As we age, our skin can become thin, pale and translucent in appearance. Natural pigments may also begin to disappear, often replaced by pigmentation from sun damage or “liver spots” — dark areas of the skin that can appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Years spent in the sun may also change the skin’s elasticity and strength, giving way to leathery-looking skin.
CBD [is] capable of neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress to potentially reduce the visible signs of aging.
Fortunately, CBD may be able to provide some benefits to aging skin thanks to its antioxidant properties. More specifically, topical oils like hemp oil, CBD cream and serums may rejuvenate the skin and help return its natural glow.
How Skin Ages
Naturally, our bodies change as we grow older. Hormone levels fluctuate, muscle mass often declines, joints may stiffen and vision, hearing and cognition may decline. Nonetheless, our skin frequently exhibits the most noticeable effects of aging as a result of:
- Continuous exposure – Our skin is exposed to environmental factors like sunlight, pollution and harsh weather conditions throughout our lives. This can contribute to visible aging effects, such as speckled or mottled age spots. Most commonly, these spots are brown, flat and oval-shaped, and they can range from small freckles to half-inch spots that are often grouped together.
- Decreased collagen production – As we age, our skin's natural collagen production diminishes, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. This can result in fine lines, dynamic wrinkles and sagging.
- Reduced elasticity – The skin's ability to bounce back decreases with age, causing it to appear looser and less supple.
- Formation of fine lines and wrinkles – Repetitive facial expressions and reduced collagen contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth.
- Thinning of the epidermis – The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, becomes thinner with age, making it more susceptible to damage and dryness.
- Slower cell turnover – Skin cell turnover slows as we age, resulting in a duller complexion and a longer time for skin to heal. Skin tags, warts and blemishes are also more common among older people.
- Loss of subcutaneous fat – The fat layer beneath the skin decreases with age, leading to a more sunken appearance in certain areas, such as the cheeks. A decrease in fat may also make the skin more susceptible to injury.
- Dryness and dehydration – The sebaceous glands in aging skin tend to produce less natural oil, leading to dryness and a compromised moisture barrier. In men, this typically occurs after the age of 80, while women will typically experience increased dryness during menopause.
- Visible veins and capillaries – Blood vessels become more visible as the skin loses its thickness and elasticity. Blood vessels can also become more fragile, which can cause bleeding or bruising under the skin, as well as benign skin growths made up of blood vessels.
- Accumulation of free radical damage – Over time, free radicals from environmental factors can cause oxidative stress, contributing to premature aging of the skin.
- Slower healing – Wounds and skin injuries may take longer to heal due to reduced cell turnover and diminished collagen production.
- Pronounced effects of lifestyle choices – Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet can accelerate skin aging and make the effects more noticeable. It's essential to care for our skin and protect it from harmful environmental factors to minimize the visible effects of aging and maintain a healthy, radiant appearance.
CBD’s Antioxidant Properties
So, what is CBD, exactly? CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, namely, the hemp plant. It’s available in various forms, including oils, edibles and CBD topicals.
Recently, CBD has gained significant attention for its potential therapeutic properties and its role as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells.
Understanding Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals (formed from oxygen) and the body's natural antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons which can cause damage to cell structures, proteins, lipids and DNA. This damage is associated with various health issues, including signs of aging.
Free radicals can include a subset of chemically reactive molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are generated as a byproduct of the body’s natural cellular metabolism.
Fortunately, antioxidants can help protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals by donating electrons to stabilize them, thus preventing further cellular damage.
CBD acts as a potent antioxidant, capable of neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress to potentially reduce the visible signs of aging. Since our bodies produce fewer antibodies as we age, adding CBD to your skincare routine may help return your skin to its natural glow.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System
It’s believed that CBD is extremely rich in antioxidants, thanks to its extra oxygen atom which can neutralize free radicals. In fact, one study found that CBD is a more effective antioxidant than vitamins C and E.
Its effectiveness also lies within its closeness with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is complex and vast, made up of endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoids) and receptors that are present throughout the central and peripheral nervous system.
Research has found that the endocannabinoid system “communicates” with ROS and may help regulate the balance between oxidants and antioxidants within the body. Certain endocannabinoids may also repress ROS generation in certain cases and induce antioxidant enzymes.
