Cosmetics with cannabis – new trends in skin and hair care
"What won't they come up with..." is the first thought that comes to mind when an ordinary person sees a characteristic leaflet on a cosmetic package. Indeed, there are already so many effective and unusual actives in cosmetology, why else would we need hemp derivatives? Meanwhile, it is the substances contained in hemp that very effectively cope with many skin care problems: acne, inflammation, signs of aging, dry skin, poor healing.
A surge of interest in hemp arose in the United States during the period of decriminalization and legalization of hemp. The use of marijuana for medical purposes has become an impetus for research into the properties of this plant and its derivatives in the beauty industry.
Not all hemp is marijuana
In our understanding, hemp, cannabis and marijuana are the same plant. But in America, cannabis or marijuana is the name given to the plant that is used as a drug or for medical purposes. But hemp is a technical agricultural crop that does not have narcotic properties. In cosmetology, both can be used. And the difference between the types is only in what specific unique substances they contain, and they are called cannabinoids.
What are cannabinoids: cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabidiol
Cannabinoids are a whole set of active chemical substances contained in hemp, there are more than 80 of them. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) are most often used.
Tetrahydrocannabidiol has a narcotic effect. It is most often used for medical purposes, but no more than 1-3% is added to cosmetics. This active ingredient has a pronounced calming effect, as it activates CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. By acting on these receptors, you can reduce skin irritation, including itching, reduce pain and treat inflammatory processes. It is impossible to buy tetrahydrocannabidiol in Ukraine, since the use of cannabis for medical purposes has not yet been legalized. However, the law on medical marijuana is already being considered in the Verkhovna Rada.
Nevertheless, there are cosmetics containing cannabis derivatives in Ukraine. They contain another type of cannabinoids - cannabidiol, on the label it is designated by the abbreviation CBD.
Cannabidiol does not have narcotic properties and does not give a psychotropic effect. However, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory asset, reduces sebum production, soothes itching, relieves inflammation and reduces the intensity of redness. In addition, CBD is a powerful antioxidant, which is also effectively used in the fight against hyperpigmentation and rosacea.
Less well-known cannabinoids that can be found in cosmetics are cannabigerol (CBG), which has an antibacterial effect, and cannabichromene (CBC), which acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory active.
Human endocannabinoid system
Cannabidiol has such a powerful effect on the skin and launches many useful processes in it due to its ability to activate the endocannabinoid system. This is one of the systems for regulating metabolic processes between the body's cells, discovered and studied quite recently. The system includes a chain of cannabinoid receptors that are located throughout the body, including the skin. These receptors are responsible for transmitting signals at the cellular level and affect the body's self-regulation system. Simply put, the body's cells communicate with each other using special signals - neurotransmitters, and trigger the production of necessary substances thanks to such signals. And the endocannabinoid system regulates the production process so that it is optimal for the body.
If there is a deficiency of endocannabinoid receptors, the body reacts to this by disrupting the nervous and immune systems. Specifically on the skin, this can manifest itself as a number of diseases and inflammatory processes: acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergic reactions, itching. Cannabinoids obtained by the body from the outside can stabilize the human endocannabinoid system and restore the normal state of the body, including the skin. CBD works precisely by increasing the level of its own endocannabinoid in the body - anandamide.
AnnonaSense – a cannabidiol analogue that can be purchased in Ukraine
In addition to cannabis derivatives, a number of plants also contain substances that can support the endocannabinoid system. The cosmetic component AnnonaSense, produced by the well-known German company CLR, is a specially processed extract of cheremoya, which acts like cannabinoids. It activates the cannabinoid receptor CB2, which is responsible, among other things, for the skin's immune response, makes it less sensitive to environmental influences, relieves inflammation, soothes itching and reduces redness. AnnonaSense is a godsend for sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions, as well as for problem skin. AnnonaSense increases the production of anandamide similar to the work of CBD.
Are cannabinoids contained in hemp oil
Cannabinoids are found mainly in the resin of female hemp plants. To obtain CBD and TGC, the upper parts of the plants, as well as the leaves, are used. But hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, in which the content of cannabinoids is insignificant. But this does not reduce the value of hemp oil in the cosmetic industry. It is considered one of the driest, that is, it is quickly absorbed, leaving no greasy shine. The unique composition and high content of gamma-linoleic acid make this oil a leader in moisturizing and restoring the hydro-lipid balance not only in the skin, but also in nails and hair. This oil also has healing properties, it is used to treat scars, smooth out wrinkles, as well as for psoriasis and eczema.
Do cosmetics with cannabinoids cause addiction
Cosmetics with cannabis do not have any narcotic effect, do not cause addiction and dependence. As we wrote above, the composition uses CBD and other cannabinoids that do not have a psychotropic effect. THC is used only in those countries where medical cannabis is legalized, and even then in tiny quantities. So you can use cosmetics with cannabis without any fear. Moreover, in the vast majority of cases, mass-market products use only harmless hemp oil. And to find the coveted jar with CBD on the label, you really have to try.
And if you still want to influence your endocannabinoid system with the help of cosmetics made by yourself, use AnnonaSense, which can be freely purchased in the Beurre store, and recipes with this unique asset are already on our YouTube channel Cosmetic Kitchen BEURRE.
