Including CBD in your skincare is so hot right now. It’s estimated to be a $580 million global market. But it may not just be a fashionable fad – research is indicating cannabidiol may be effective in treating a number of skin problems.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural chemical compound found in hemp and marijuana. The cannabinoid isn’t intoxicating, it won’t get you high and it is seriously gaining traction in the world of medicine for its potential to reduce the effects of anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and some forms of epilepsy. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis may be next on the list of conditions treated or managed by CBD.

While many skincare treatments focus on the wellness angle, boasting CBD as a natural ingredient that soothes and calms skin, it’s likely that there’s a lot more to the use of serums or oils containing CBD. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD lend to its use in topical treatments that relieve inflammation or dryness, as well as being a option worth investigating for those with sensitive skin.

Promising for acne sufferers, research has shown CBD reduces the production of sebum; sebum being the oil secreted from glands present in skin. So, incorporating a CBD topical treatment in your skincare regime has potential to unclog your pores, while calming the redness and oiliness of your skin.

Studies looking into cannabinoids’ role in the management of the body’s response to injury and infection indicate that the use of CBD could treat and permanently fix skin problems while simultaneously reducing skin sensitivity. Unlike many other topical treatments that just temporarily soothe your skin, CBD might not just reduce your symptoms; it may get rid of them altogether.

Testing on severe skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and scarring has shown that topical CBD significantly improved the quality of skin and symptoms associated with the conditions. In particular, skin disorders with inflammatory markers were considerably improved.

So what should you be looking for when introducing CBD in your skincare routine? Well, cannabidiol products are made in three ways; using full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. Studies looking at the potential for CBD pharmaceuticals in the treatment of a variety of health problems have shown an “entourage effect” is most effective. Therefore, when searching for your ideal skincare product, finding one that contains full or broad spectrum CBD oils may provide you the greatest benefit.