It has to be said; retinol and CBD are revolutionising skincare. If your beauty regimen doesn’t include the two most impressive ingredients in the industry, your skin could be seriously missing out. After all, the perfect skincare routine should be effortless and effective, and by that measure, CBD and retinol products certainly come up trumps.
But what’s so great about them? Firstly, CBD and retinol boast proven results. Secondly, they are consistent. And thirdly, you can combine the two ingredients for a powerfully transformative effect on the complexion which is far, far easier than a lengthy regimen featuring toners, serums, oils, acids and creams. Let’s face it, we lead hectic lives – why make skincare more complicated than necessary?
CBD for Skin
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a well-known natural chemical compound of the cannabis plant which is extracted as oil for its medicinal qualities, such as relaxation, stress relief, pain relief and anxiety relief. Recently, beauty enthusiasts have also discovered the benefits of CBD in skincare.
The appeal of cannabidiol in skincare lies largely in its anti-ageing properties. We're often asked, "Is CBD cream good for wrinkles?" and the answer is yes! CBD can:
- Prevent or slow down premature ageing by fighting off harmful free radicals
- Boost production of collagen which helps to reduce the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles
- Help restore normal sebum levels in oily skin
- Soothe dry, red and inflamed skin thanks to powerful anti-inflammatory properties
Read More: Is CBD Good for the Skin?
Retinol for Skin
Retinol, also called Vitamin A, is a type of retinoid. The term ‘retinoid’ describes a substance of which there are five variations (in skincare) that work at different levels. Tretinoin, for instance, is a prescription-only retinoid due to its potency. Over-the-counter retinoids are slightly milder but can still have huge effects on the complexion.
Retinoids work by significantly stimulating collagen production which restores elasticity in ageing skin whilst firming and plumping out fine lines and wrinkles. Thus, retinoids are considered a highly effective anti-ageing treatment. A boost to collagen production can also help to smooth acne scars and improve your skin’s overall texture. Retinoids can speed up cell regeneration, unclog pores and treat acne and blackheads.
Retinol is a type of retinoid that is used mainly in over-the-counter products but has a stellar reputation in fighting wrinkles and improving skin texture. On a molecular level, it differs from prescription retinoids but it is still incredibly effective. As a result, you’ll find retinol in an abundance of facial serums, moisturisers and eye creams on the shelves of wellbeing and beauty stores.
Don’t be discouraged by the lower strength of retinol in comparison with prescription retinoids. Yes, retinol contains a lower concentration of the active ingredient (which is retinoic acid) and is less intense. But retinol can still achieve optimal results; it may just work more gradually and be a little kinder to your skin than harsher prescription retinoids, which can cause dryness and peeling.
What are the Effects of CBD and Retinol Together?
When two of the most popular ingredients in the skincare industry come together, they can work like magic! We know how effective both retinol and CBD can be independent of one another, but together they make an impressive combination, especially if you use a high-quality, potent moisturiser such as Mission C Retinol + CBD Moisturiser, which is infused with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E in addition to CBD and retinol for an intensely hydrating, skin-plumping treat.
Retinol + CBD Intensive Anti-Ageing Moisturiser
If you study the benefits of both CBD and retinol, it’s not difficult to see why one enhances the efficacy of the other. Retinol is highly effective, but it is also an irritant, especially for sensitive skin. Cannabidiol, on the other hand, is an anti-inflammatory, which works to calm and soothe the skin, therefore, when used with retinol, CBD can ease irritation and redness without lessening the efficacy of the retinoid. This helps your skin tolerate retinol, which in turn should help you see results more quickly. Ultimately, CBD and retinol could be the ultimate anti-ageing, texture-enhancing, acne-reducing, skin-plumping cocktail your skin will adore.
How to Use CBD and Retinol Together
Both CBD and retinol are skincare ingredients that can make a dramatic difference to your complexion, but it’s important to know how to use them correctly – especially when it comes to retinol.
Firstly, choose your product(s) wisely. You might opt for separate retinol and CBD products or a blend of the two. Either is fine, but choose premium brands with high-quality products and start with a lower concentration, to begin with. You can build up the concentration over time as your skin’s tolerance increases.
Secondly, apply very carefully. Retinol products are best applied in the evening to clean, dry skin (wait until your skin is completely dry after washing or cleansing, before applying your CBD retinol cream). Add a small amount and wash your hands after use. CBD should help to soothe the skin should you have any reaction, but you can apply an additional moisturiser 30 minutes after use if you feel any irritation.
Lastly, retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light. Always use an SPF in the morning when you have added a retinol product to your regimen.
How Long Will It Take to See a Difference in My Skin?
Like most skincare products, it takes some time before you will see a difference in your skin. This applies to retinol especially, with many people expecting to see results within four to six weeks, but in reality, it can take three to six months to see any improvement in wrinkles, skin tone and texture. Cell regeneration and new collagen production don’t happen overnight, so you shouldn’t expect retinol to work this quickly either.
However, the benefits of CBD should be experienced sooner. CBD is a fairly innocuous ingredient that very rarely causes harsh side effects or reactions. The anti-inflammatory properties should start to work straight away, with any redness, irritation or dryness of the skin starting to improve soon after first use.
Final Thoughts
So are CBD and retinol really the dream team when it comes to the skin? Well, you’d be pushed to find a more effective combo for fighting signs of ageing, restoring suppleness and diminishing acne, or simply maintaining that elusive fresh glow. Retinol can literally transform your skin, while CBD supports your skin during the transformation by soothing, calming and hydrating.
Find products with a low concentration of retinol to start with, and build up slowly as your tolerance increases. Always wear SPF when using retinol products in your beauty routine.
Want to enhance your skincare routine? Take a look at our full range of CBD serums and creams.
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CBD Retinol FAQs
Does CBD improve skin?
Yes, CBD has been reported to potentially improve skin health due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturising properties. CBD is known to interact with ECS receptors in the skin, which are involved in regulating various skin functions such as inflammation, sebum production, and cell proliferation. As a result, CBD may help reduce skin inflammation, redness, and irritation, making it beneficial for conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, CBD's antioxidant properties may help protect the skin from environmental damage, while its moisturising properties may help hydrate and nourish the skin, promoting a healthy complexion. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on skin health.
Does CBD oil increase collagen?
Based on some scientific findings, it has been suggested that CBD may have a positive impact on collagen production, potentially leading to firmer skin. CBD has also been reported to potentially improve the appearance of wrinkles and scars. However, it's important to note that research on this topic is limited and more studies are needed for a comprehensive understanding of CBD's effects on collagen production and skin health.
Can you use CBD and retinol together?
Absolutely! Combining CBD and retinol in your skincare routine can offer a promising duo for potential skin benefits. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help soothe and nourish the skin, while retinol is a well-known ingredient for its potential to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. When used together, CBD and retinol could complement each other, providing a synergistic effect for healthy, vibrant-looking skin.
