CBD is used in skin care for a number of beneficial reasons. The most known benefit is its powerful anti-inflammatory properties helping to reduce redness and irritation on the skin. However, a more unknown benefit of CBD is that it is an antioxidant like Vitamin C or Vitamin E. In fact, CBD is 30% – 50% more potent an antioxidant than Vitamin C or Vitamin E!
“CBD is 30% – 50% more potent an antioxidant than Vitamin C or Vitamin E!“
What is an Antioxidant?
You may have heard of antioxidants when learning about healthy diet and lifestyle tips. From blueberries high in Vitamin A and C to oranges high in Vitamin C, it is recommended to have healthy foods for their high antioxidant content in order to prevent disease and keep the body healthy. In skincare, we value antioxidants for similar reasons. Antioxidants help to keep the skin healthy by fighting off free radicals on the skin.
What are Free Radicals?
Because free radicals are everywhere, our bodies are constantly fighting them! Free radicals are a natural waste product of our own metabolism, as well as being produced by external factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating fried foods. In small amounts, free radicals are actually necessary for our basic biological functions, such as energy production and immune system maintenance. However, as they accumulate, they begin to cause serious damage to our cells which can cause premature ageing of the skin. In the body free radicals can result in oxidative stress which has been linked to diseases including heart disease and other inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidants help to fight these free radicals and prevent premature ageing in the skin and in the body. That is why Vitamin C and Vitamin E serums are so popular to help keep skin looking youthful and glowing. However, CBD has more antioxidant power which when used in skincare can prevent free radical damage whilst also providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to Apply Antioxidants in Skincare
Many serums will state which antioxidants are in the formulations. Look for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and CBD for antioxidant protection against damage from UV rays, oxidative stress, and free radical damage. These all give potent protection against premature ageing, keeping your skin looking youthful and glowing throughout the years. Our own products such as the Phyto-retinol + CBD Night Serum and the CBD Clarity Serum both have CBD as the main antioxidant to help keep skin youthful and decrease redness and inflammation. Use a serum high in antioxidants morning and night before locking in the nourishment with a gentle moisturiser and an SPF to protect from the sun’s rays.
Citations:
Hampson AJ, Grimaldi M, Axelrod J, Wink D. Cannabidiol and (-)Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol are neuroprotective antioxidants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 Jul 7;95(14):8268-73. doi: 10.1073/pnas.95.14.8268. PMID: 9653176; PMCID: PMC20965.
Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Dec 25;9(1):21. doi: 10.3390/antiox9010021. PMID: 31881765; PMCID: PMC7023045.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://ascendskincare.co.uk/antioxidants-in-skincare/
