People have been finding uses for cannabis for decades (and that doesn’t include simply smoking it); from hemp products like clothing and accessories to cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabis sativa oils used in various holistic treatments, cannabis sativa is proving to be quite the versatile plant. Now it’s moving into cosmetics and beauty products territory.

Research has shown the benefits and restorative and protective properties of cannabis sativa for a long time now, and Arabic and Chinese cultures have used it in homeopathy for centuries; more dedicated research in nutrition studies have shown it as a good source of fatty acids (Leizer et al, 2015) and antioxidants, and it has been shown to be an effective all-natural alternative to prescription drugs in treating childhood anxiety and PTSD (Shannon & Opila-Lehman, 2016). But research is only telling us how it works; businesses have known that it does work for some time now without the research.

In fact, companies such as The Body Shop have been pushing beauty products made from cannabis sativa and CBD oil long before it became popular, mainstream, or arguably chic. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps have also included it, and both BS and DB have been expanding product lines in the face of increasing legalization of cannabis products. So have many others as well.

So why the big interest in CBD all of a sudden? Well, it starts with the benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory properties

CBD is known for being an anti-inflammatory, which means that it can decrease or control swelling, which includes reactions and even puffiness around eyes.  Here is a closer look at the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis.

Controlling Sebaceous Glands

There are many products offering to help people dealing with acne, but the best all contain CBD oil, which inhibits your skins production of oil; less oil, less clogged pores and therefore less acne. The great thing is, CBD can be applied to the affected area or taken internally, which makes it a great addition to skin cremes and masks.

Limits Signs of Aging

As noted above, researchers have discovered the presence of linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acid, a known anti-oxidant that can help offset the signs of aging by targeting free radicals that can cause signs of aging like wrinkles.

Helps Treat Psoriasis, Eczema, and Other Skin Conditions

Psoriasis results when dead skin piles up but doesn’t fall away, and this condition can cause itching, inflammation, and embarrassment. CBD oil have been shown to positive to have a positive impact on psoriasis, possibly because of its anti-inflammatory properties; similar benefits have been found in eczema patients as well. Preliminary research suggests that the use of CBD oils may even help prevent melanomas, which makes them perfect to add to topical agents such as skin creams and suntan lotions.

These are only some of the properties we know of for CBD and cannabis sativa oils that make them valuable for beauty products, and as more research comes in, more uses are sure to be discovered.

And no, you won’t get high from using them either.