August 20, 2022 5 min read
There are numerous skin benefits of using CBD-infused face serum masks. CBD serum-infused face masks rejuvenate the skin, reduce the effects of free radicals, and fight acne and psoriasis and firm collagen fibers in the face. However, is it advisable to wash your face after using CBD-infused face masks? Below is a discussion on the safety of CBD serum masks.
Hemp was declassified as a schedule I drug by the FDA in 2018, consequently, the bill allowed for use of CBD. Cannabidiol is mainly obtained from leaves, flowers, buds, and stems of hemp making it a phytocannabinoid. There are various methods of administering CBD to the body, these can include sublingual, oral, vaping, topical, or dermal administration. The method used depends on the form of CBD used. CBD serum masks are a form of topical CBD, i.e., CBD applied through the skin. Once applied, they are absorbed by the skin and interact with endocannabinoid receptors on the skin to alter how the skin functions. However, it is important to understand how to properly use CBD face serum masks. Below is a discussion of some of the safety precautions when using these masks.
The main physiological functions of the endocannabinoid receptors located on the skin are regulating the increase, tolerance, and survival of various specialized and general skin cells. This normally involves balancing between these three delicate issues and having wide variations in either can result in various skin issues such as psoriasis or acne. The ECS consists of receptors and cannabinoids and is responsible for regulating various homeostatic functions in the body such as regulation of hormone production, controlling body temperature, and regulating the level of immunity response. The ECS also collects and interprets signals from cannabinoid receptors before acting on them appropriately. CBD has an indirect effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors, which is the reason for its apparent therapeutic properties. In addition, it interacts with different receptors from those that interact with THC. This makes it safe for use as it has no risk of inducing ‘highnesses on its users and causing dependency issues.
There are numerous benefits of using CBD infused face masks that include but are not limited to the following;
An acne is a form of skin inflammatory condition. As much as various factors can trigger acne, there are not many substances, both natural and synthesized, that are known to reduce inflammation and soothe skin. Prolonged use of most of these products is unlikely to reduce breakouts, especially redness related to acne.
Baswan et al. (2020) explained that CBD has anti-inflammatory benefits when applied to the skin. The researchers found that CBD showed complex anti-inflammatory actions, helping to reduce excessive oil production, one of the main reasons for acne development. CBD acts by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors which are found in abundance on the skin surface to regulate the production of sebum. Sebum has antiseptic properties but can lead to acne if produced in numerous amounts.
Furthermore, CBD aids the skin’s natural healing process, which minimizes breakouts and eczema flare-ups. Also, CBD could help enhance hydration and skin elasticity in people with eczema, scarring, or psoriasis.
CBD has been known to possess antioxidant properties on the skin. Greenfield (2020) explained that when used as an antioxidant, CBD aids in flushing and removing chemicals and toxins that can flood the pores and bloodstream causing difficulty in skin excretion of body waste materials. Furthermore, it can help counteract the signs of aging caused by free radicals in the face, such as wrinkles and skin dullness by binding to these free radicals in the body reducing skin breakouts. A study publishedreported that CBD's antioxidant properties were between 30-50% more potent than both Vitamins C and E. This makes it more effective in combating the effects of free radicals considering that it contains other cannabinoids and terpenes and flavonoids that combine to improve its efficacy.
It is simply not necessary to wash your face after you’ve removed a CBD serum face mask. Cleansing or wiping the face after a masking session could be removing away some of its benefits. The serum that is left behind after removing a mask is full of hydrating and nourishing ingredients that could benefit the skin well beyond the 20-30-minute masking period. Rather than removing the excess serum from the face, massage it into the skin until it is fully absorbed. You can use your fingertips or a roller to massage the parts of the skin that could use your extra attention. Instead, you can smooth the serum down over your neck and ensure that the leftover CBD serum is spread to this region to offer its benefits as at times it is mostly ignored or least attended to. Since one would be applying their mask to a freshly cleansed face, there is no reason to double up washes by cleansing it again 30 minutes later. Over-washing your face can strip scrub away natural essential oils produced by the skin. This can lead to drying out of the skin or creating an oily complexion by tricking your body into thinking it needs to produce more oil leading to more complications. Always remember, using a tissue or hot towel to exfoliate away at your skin can have the same effect as washing, extracting some of the precious hydrating and nourishing components from your pores that you just spent 30 minutes putting in there.
Evans (2020) explained that when shopping for CBD serum face masks, ensure that the product contains CBD oil, not hemp seed oil. The latter comes from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains trace amounts of cannabidiol. Although a low concentration of cannabidiol isn’t a deal-breaker, many CBD face masks come with additional active ingredients that bolster the benefits of CBD. These can include collagen, Manuka honey, and other essential oils. All of the above are beneficial for your skin, but virtually every standard skincare product has most if not all of them as ingredients.
It is advisable to always leave your face after utilizing a CBD face mask as washing your face washes away the benefits that the mask has put on the skin surface. Instead, gently rub the skin to ensure the leftover oils are fully absorbed in the skin maximizing the benefits of CBD face masks. However, always consult a dermatologist before using CBD as everyone has different reactions to CBD.
Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927.
Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press.
Greenfield, B. (2020). Boundless: Upgrade your brain, optimize your body & defy aging. Victory Belt Publishing.
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