When creating our fully infused CBD Manicure & Pedicure after Nail Spa & Beyond of Myrtle Beach approached us for information regarding CBD and pain relief, we were prompted to take a dive into the benefits that CBD brings to outer wellness such as hair, skin, and nails. Take a look at some of the information that we’ve found to be so helpful in creating our new product line, along with some general CBD information for your understanding!
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a chemical compound that comes from the hemp plant. It is one of over 113 unique compounds found in hemp, known as cannabinoids.
CBD is an example of a phytocannabinoid. Although our bodies can naturally produce its own endocannabinoids naturally that bind to cannabinoid receptors in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, phytocannabinoids are known to help to kick-start our central regulatory system.
Similar to how we use vitamin C to kick start our immune system, CBD acts as a kick-starter for these cannabinoids to keep the receptors working at optimal capacity and to help the functions of the body’s central regulatory system.
How does CBD affect the body?
The system is known as our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) helps to maintain homeostasis and keep our bodies balanced day to day, including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, memory, immune system functions, and inflammation control. In each system, the ECS performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same; full body homeostasis. The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found at the different intersections of the body’s various systems including the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. They allow for communication and coordination between a variety of different cell types.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is extracted and separated from specific varieties of cannabis. It is the second most abundant compound in cannabis, typically representing up to 40% of its extracts.
CBD does not act on the same pathways as THC. Thus, it is impossible to get “high” by smoking or ingesting CBD or CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp plants, as they only have minuscule traces of THC (<0.3%).
Federal law allows for the cultivation, processing, and marketing of hemp and hemp products.
CBD For Hair, Skin & Nails
Omega 3 acids are widely known for their many different health benefits, including hair, skin and nail health, as well as cardiovascular and brain health. CBD oil contains these acids, as well as antioxidants. It has even been discovered that the antioxidants that are found in CBD oil are more powerful than the antioxidants that are found in vitamin C and vitamin E.
CBD For Strengthening & Protecting Hair
Hair strands are made out of protein, which is why experts recommend a protein treatment for weak, broken hair. CBD oil contains all 21 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. When used regularly, it can help strengthen and fortify your hair. Also, CBD is full of fatty acids that provide moisture and seal the cuticle. It’s rich in antioxidants, too, like vitamins A, C, and E, so it helps to protect the hair from environmental damage.
CBD For Enhancing Hair Growth
CBD oil contains nutrients that boost hair growth. It does this by helping to stimulate and enhance the growth of hair through the scalp’s absorption of the main fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. It also contains GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) which promotes natural hair growth.
CBD For Improving Scalp Health
CBD oil contains high doses of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E – all of which are great for the scalp. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal for common scalp conditions like psoriasis or folliculitis.
Moreover, it balances your scalp’s natural production of sebum (or oil), whether you have too much or too little. CBD is an adaptogen, meaning it regulates sebum production so it is great for oily, dry or normal hair types. It helps to address dry, flaky scalp as well as eczema and psoriasis.
CBD For Overall Hair Health
CBD oil in hair care helps improve the integrity of the hair while adding moisture, shine, smoothness, and silkiness. It contains all known amino acids and is rich in vitamins including A, B, C, D, E, magnesium, potassium, and essential fatty acids like omegas 3, 6, and 9.
These powerful nutrients improve moisture retention, help form collagen, which nourishes and strengthens scalp tissue, improves hair elasticity, and allows hair follicles to expand faster, encouraging healthy hair growth.
Giving your hair proper nutrition is essential in order to maintain healthy and strong hair, and since CBD oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, it is able to replenish moisture and the natural oils of your hair to give it both strength and shine.
CBD For Oily Hair
Want healthy hair growth? CBD soothes, nurtures, and stimulates the scalp.
CBD For Dry Hair
Have dry, brittle hair? CBD is great because of its moisturizing benefits.
