CBD and anti-ageing: Does it work?

If you were given the chance to look 26 years old for life, you would take it in a heartbeat. Everyone wants to have that youthful glow, but unfortunately, the Fountain of Youth is a mere concept of fiction.

That said, an untold number of products exist that claim to delay the signs of ageing. So, given the prevalence of CBD in cosmetics, creams, oils, and other products, might it also assist in this regard? In recent years, researchers have investigated CBD’s anti-ageing potential, uncovering some intriguing leads.

Many people are looking to use CBD to slow down the physical signs of ageing. If you happen to be one of them, this article should answer many of your questions.

CBD and Anti-Ageing: What Does the Research Say?

As noted in a 2019 journal article, results from multiple trials suggest that CBD “strongly regulates the proliferation, migration, and neurogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MCSs)”. These stem cells have exhibited “anti-inflammatory, immune, metabolic and self-renewal properties”, convincing many dermatologists of CBD’s anti-ageing prowess in turn.

The same article also discusses cutaneous acupuncture (aka micro-needling) with hyaluronic acid and CBD. Hyaluronic acid (aka hyaluronan) is a substance that the body naturally produces to keep tissues lubricated. Most of it is found on the skin.

This section of the article explains how a combination of CBD and hyaluronic acid helped “prevent the effects of ageing”. It pointed out that with the help of micro-needling, these two substances penetrated deeper into the skin. As a result, nutrients were utilised “by up to 3,000 percent”.

In addition, it is noted that micro-needling with both hyaluronic acid and CBD stimulated the body’s natural healing process.

The article also cites CBD oil’s potential to protect the skin from sun damage through its omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.

What Are the Anti-Ageing Properties of CBD?

It’s worth noting that the above study results do not, on their own, prove that CBD works as an anti-ageing compound. Moreover, the aforementioned research points out CBD’s potential anti-ageing effects when combined with other substances.

But on its own, how does CBD appear to produce anti-ageing effects?

CBD Acts as an Antioxidant

While our bodies age primarily because of Father Time, oxidative stress also speeds up the process.

Oxidative stress happens when there is a buildup of free radicals in our bodies. And an excessive amount of free radicals is usually caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices. Certain environmental factors like exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollutants also play a role.

Antioxidants are the key to lowering oxidative stress levels. These can be found in foods like dark chocolate, goji berries, and pecans. And according to several studies, CBD also acts as an antioxidant.

A 2017 study investigated cannabidiol’s potential as a neuroprotective antioxidant. It notes that CBD is even more effective than vitamins C and E in this regard, and can improve skin quality.

Likewise, a 1998 study looked into the same hypothesis, claiming that CBD “protected neurons to a greater degree” than ascorbate, a form of Vitamin C.

CBD for Treating Skin Disorders

Skin disorders can contribute to signs on ageing. Some of them leave scars, while others cause dryness that makes the skin look old and wrinkly.

But as a 2019 study notes, topical CBD may help improve skin quality. It highlights cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory potential, noting how it is an “effective, non-invasive” skincare option.

The study involved 20 patients who suffered from psoriasis, eczema, and scarring. They were instructed to apply topical CBD to the affected areas twice daily for three months.

The results suggest that topical CBD use “significantly improved” the participants’ skin condition. Participants also showed no adverse reactions.

CBD for Improved Sleep

Sleep deprivation brings detrimental consequences. Studies have linked poor sleep to both cognitive and behavioural problems later in life.

Sleep deprivation is also a known contributor to oxidative stress buildup. And as we tackled in an earlier section, too much oxidative stress speeds up the body’s physical ageing process.

Here too, there is research suggesting that CBD may improve sleep quality. A 2019 case study on CBD in sleep and anxiety focused on 72 adult participants suffering from poor sleep quality due to stress. CBD capsules were administered every night after dinner for three months.

Overall, results show a consistent improvement in sleep quality among the study participants. It also highlights how CBD “appears to be better tolerated” compared to psychiatric medications.

How To Use CBD for Anti-Ageing

CBD comes in several different forms. But if we’re talking about its plausible anti-ageing traits, we’ll focus on two main variants: CBD topicals and CBD oil.

CBD Topicals

Anti-ageing topical creams come in different forms. You can choose from lotions, oils, balms, creams, and salves. When applied to the skin, the CBD and other ingredients can potentially help your anti-ageing efforts by reducing dryness and redness, and moisturising the skin.

As topical CBD exerts localised effects on the skin, this allows users to direct CBD’s anti-ageing effects right to the source of the issue.

CBD Oil

CBD oil used for skincare purposes will likely be applied topically rather than sublingually. As always, you’ll want to go with high-quality products, such as full-spectrum CBD oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Though topical CBD oil is most popular for issues related to the skin, taking it sublingually may also contribute to CBD’s anti-ageing effects, from the inside-out. In fact, topical and sublingual CBD can be used in tandem to support the body from multiple angles.

What To Consider When Buying CBD Anti-Ageing Products?

So, you’re about to purchase some CBD anti-ageing and skincare products. But before you spend your hard-earned money, here are some things to consider:

• As much as possible, choose products made from organic hemp and extracted using CO₂. This should help lower the chances of potential irritants coming into contact with your skin.

• Choose products tested by independent third-party labs. These products are devoid of contaminants and contain the exact amount of CBD advertised.

• Make sure you’re buying CBD oil and not pure hemp seed oil. Although hemp seed oil has its own benefits, it does not contain CBD.

• Avoid products with too many additives or extra ingredients. Full-spectrum CBD formulas are a good choice as they only contain ingredients found naturally in the hemp plant.

Does CBD Help With Anti-Ageing?

We’ve tackled the science in previous sections. Now we’ll take a look at some of the specifics, most of which are backed up by anecdotal evidence. Here are some of the most common questions people have in regard to CBD and anti-ageing.

Does CBD Make You Look Younger?

Some people claim that topical CBD products provide much-needed skin protection to slow down the ageing process. This is largely thanks to the cannabinoid’s antioxidant potential. Along with cannabidiol, many CBD skincare products also contain collagen, a protein that prevents the skin from sagging.

Apart from CBD’s perceived antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, collagen is said to keep the skin hydrated. As a result, CBD creams containing collagen can reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that make the skin look older.

Can CBD Tighten Skin?

Pharmaceutical companies rely on CBD’s purported skin-strengthening traits. While it’s unclear if CBD can tighten the skin, one 2017 study centres on cannabidiol’s potential to boost melanin production.

More melanin means more protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In effect, the skin has a more youthful appearance.

Can CBD Fight Wrinkles?

In a previous section, we mentioned how CBD can potentially fight off signs of skin ageing with its touted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prowess. Others rely on the hypothesis that it can potentially regulate oil production, specifically in the face.

Through this theory, users count on the notion that CBD keeps the skin smoother, more supple, and less wrinkly.

CBD and Anti-Ageing: Does It Work?

It was only a decade ago that cannabidiol really entered the consciousness of both medical experts and the public. While the existing findings are promising, more studies are needed to come up with definite answers.

But here’s what we know so far:

• CBD has the potential to improve overall skin quality. Because of its known antioxidant properties, it can potentially shield the skin from irritants.

• Experts see great potential in CBD as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• CBD may not only assist with physical anti-ageing. Researchers have also investigated its potential in delaying brain ageing and possibly hindering neurodegenerative diseases.

Indeed, these are very welcoming signs. But if you choose to use CBD for anti-ageing purposes, it's always best to consult a medical professional before doing so.