CBD 101: Understanding Cannabidiol for Skin Health & Wellness
- sitaabdulmalik8
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
If you've been hearing buzz about CBD in skincare but aren't quite sure what it is, how it works, or whether it's right for you—you're in the right place. Let's break down everything you need to know about cannabidiol (CBD), from the science behind it to why we chose it as the foundation of our award-winning wellness products.
CBD 101 Skin Health
What Exactly Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants. Here's what you need to know right off the bat: CBD is not marijuana, and it won't get you high.
While CBD does come from the cannabis plant family, it's derived specifically from hemp—a variety that contains minimal to no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Think of it this way: hemp and marijuana are cousins in the same plant family, but they have very different effects.
CBD is completely non-psychoactive, meaning it won't alter your mental state, impair your judgment, or give you any sort of "high." What it can do is offer remarkable therapeutic benefits for your skin and overall wellness—which is exactly why we've built our entire product line around it.
Understanding the Different Types of CBD
Not all CBD is created equal. When shopping for CBD skincare, you'll encounter three main types:
Full-Spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Advocates of full-spectrum believe in the "entourage effect"—the idea that these compounds work better together than in isolation.
Broad-Spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with all THC removed. It's a middle ground for those who want some of the entourage effect without any THC.
CBD Isolate is the purest form—99% pure cannabidiol with all other compounds removed. This is what we use in all our products.
Why We Choose CBD Isolate
You might wonder: if the entourage effect sounds beneficial, why do we use isolate?
The answer comes down to regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and product consistency.
In Maryland, only licensed processors and dispensaries can legally manufacture and sell full-spectrum CBD products. As a small business committed to accessibility and transparency, we use hemp-derived CBD isolate, which meets all requirements for retail sale while we position ourselves for when more favorable regulations pass.
But regulatory compliance isn't the only reason isolate makes sense for our formulations:
Accurate and Consistent Dosing: CBD isolate allows us to provide precise concentrations in every batch. You know exactly how much CBD you're getting—150mg in our body scrub, 200mg in our lotion bar, 20mg in our lip balm.
Purity and Predictability: With isolate, there are no variables. Every application delivers the same therapeutic benefits without concern about trace compounds that could cause reactions or interact unpredictably with other ingredients.
Consumer Safety: Using CBD isolate protects our customers from any concerns about intoxication or positive drug tests. While these outcomes are highly unlikely from topical CBD products in general, they become virtually impossible with isolate—unless products are used extremely heavily over extended periods or applied to open wounds or broken skin.
The Regulatory Landscape: What You Should Know
The CBD industry is evolving rapidly, and it's important to understand the current landscape.
In Maryland: Hemp-derived CBD products are legal for retail sale. However, cannabis-derived CBD products (containing more than 0.3% THC) can only be produced and sold through licensed cannabis facilities.
At the Federal Level: We're closely watching potential rescheduling of cannabis and its implications. Our concern is how these changes might affect small businesses in both the hemp and cannabis industries. Rescheduling could open the door for big pharmaceutical companies to enter the market, potentially impacting supply chains, product diversity, and threatening new and existing small cannabis businesses.
This regulatory uncertainty shapes our product development decisions. We currently produce our products independently, but we've identified multiple avenues to manufacture legally by working and partnering with licensed facilities in Maryland. This flexibility ensures we can continue serving our customers regardless of how regulations shift.
CBD 101 & Skin Health: The Science
Here's where it gets fascinating. Your skin has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex network of receptors that help regulate inflammation, pain perception, immune response, and skin cell production.1
CBD interacts with these receptors (called CB1 and CB2 receptors) to support your skin's natural balance. When you apply CBD topically, it doesn't enter your bloodstream the way oral CBD would. Instead, it works locally with the receptors in your skin to:
Research continues to emerge supporting CBD's therapeutic potential. A landmark 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD effectively reduced sebum production and inflammatory responses in human sebocytes (the cells that produce skin oil), demonstrating its potential for managing acne.2 Additional research has shown CBD's anti-inflammatory effects can benefit various skin conditions, from eczema to psoriasis.5
Real Benefits Our Customers Experience
The science is compelling, but what really matters is how CBD performs in real life. Here's what our customers report most frequently:
Pain Relief: This is the standout benefit. Whether it's post-workout soreness, overused muscle groups, discomfort from long periods of standing or sitting, or chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia—our CBD-infused products provide targeted relief.
Reduced Inflammation and Itching: Customers managing inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis report significant reduction in both inflammation and that maddening itch.
Calmer, More Balanced Skin: People with reactive or sensitive skin notice their skin feels less "angry" and more balanced with regular use.
Improved Appearance and Texture: From better complexion and texture to a stronger skin barrier and improved moisture retention, the visible improvements keep customers coming back.
Whole-Body Wellness: Beyond the physical benefits, many customers report feeling less anxious and more balanced. This makes sense—CBD supports nervous system regulation through the endocannabinoid system, promoting overall wellness that goes beyond just skincare.
One of our favorite testimonials captures it perfectly: "I love the Cardamom and Clove Lotion Bar. I carry it with me to use whenever I need some moisture or a quick hit of pain relief!"
What surprised us most when we started formulating with CBD? The way it supercharges the properties of ingredients it's paired with—especially the terpenes in essential oils. It's like CBD amplifies the therapeutic benefits of everything around it, creating formulations that are truly greater than the sum of their parts.
