By now, we have heard the many (potential) benefits of Hemp CBD. We have seen it everywhere, from the gas station to the pharmacy and even at your chiropractor’s office. Your neighbor’s mother-in-law had amazing results for sleep, your personal trainer has a CBD lotion that helps expedite muscle recovery, and your cousin’s best friend works for a CBD company that sells tinctures, dog treats, and … CBD beauty products!!!

It seems there are nearly as many CBD “experts” as there are CBD infused products. With so much (mis)information floating on the inter-webs and with many “experts” offering conflicting opinions, how can you, the skincare professional, decipher actual CBD skincare benefits? What is CBD and how does it work WITH and within the skin? What is the cannabis complexion connection?

It is important to reiterate that CBD is from Cannabis. There are two main legal distinctions, hemp and marijuana. Though there are hundreds of phytochemical compounds found in cannabis, the differentiating factor between federal and state legality is the amount of one single molecule, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. That is the compound that has the greatest intoxicating influence and has been the focus of years of stigma and mischievous association, until recent history. It is also the marker of legal distinction at 0.3% THC. No matter the cultivar (or breed) at or below that amount qualifies as industrial Hemp, which is federally legal, and above is considered Marijuana; and though the number is growing, is only legal in certain states (Medical Marijuana in 36 states, and recreational Marijuana in 16 at the time of posting).

Also from cannabis, another hugely popular molecule, cannabidiol (CBD) has made a promising entrance into changing the mindset of the masses. These three little letters are responsible for creating a HUGE wave of societal, and medicinal/clinical acceptance, providing many with relief, while swinging open the door of therapeutic application of cannabis on a national level. We see tinctures, gummies, gel capsules, salves, and CBD skin care products just about everywhere we look. However, product selection does require a discerning eye.

First and foremost, one must understand the actual capabilities of the chemical constituents of cannabis so as not to fall prey to creative marketing.

There are many clinical papers on the dermatological benefits of cannabis. So, what can it actually do for your complexion? There are hundreds of compounds from the cannabis plant, so we can expect that research on every component may take a while! One widely researched and widely understood compound is that of terpenes. In the skin, terpenes provide access as well as facilitate communication between cannabinoid and ECS receptor. Cannabinoids, like THC, CBD, and the newly popular, CBG, are then able to take effect. Terpenes also hold their own skin benefit and are everything from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even skin restorative.

THC is an anti-inflammatory and is known to decrease pain, like muscle and joint, but can also aggravate acne. It is not necessary to have THC in a clinical skincare product and could actually be counter intuitive.

CBD is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regulates oil production, regulates hyperpigmentation, and even encourages healthy cell turnover rates.

CBG, the new kid on the block, is the mother cannabinoid. In its raw, acidic form, Cannabigerolic acid is the precursor, or stem cell, to both THC and CBD (and all other minor cannabinoids including CBN, CBV, THV…). In the skin, studies show CBG has an ability to help the skin retain moisture, which is very important for inflamed, aging skin. It is also a super antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

In the beginning of the CBD market influx, there were many claims stated. Though probably not intentionally malicious, they were not all true, nor relative. For this, only selecting product produced/created/crafted by a company that understands the intended method of application, as well as the access required for cannabinoids to communicate with the body should be considered. This is especially the case for inclusion in clinical skincare protocols.

We know the skin is not water soluble, so applying a CBD product that is water soluble, or in an aqueous solution, is at that point only novelty and not actually functional. Cannabinoids need terpenes and essential (omega) fatty acids to communicate with ECS receptors. That communication then creates a response and the formula is then anti-inflammatory that regulates oil production, encourages re-hydration, regulates melanogenesis, and regulates cell proliferation. If those two components are missing, then it’s just CBD water sitting on top of the skin; which is great for a hot day, but not if you are looking to make real changes in the skin.

Lira Clinical’s long held axiom of “Science Discovering Nature’s Secrets,” holds true in Cannabis as well. Years were spent researching the many compounds of cannabis to understand histological communication and then benefit. From there, years were then spent in development, combining just the right ingredients that would create a positive effect in depleted, misfunctioning skin. It had to be a product that was sophisticated enough to use in a clinical setting; no farmer’s market or yoga retreat level style product would suffice. (Not that there is anything wrong with those types of products, but clinical skincare deserves a clinical CBD infused product).

Both clinical and anecdotal research led the formulation process and, finally, a CBD infused product was introduced to the Clinical skincare market. Lira Clinical’s MYSTIQ Infused C harnesses the Power Entourage of Clinical Cannabidiol, D-Limonene and terpene rich MASQ-tech™ along with other powerful ingredients like glutathione, lipid soluble Vitamin C (BV-OSC), colloidal cilver and gold, orange plant stem cell, gluconalactone, just to name a few. This product is incredibly versatile and the perfect fix for all skin types, tones, and conditions and an easy insert into any clinical protocol or home care program.

Neither skin, nor aging, nor skin dysfunction stops at the neck. Understanding this, Lira Clinical is currently in the development stage of a completely new body product that considers all of the mis-functions of the skin (from body acne to age spots and horribly dry body skin). It will include a fuller spectrum of cannabinoids (CBG for supporting NMF) in addition to many effective ingredients and will be available for clinical body protocols as well as home care. It will be more than just a CBD Lotion, more than just a CBD body oil! It is sure to make one feel as though they can be body bright, be body beautiful all year long!
Lira Clinical was created by four passionate skincare professionals and educators, dedicated to providing the esthetic community with the world’s most effective skincare products, education and support.
Lira Clinical