Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most famous cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s heralded for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. More recently there has been an increasing amount of research conducted, investigating the potential of CBD to help a variety of conditions and enhance consumers’ lives.
CBD for Skin and Hair
Recent research has shown that CBD can help with hair growth, making any beard oil containing CBD a game-changer for those wanting a full, healthy beard. Additionally, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it a staple to your shaving kit, helping prevent razor bumps and moisturizing the skin.
CBD oils contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, E, and D. When vitamin E is combined with these omega fatty acids it can encourage hair growth. There’s a lot of information out there about the purported benefits of CBD and cannabis in general, and it can be difficult to decipher the truth from exaggerated or fabricated claims. So, what does the research actually tell us about CBD and its potential benefits for skin and hair?
What Does Research Say About CBD and Hair Growth?
One study published in 2021 examined CBD’s potential to generate hair growth. This study had 35 participants use topical hemp oil containing 3-4 milligrams of CBD along with minimal amounts of other cannabinoids. To monitor results, measurements were taken before and after six months of using the CBD oil. Results were overwhelmingly positive with a 93.5% average increase in hair growth in participants.
Another study focusing exclusively on the topical use of CBD and its potential to influence hair growth also produced promising results. This 2019 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that when used topically, CBD likely reaches human hair follicles, activating certain receptors that have been linked to improving hair loss by promoting hair growth based on a separate study conducted in 2015.
Research supports the topical use of CBD both in oil form and in shampoos for hair growth. Although further research is needed, the results from studies that have been conducted thus far are promising. These preliminary results suggest that adding CBD beard oil to your routine could help promote a thick and healthy beard.
Current Research on CBD and Skincare
There has yet to be any study specifically examining topical CBD as a treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae, aka razor burn. However, in Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders, researchers stated,
“…cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its anecdotal therapeutic potential for various pathologies, including skin and cosmetic disorders. Though a body of preclinical evidence suggests topical application of CBD may be efficacious for some skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, pruritis, and inflammatory conditions, confirmed clinical efficacy and elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms have yet to be fully identified.”
Due to barriers to researching cannabis, many studies are still in their infancy, making any generalized claim of efficacy questionable. However, cannabis has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties for centuries.
One of the most comprehensive bodies of research to date explores the anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis. In the paper Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-inflammatory Drugs, published in Future Med Chem, researchers explain that “cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents and they exert their effects through induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of cytokine production and induction of T-regulatory cells (Tregs).”
Relatively recently, another study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of CBD in various pre-clinical models. These findings suggest that topical application of CBD products may help relieve bothersome razor bumps or other mild inflammation experienced after shaving. With all of this in mind, the next question is how to go about choosing a quality product for facial hair care.
Using CBD for Beard Maintenance and Shaving Aftercare
The market has become increasingly saturated with CBD products in the past few years. Every corner store or head shop has some form of CBD oil drops up for sale. The ease of access is attractive, but it should also make you pause. All CBD products are not created equal, and there are definite downsides to using a substandard product. The FDA does not regulate CBD, much like how it does not regulate and assess the efficacy of vitamins and minerals. This means it is up to the consumer to choose a high-quality product.
Although expired CBD oil isn’t dangerous, its potency decreases markedly, making the product all but useless if you’re after its anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties. You should also watch out for the warning signs that a product might not be CBD at all.
Signs Your CBD Oil Might Be Fake:
- Comes in a clear plastic bottle
- Cheap price tag
- Sold at a gas station
- Claims a miracle cure
- No testing information is available
- Dosage is not listed
When choosing a CBD product to add to your beard maintenance or shaving routine, make sure that you are purchasing it from a trusted retailer. A good company will be transparent about testing and quality control. You can also search for independent reviews to verify the company as a good CBD source. Seek out products that are specifically crafted for your beard and shaving after-care needs and see for yourself the benefits of CBD.