What Makes Our CBD Different
Quality matters—especially in an industry with varying standards and transparency. Here's what sets our CBD apart:
Local, Trusted Sourcing: We source our CBD isolate from Zero Point Extracts and SunX Analytical, both based in Maryland. Supporting local businesses while ensuring quality is important to us.
Third-Party Testing: Every batch is tested by SunX Analytical for potency. We rely on the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from our isolate supplier for additional safety testing, and these COAs are available to our customers.
Batch Consistency: We've finalized our formulas, developed standard operating procedures (SOPs), and perform potency testing to ensure every batch meets our standards.
Transparency First: Our founder comes from highly regulated industries with state tracking systems and regular audits. That experience shaped our commitment to compliance, consumer safety, and doing the right thing. We never cut corners, and we're committed to using natural and naturally-derived ingredients in everything we make.
Common Questions and Concerns
"Will CBD skincare get me high or make me fail a drug test?"
No. Topical CBD products, especially those made with isolate, do not produce intoxication. Drug test concerns are also minimal with topical use—unless you're applying massive amounts consistently over time or to open wounds, topical CBD won't show up on a drug test.
"I've heard CBD and marijuana are the same thing..."
This is one of the most common misconceptions. While both come from cannabis plants, hemp-derived CBD contains little to no THC and is completely non-psychoactive. Most of our customers are familiar with CBD to varying degrees, but it's worth clarifying for those new to it.
"Will I have a reaction to CBD?"
We've never had a customer experience sensitivity or reaction to CBD itself. That said, it's always good practice to do a patch test when trying new products—especially if you have chronically inflamed skin conditions. Our products are made with all-natural and naturally-derived ingredients and pose very low risk for reactions.
"Can I use CBD products if I'm pregnant or nursing?"
We always recommend consulting with your doctor before using any new wellness products during pregnancy or nursing.
"Can I use CBD skincare with my other products—like retinoids or prescription acne treatments?"
Yes! Our upcoming face care line is specifically designed to work alongside other skincare actives, including retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and prescription acne treatments. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can actually help reduce irritation from these stronger actives.
What to Look for in CBD Skincare
Before buying CBD products from any brand, here's what you should know:
Do your research: Check the brand's website, social media, and reviews on Google or Reddit if available.
Look for COAs (Certificates of Analysis): Reputable brands will provide third-party lab testing results, either on their website or as a QR code on the product. This tells you exactly what's in the product and confirms the CBD content.
Be skeptical of miracle claims: CBD is powerful, but it's not magic. Be wary of brands promising to "cure" conditions or making outlandish claims without evidence.
Verify the source: Know where the CBD comes from and how it's processed.
Our CBD Product Family
Each of our products is formulated to work synergistically, reducing tension, stress, and inflammation while promoting whole-body wellness:
Bergamot & Cardamom Body Scrub (150mg CBD per 110g): Combines pain relief with exfoliation, moisturizing, and stress relief through aromatherapy. Perfect for people managing chronic pain (arthritis, fibromyalgia), chronic inflammatory skin conditions, or anyone leading a busy life who needs therapeutic self-care.
Lotion Bar (200mg CBD per 56g): Locks in moisture while providing targeted pain relief and correcting complexion. Ideal for athletes, post-op patients, busy individuals needing on-the-go moisture and pain relief, and those managing chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
Ginger & Frankincense Lip Balm (20mg CBD per 4.25g): Offers long-lasting application that reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation (including smoker's lips), provides under-eye support, and protects lips in harsh climates. Essential for people in colder regions, smokers, or anyone dealing with severely chapped lips.
Together, these products create a complete body care routine that addresses both skin health and overall wellness.
What's Next: Face Care Is Coming
We're expanding into face care because we want to provide effective alternative solutions to traditional options while bringing more diverse product options to the CBD space.
Formulating for facial skin is different from body care. While our body products are oil and butter-based, our face care line incorporates actives like salicylic acid and white willow bark—which means we have to be mindful of maintaining safe pH levels for consumer use.
Why is CBD especially important for face products? CBD's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties make it exceptionally effective for managing skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis—concerns that often show up most visibly on the face.
We're developing three face care products:
Face Wash (150mg CBD per 84ml)
Face Scrub (150mg CBD per 70ml)
Face Cream (600mg CBD per 56g)
Stay tuned for opportunities to be part of our product development journey and get early access to these formulations.
The Bottom Line: CBD's Multi-Benefit Power
What we want you to remember most about CBD is its multi-benefit, multi-application versatility. Whether you're managing pain, stress, anxiety, or inflammatory skin conditions, CBD offers therapeutic support that works with your body's own systems.
If you're ready to experience the difference CBD can make, we invite you to try adding it to your routine. And if you're new to our brand, we're offering an easy introduction: Get our Ginger & Frankincense Lip Balm for just $5 (regularly $8) —with code CBD5. It's a familiar format with therapeutic benefits, perfect for testing the waters whether you're cannabis-friendly or cannabis-curious.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The statements made regarding CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD products.
References
Tóth, K. F., Ádám, D., Bíró, T., & Oláh, A. (2019). "Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the 'C(ut)annabinoid' System." Molecules, 24(5), 918. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050918 ↩ ↩2
Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., ... & Bíró, T. (2014). "Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes." Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713-3724. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI64628 ↩ ↩2 ↩3
Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). "Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol." Antioxidants, 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021 ↩
Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). "Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis." European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936-948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818 ↩
Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). "A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars." La Clinica Terapeutica, 170(2), e93-e99. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2019.2116 ↩
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