The winter season is in full effect, and with it comes shorter days, chilly temperatures, and the urge to bundle up inside. A challenge many of us face during this season is keeping our skin feeling healthy and hydrated. The combination of a drop in temperatures mixed with a reduction in humidity in the atmosphere can cause seasonal skin dryness and exacerbate any existing skin symptoms.
Luckily, there are tools to help hydrate and fortify your skin against the elements. In this article we will discuss ways to protect your skin and remedy winter skin problems, and explain how the addition of CBD and CBG into your skin routine can boost the vitality of your skin and keep your skin hydrated and invigorated.
Why does our skin struggle during the winter time?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cold winter weather can cause or exacerbate skin issues such as dryness, irritation, itchiness, and cracking, while also increasing the appearance of wrinkles. This is due to several factors. Cold weather causes the blood vessels at the surface layer of the skin to constrict, which reduces the blood flow. Cold exposure also slows the production of your skin’s natural protective oil barrier. Meanwhile, a drop of humidity in the air during winter, along with the increase in warm dry air from indoor heaters, causes the skin’s moisture to wick away. This is made worse by the increase of exposure to hot water in hot baths and showers, which strip away the protective oils in your skin, causing it to dry out much more than usual.
All of these elements combined can cause your skin to lose its protective barrier and become dry, flaky, and itchy. If you already suffer from chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, the cold dry weather can cause painful and itchy flare-ups.
Does CBD and CBG help with skincare?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found naturally in hemp plants. CBD is widely recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing inflammation, easing anxiety and chronic pain, and improving sleep quality. Some evidence also indicates CBD can help improve skin barrier function, leading to better skin hydration and a reduction in dryness.
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to help reduce inflammation, which makes it potentially beneficial for calming irritated or inflamed skin. It also may promote faster wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerative properties.
Dr. Nima Gharavi, a dermatologist with the Cedars-Sinai Cosmetic Dermatology Program, suggests that CBD could contribute to skin hydration and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. As a result, skincare products containing CBD might be useful for managing dry skin or addressing specific flare ups.
Similarly, CBG is a natural compound found in hemp that has shown a range of unique beneficial properties. Unlike its more well-known cousin CBD, CBG (cannabigerol) is a rarer cannabinoid, typically found in smaller amounts in the hemp plant during the very early stages of development. Studies have shown that it has significant anti-inflammatory properties, even when applied topically on the surface of the skin.
A 2022 study found that CBG was a safe and effective compound applied topically to reduce skin redness and increase skin barrier function. The study also found that CBG exhibited a broad range of activity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and anti-aging properties. A different study highlighted the moisturizing and antibacterial properties of topical CBG, and claimed that it was helpful in balancing oil production, retaining skin’s moisture levels, and promoting cellular renewal.
These results indicate that CBG could be beneficial to overall skin health, and a must have in your cabinet during the colder winter months.
How to Incorporate CBD & CBG Into Your Winter Skincare Routine
The best way to address these common skin issues is to treat them before they even begin. Dermatologists recommend prioritizing skin hydration with thicker salves and balms during the winter, instead of light lotions used during the summer months. Thick salves help fortify the outer layer of the skin against cold temperatures and harsh winds. Salves can also help lock-in moisture for longer periods of time.
Our Full Spectrum 2:1 CBD + CBG Soothe and Calm Salve is a moisture-rich, soothing salve made of high-quality CBD and CBG, organic olive oil, natural beeswax, and a blend of essential oils like lavender, palmarosa, calendula and more to bring relief to your skin. We recommend applying directly and liberally to areas of the skin in need and massaging thoroughly, both in the morning before cold exposure, or at night to help your skin recover while you sleep. Many customer testimonials highlight its effectiveness in moisturizing the skin and keeping skin conditions at bay.
Additional Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
Dermatologists suggest turning the heat down during your winter baths or showers, despite how good the hot water feels when it is chilly in the house. Using warm, not hot, water, and hydrating your skin immediately after you step out will help your skin retain moisture throughout the day.
Another way to prioritize your skin is to drink plenty of water and keep your body (and cells!) hydrated. Dermatologists also suggest keeping your sunscreen handy, even if the weather is cold, because damaging UV rays don’t go away during the winter. Covering up exposed skin properly while outdoors is another way to avoid sun and wind damage.
Finally, it is essential to prioritize getting good, restful sleep every night. “Adequate sleep is such an essential component to maintaining healthy skin, and that uninterrupted time in the night is the perfect opportunity for the skin to recover,” said Dr. Kiracofe from the American Academy of Dermatology.
If you struggle finding peaceful sleep, many of our products can be paired with your nightly skin routine, like our 20mg CBD Sleep Capsules, which are a natural formulation of CBD, Melatonin, and a blend of three powerful natural herbs to promote sleep - Valerian, Chamomile, and Skull Cap.
Conclusion
As the winter months bring challenges for your skin, it's the perfect time to embrace the nourishing and protective benefits of CBD and CBG. These natural compounds work together to hydrate, soothe, and shield your skin from harsh weather and dry environments. By incorporating products with CBD and CBG into your skincare routine, you can give your skin the care it deserves, ensuring it stays healthy and radiant all season long. Don’t let winter take a toll—let CBD and CBG be your ultimate skincare allies!
References:
1) Wen Y, Xu L, Huang B, et al. The antinociceptive activity and mechanism of action of cannabigerol. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023;158:114163. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114163
2) Perez E, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, Hoya-Alonso A, et al. In vitro and clinical evaluation of cannabigerol (CBG) produced via yeast biosynthesis: a cannabinoid with a broad range of anti-inflammatory and skin health-boosting properties. Molecules. 2022;27(2):491. doi:10.3390/molecules27020491
3) Oláh A, Markovics A, Szabó-Papp J, et al. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Exp Dermatol. 2016;25(9):701-707. doi:10.1111/exd.13042
4) Makhakhe L. Topical cannabidiol (CBD) in skin pathology - A comprehensive review and prospects for new therapeutic opportunities. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2022;64(1):e1-e4. Published 2022 May 30. doi:10.4102/safp.v64i1.5493
5) https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin
6) https://practicaldermatology.com/news/is-cbg-the-next-cbd-for-skincare/2461042/
