The green rush is among us and America’s cannabis industry is dominating the global landscape. 

If you step into a supermarket, cosmetics store or simply browse the Internet in today’s day and age, chances are you’re going to see something that has been infused with cannabis.

According to Forbes, cannabis could be the most valuable ingredient in skincare. However, the plant is still classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government, making the process of selling cannabis-based products a sometimes tricky task brands specializing in cannabis skincare.

Nonetheless, increased awareness and ongoing research are helping people to understand the perks of using cannabis skincare.

“For 5,000 years, cannabis has been helping everyone,” said Cindy Capobianco, the co-founder of CBD edibles and body lotion brand Lord Jones.  “Before 1937, when it was prohibited, there was a cannabis elixir on every shelf. It reduces inflammation and pain in a way I’ve never seen anything work.”

Skin care professionals are capitalizing on the rise of cannabis, with the plant’s CBD compound being hailed for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

CBD is a powerful cannabis compound for skin rejuvenation

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound. It accounts for approximately 40 percent of the plant’s extract.

The CBD market pulled in $170 million in 2017. Within three years, this figure is projected to hit $1 billion, according to research from Brightfield Group.

In states that have legalized cannabis for medicinal use, CBD is sold to patients with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, insomnia, arthritis and even cancer.

The unique cannabinoid triggers various effects by working with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – something that we all have inside our bodies.

According to the CEO of MGC Derma, Roby Zomer, cannabis-based cosmetics “collaborate with your body as opposed to merely being on it.”

As many as 470 organic compounds are contained in pure CBD oil, which is usually extracted from the plant matter using solvents like butane. It is these special compounds that can rejuvenate and transform the skin. When merged with other types of natural ingredients, the end product’s nutritional content increases.

This is a technique used to develop cannabis skincare product Blossom Face Serum. Containing carrot seed oil that works in synergy with CBD, the nutrient-rich product works from the inside out to enhance cellular healing, reduce inflammation and provide instant antioxidant protection.

Cannabis skincare products act as a natural anti-inflammatory

Since inflammation is the underlying problem that triggers many skin conditions like rosacea and acne, is it any wonder why cannabis skincare is rapidly gaining popularity?

CBD boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it the perfect ingredient for people with skin soreness, swelling, and puffiness. With so many healing benefits, CBD can target various skin problems simultaneously.

“We developed skin care because we could see the benefits of the anti-inflammatory ingredients on our pharmaceutical side,” says the chief executive of MGC Pharmaceuticals, Roby Zomer.

“Cannabis as a plant has so many different compounds — whether for skincare or to treat anxiety, you should have it on your bathroom shelf just like a vitamin B complex or zinc. The skin is the biggest organ, and faces the most harmful environment on a daily basis, so it needs to be able to fight pollution, sensitivity and itchiness,” he added.

Although structurally similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), this cannabinoid possesses therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammation, multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer pain and neuropathic pain.

Cannabis skincare products could soothe itching and help fight acne

Numerous studies have pointed to the advantages of using cannabis skincare products. CBD, in particular, has proven useful as a solution for fighting acne.

The soothing cannabis compound’s inflammation-fighting ability could make skin appear more youthful. Moreover, as a natural pain reliever, CBD has the potential to be used as a botanical acne treatment.

According to New York-based dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner, CBD can reduce itchiness, pain, and feelings of heat when it binds to TRPV-1 receptors in the skin. This has been confirmed by scientific studies, like this one.

CBD’s soothing effects also make it a potential cannabis skincare option for individuals with eczema, dermatitis and other dry skin conditions.

The cannabis skincare market is growing by the day. As the product selection expands, so do the options for introducing this natural ingredient into your daily routine. Topical solutions, such as balms, salves, lotions and moisturizing creams, can be applied directly to the skin for localized relief.