So, where does CBD come into all of this?
When CBD enters the body, the cannabinoid can mimic endocannabinoids and perform many of the same functions.
CBD Oil Anti Aging Effects
In addition to its antioxidant properties, different types of CBDmay also benefit aging skin through various factors, such as its:
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Inflammation is another factor that accelerates skin aging. Inflammation can lead to the breakdown of collagen, loss of skin elasticity and the appearance of redness and puffiness. CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties which can help calm skin inflammation and reduce the visibility of irritated or uncomfortable skin conditions that can cause itchiness and redness.
- Hydrating effects – Aging skin often suffers from reduced hydration levels and moisture retention, resulting in dryness and skin dullness. CBD may help address this issue by promoting better hydration and moisture retention in the skin. It works by supporting the skin's natural barrier function, which helps prevent water loss and keeps the skin plump and hydrated. Additionally, CBD has been found to regulate sebum production in the skin. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands, and excessive sebum production can lead to oily skin and blemishes. By balancing sebum production, CBD can contribute to healthier-looking skin.
- Collagen support – Collagen is a vital protein that provides structural support to the skin, keeping it firm and elastic. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to the development of wrinkles and sagging skin. Some research suggests that CBD may stimulate collagen production in skin cells, helping to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles.
- Stress reduction – Stress can take a toll on the skin, contributing to premature aging and various skin issues. By managing stress, CBD indirectly supports skin health and the overall aging process. CBD's interaction with the ECS may help reduce stress levels, promoting a more relaxed and rejuvenated state of being.
- Skin cell regeneration – CBD has been studied for its potential role in promoting skin cell regeneration. This process is essential for maintaining healthy skin and repairing damage caused by environmental factors and aging.
- Soothing effects – CBD's soothing and calming effects may benefit individuals with sensitive or irritated skin, and it may help improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.
How to Use CBD For Skin Health
If you'd like to integrate CBD into your skincare routine, it's essential to start with a patch test to check for any adverse reactions. Once you've ensured your skin tolerates CBD well, you can explore a variety of CBD-infused skincare products to find the ones that best suit your needs.
For daily maintenance, consider using CBD-infused moisturizers, serums or facial oils to promote hydration and overall skin health. These products can help maintain a glowing complexion and reduce dryness. CBD creams and balms may also help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and provide targeted relief.
Additionally, ensure that you’re using a high-quality CBD product, no matter the form you choose. You’ll want to look for a product that’s specifically formulated for topical use. Also, check to see that the CBD skincare product has undergone third-party testing and that the company provides its own certification of analysis (COA). A COA will provide detailed insights into:
- Potency of ingredients
- Cannabinoid profile
- Presence of contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and microbials
- Where and when the product was tested
CBD Anti Aging With Zebra CBD
A topical CBD product can help rejuvenate and maintain healthy skin, thanks to its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cell-stimulating and hydrating properties. Do you want to learn more about CBD? We’ve got resources about CBD and muscle recovery, the difference between CBN vs CBD and so many more. Additionally, there are a variety of topical CBD infused skincare products on the market or CBD online shops to incorporate into your skincare routine.
However, none are quite as good as Zebra CBD.
Each of our CBD products comes with a Label Accuracy Guarantee, ensuring that our ingredients match the label and are of the highest quality. In addition to boosting the glow of your skin, our CBD topicals like CBD Balm, CBD hemp oil, CBD Rub and CBD Roll-On Relief products and our hemp pills as well as CBD gummies for sale can also help support muscle and joint health to provide full-body benefits — inside and out.
Medline Plus. Aging Changes in Skin. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004014.htm
Mayo Clinic. Age Spots (Liver Spots). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
Hemppedia. The Antioxidant Properties of CBD. https://hemppedia.org/the-antioxidant-properties-of-cbd/
Harvard Health Publishing. The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
Outlook. Rejuvenate And Rewind: Unveiling The Timeless Benefits Of CBD Oil For Anti-Aging. https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/rejuvenate-and-rewind-unveiling-the-timeless-benefits-of-cbd-oil-for-anti-aging-news-300948
