An article by Chisom “Cheezy” Chikwendu

Cannabidiol (CBD) has quickly gone from a wellness buzzword to a skincare ally, showing up in everything from facial serums to body lotions. With promising benefits like reduced inflammation, hydration, and even acne control, it’s no wonder so many are eager to add it to their beauty routines for a glow effect. However, before you slather that new cream on your body or rub that balm into your skin, there are a few important things you must know!

Not all CBD products are created equal, and just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe for everyone. In this article, I’ll walk you through essential safety tips in choosing quality CBD skincare, so you can enjoy the glow without the guesswork.

Before exploring this article, why not check the first article, where I introduced CBD and immune-mediated skin diseases and explored how CBD might help manage them, backed by science!

Now, let’s explore some essential tips to safely use CBD on your skin to achieve a radiant glow!

Safety First: Key Tips Before Using CBD to achieve a Glowing Skin

Perform a Patch Test First and Start with a Low Potency: Before applying a CBD product on a large area, test it on a small patch of skin and wait at least 24–48 hours to check for any reaction​. If any signs of irritation or allergy occur on the test spot, do not continue using the product on other areas. Applying a thin layer or using a lower-dose product lets you gauge how your skin and body respond before increasing usage.

Monitor for Side Effects or Irritation: Even after a patch test, keep an eye on how your skin reacts during regular use. Mild dryness or redness can happen with any new skincare product, but if you notice a persistent rash, worsening irritation, or pain at the application site, discontinue use.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always use the CBD topical as instructed by the product’s packaging or leaflet. Pay attention to recommended usage frequency and dose (for example, “apply a pea-sized amount up to twice daily”). Do not apply the product to areas the instructions warn against, for example on broken skin, eyes, or mucous membranes​.

Store and Handle the Product Safely: Keep CBD products out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or contact​. Store the jar or tube in a cool, dry place (away from direct sunlight or excessive heat) to preserve its potency and prevent the formula from degrading.

Consult a Healthcare Professional if Unsure: If you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to use CBD on a child’s skin, talk to a healthcare provider first. Additionally, a doctor or dermatologist can give personalized advice – they might help vet a product’s quality or advise you on usage based on your medical history.

Extra glow tips:

Avoid Known Allergens and Irritants: While CBD itself is not a common allergen, other components in the product (such as certain essential oils, fragrances, or carrier oils) could trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals​ . To stay safe, avoid products with ingredients that have caused you issues in the past. If you have very sensitive skin, consider using simpler formulations (for example, a CBD isolate product with minimal ingredients) to reduce the chance of irritation.

Read more about the possible allergens to CBD products

Choose High-Quality, Reputable Products: CBD products are largely unregulated, some may contain less CBD than advertised or unwanted additives like THC. Look for a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab, which confirms the product’s cannabinoid content and that it’s free of contaminants​.

Be Aware of Potential Drug Interactions: Remember that CBD is a biologically active compound. A portion of the CBD applied on skin can still be absorbed into your bloodstream, so there is a chance it could interact with medications you’re taking. CBD can affect liver enzymes that metabolize drugs, in a way similar to grapefruit juice, which may lead to higher or lower levels of certain medications in your system​. If you are on any prescription medication or important over-the-counter drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using CBD topicals regularly to enhance your skin glow.

Conclusion

CBD is steadily earning its place as a skincare ally for those with immune-mediated conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and lupus. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-calming properties, CBD has the potential to target the root issues of these diseases. While it’s not a magic bullet that will erase immune-mediated skin diseases, CBD can serve as a supportive therapy, helping to soothe itching, redness, and scaling and possibly enhance the effects of your other treatments. After all, improving your skin condition doesn’t just ease discomfort, it helps you reclaim your glow from the inside out.

As with any new treatment, staying informed is key. With the right approach, CBD could become a helpful ally in easing immune-mediated skin conditions, and restoring comfort to your skin.

Ready to glow differently? Explore high-quality CBD skincare products and discover how they can help manage immune-mediated skin conditions.

Start your journey to calmer, healthier skin today!