed to air and light, reducing effectiveness.
Type of CBD. CBD skin care products may contain CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD, or full-spectrum CBD:
- CBD isolate is pure CBD, without any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids—and that means no THC.
- Broad spectrum CBD includes all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, but no detectable THC.
- Full spectrum CBD includes all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, including minor cannabinoids such as CBC, CBN, CBG, and CBV, and trace amounts of THC. However, to be considered a legal hemp-derived product, a full-spectrum CBD product must fall below 0.3 percent THC.
None of these types of CBD products have psychoactive effects.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Wrinkles
If you’re a resident of planet Earth, you probably worry about the way your skin looks and feels sometimes. As we all get older, this is even easier to worry about as the lines and wrinkles start to appear.
One great tactic is to reduce your stress by treating the skin you have better. CBD skin care products and CBD oil for wrinkles may help produce smoother, more supple, youthful skin. The science appears to be on CBD’s side.
And there’s one thing we can say for sure: these CBD face serums have an amazing feel when you use them. If you want to feel like you’re doing yourself and your face a favor, give them a try!