CBD Oil for Healthy Nails
If you have dry and brittle hair, chances are you also have dry and brittle fingernails. This is because the same vitamins and nutrients that are needed to have soft and healthy hair are also needed for strong and shiny nails that are free of cracks.
Because of the essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that CBD oil contains, CBD is able to restore and strengthen weak and brittle nails, transforming them into strong, shiny and healthy nails.
CBD Infused Manicure & Pedicure Services
In addition to CBD’s ability to promote nail health, during any manicure or pedicure, you receive a therapeutic massage of the hands and feet, helping to increase blood circulation. When consuming or applying CBD, the body also receives the benefits of cannabinoids that help to decrease pain and inflammation as they work directly with our body’s endocannabinoid receptors. This is especially useful for those experiencing pain from arthritis, neuropathy, inflamed knee joints, plantar fasciitis, or even tight calves from working out.
CBD also assists the relaxation delivered during nail services, as it inhibits our FAAH enzymes that are responsible for breaking down anandamide, leading to mood-boosting effects. It also changes the GABA-A receptor to amplify its naturally calming effects and directly activates the 5-HTIA serotonin receptor which acts as an anti-depressant.
CBD Oil for Clear Skin
- When it comes to skin conditions, “inflammation is the root of all evil,” as New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman puts it. And what soothes inflammation more efficiently and seamlessly than CBD? The anti-inflammatory effects are among perhaps CBD’s most well-documented properties.
- Inflammation is indeed one of the main fuels of acne, eczema, and psoriasis, which is why CBD topicals are inherently effective in treating them. However, beyond easing inflammation, CBD can help diffuse those skin conditions in other, more specific ways.
- When consuming orally or using an infused topical agent, CBD reduces acne and also encourages the skin to help maintain a more youthful look due to its ability to restore collagen. This assists in keeping healthy, wrinkle-free skin.
CBD Oil for Acne & Even Complexion
One of the main factors contributing to acne is sebum, the skin’s main, oily protector from the world. Sebum can mingle with things like dirt and dead skin cells and become stuck in pores, causing them to clog, and subsequently develop into acne. This is particularly true for people who struggle with excessive sebum production. CBD has been found to regulate sebum and furthermore, CBD has also demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial properties, meaning that it can mitigate the pollution of the skin by dirt and other contaminants.
Since CBD oil contains many nutrients like vitamin E, it is able to improve and protect the skin as well. Studies have also shown that CBD holds the ability to balance irregular hormones, which helps to eliminate breakouts. Because it is an anti-inflammatory, CBD is very effective in controlling acne as it works against the intense inflammation that occurs around the site of a breakout.
CBD Oil for Psoriasis
The American Academy of Dermatology defines psoriasis as “a condition that causes the body to make new skin cells in days rather than weeks,” resulting in dead skin piling up before the body can get rid of it.
Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease, a malfunction of our inner system if you will, which is precisely why CBD is inherently effective against it; what the cannabinoid does best is bring our inner environment back to balance—homeostasis—to the way it’s meant to be.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science dating back to 2007 found that CBD actually reduces the growth rate of new skin cells, thus providing the opportunity for our bodies to shed the dead skin before it builds up.
CBD Oil for Eczema
Eczema is characterized by severe irritation of the skin, making it itchy, red, and inflamed. With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this clearly is CBD’s domain.
The National Eczema Association did a sweeping review of research from various medical experts. In it, they cite the CBD experience of Dr. Henry Piffard, MD—considered one of the founding fathers of American dermatology—as one of the earliest signs of the cannabinoid’s potential:
“A pill of cannabis indica at bedtime has my hands sometimes afforded relief to the intolerable itching of eczema.”
-Dr. Henry Piffard
“Petar Petrov, Cannabinoid Industry Association“
CBD Oil for Overall Skin Care
With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is effective against skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema by default; however, the body of reputable research into its condition-specific effects speaks for itself as well.
Fortunately, the dermatological community is taking notice, as the American Academy of Dermatology reviewed the matter at length during its 2018 meeting.