CBD skincare has officially transitioned from a trend to what we’d consider the norm. Look, your skin’s been through a lot from late nights, cheap wine, Joburg traffic fumes, and that one time you thought toothpaste would fix a pimple.
Now it’s begging for peace, hydration, and maybe a tiny bit of CBD.
From serums to moisturisers and lip balms, this cannabis-derived ingredient is taking over bathroom shelves locally and internationally. But is it just hype? Or does skincare with CBD actually work?
After all, CBD is the cannabinoid that keeps on giving. We’ve spoken about it a lot! Now, we’re going to discuss how CBD can be used in skincare.
We used to stock our own CBD Repair cream; however, the powers that be decided that it was better to let other South African CBD brands take the torch and move forward! I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.
Anyway! How does this CBD work on your face?
How Does CBD Work?
For some general background, CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp or cannabis plant.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t make you high. Instead, it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network that helps regulate skin functions, such as oil production, inflammation, and cell regeneration.
Most skincare brands use hemp-derived CBD, and must contain less ≤ 0.001% THC according to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
One of the main properties of CBD is that it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. This helps it to address a multitude of different issues, like:
- Joint pains;
- Poor sleep cycles;
- Cardiac diseases;
- Sharpening brain functions;
- Mood improvements;
- And more.
Another significant benefit is that CBD is also a powerful antioxidant.
The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties makes CBD an ideal choice for skincare.
You can use CBD oil and add it to your cream, or buy a specially formulated product.
But what skin benefits does CBD provide?
Benefits of CBD for Skin
There are numerous benefits to using CBD for skin care. While new research is always emerging, here are the fairly established benefits accepted by skincare professionals.
It Calms Angry, Red, Drama-Queen Skin
Under-eye bags from 3 AM scrolling? Sunburn from forgetting sunscreen at the braai? CBD steps in like a soothing auntie with a cup of rooibos tea.
CBD is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Speaking of which!
Acne? CBD Says “Nah.”
CBD, as mentioned, helps balance oil production and keeps pores clear. And it does this by not drying your skin out like cheap benzoyl peroxide from Dis-Chem.
So, when using CBD skincare treatments to address acne, it has a three-prong approach of:
- Regulating sebum (oil) production.
- Reducing inflammation in clogged pores.
- Fighting acne-causing bacteria.
Studies also suggest CBD can help oily or acne-prone skin stay balanced without drying it out.
Anti-Ageing Like a Time-Travel Serum
CBD is loaded with antioxidants. Translation? It helps fight wrinkles, dullness, and all the damage caused by pollution, stress, and “just one more episode.”
What antioxidants are in this magical cannabinoid? Well, vitamins C and E! This makes CBD a powerful antioxidant that can help:
- Neutralise free radicals from pollution and UV rays.
- Slow down premature ageing.
- Reduce fine lines and dullness.
Helps With Skin Barrier
Packed with omega fatty acids, CBD helps strengthen your skin barrier and lock in hydration. No more flaky, thirsty skin.
CBD contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. This helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
Suitable for Sensitive Skin
No burning, no stinging, no drama. CBD is that gentle friend who says, “Shhh. It’s okay.”
CBD is naturally soothing and non-irritating. It works for most skin types, especially sensitive or reactive skin that is prone to irritation from fragrances or harsh chemicals.CBD Skincare Reduces Signs of Aging
As we age, our skin does too. This ageing process (or life) starts to leave its marks. These signs can vary and can appear as:
- Red skin tones;
- Skin dullness;
- And wrinkles.
Most commercials will direct you to anti-aging creams. But CBD oil and cream can help.
CBD creams keep skin hydrated and healthy. This is due to its antioxidant properties, which help reduce the signs of aging mentioned above.
How to Add CBD to Your Skincare Routine (Without Looking Like a Grease Ball)
We can only assume that if you’re still reading, you’re really keen to start integrating CBD into your daily skincare routine, but don’t want to overdo it and look like a greasy goblin.
Anyway! Here is a simple step-by-step to ensure you don’t integrate your new CBD products badly.
| Step | Product | Why Your Face Will Love It |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | CBD Cleanser | Removes dirt and makeup without stripping your glow. |
| 2. | CBD Serum | The main magic reduces redness and acne. While providing moisture, it handles it all! |
| 3. | CBD Moisturiser | Locks in the good stuff and keeps skin soft-soft. |
| 4. | CBD Face Oil | Dab it on pimples and watch them calm down, as if they had just had a CBD latte. |
| 5. | Spot Treatment | Dab it on pimples and watch them calm down like they just had a CBD latte. |
For our eagle-eyed fact checkers, you may wonder where some of these sources are for these claims.
Yes, yes, there’s some Science to Back it Up!
Yes, there is some scientific research to back up all the claims we’ve made in this blog on a commercial website selling cannabis related products.
- Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders — Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
- Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases
- The Potential Role of Cannabidiol in Cosmetic Dermatology
While nearly all of them mention that it’s a whole new world of possibilities, So, now, how does one go about choosing their CBD skincare treatment?
Choosing a CBD Skincare Product? Don’t Get Scammed.
Before you buy, ensure it’s not just fancy packaging and empty promises. After all, everyone is playing the capitalist game of making the most money until we die!
Gosh, anyway! Here’s a quick checklist for you to use when buying a CBD skincare product:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Type of CBD | Full-spectrum (all the plant goodies), broad-spectrum (no THC), or isolate (just CBD). |
| Lab Test (COA) | Shows the CBD is real, clean, and not random cooking oil. |
| CBD Strength | More mg = more benefits. Don’t fall for “CBD-infused” with 2 mg nonsense. |
| Ingredients | Avoid parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances if your skin is sensitive. |
| Packaging | Dark bottles = CBD stays fresh. Sunlight kills the vibe. |
To be completely transparent, there might be some downsides to CBD skincare products, which include the following:
- Mild irritation (your skin being dramatic again).
- Breakouts while adjusting.
- Don’t mix with strong retinols or prescription creams unless a dermatologist approves.
Always do a patch test unless you enjoy gambling with face rashes. Additionally, we must note that these side effects are rare.
So, if your skin is dry, angry, oily, ageing, sensitive, or just tired of your nonsense, yes, maybe it’s time to change your skincare routine to include some CBD.
After all, CBD skincare is gentle, natural, calming, and doesn’t come with the munchies.
