Today, some cosmetic products contain CBD, a molecule found in cannabis.
More than a fad, these products can become a true beauty ally thanks to their soothing and restorative properties.
A biologist and a dermatologist take stock at the microphone of Europe 1.
Did you know that cannabidiol, also called CBD, is present in some of our cosmetic products?
On the occasion of the international festival of cannabis, celebrated each year on April 20, a biologist and a psychiatrist return to the microphone of Europe 1 on the use of CBD, a molecule present in cannabis ... and in the composition of cosmetics.
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You should know that hemp - the cannabis plant - has been used by humans since the Stone Age.
"The fiber of hemp is very resistant, so it was used to make ropes or clothing, but also for its medicinal properties, its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties", says Sophie Strobel, biologist for the brand Paula's Choice.
"Today, we know that the soothing properties come from the CBD that is in it. But at the time, we did not know it, it was empirical," she explains.
More than a fad
In 2021, we therefore find CBD in creams, soaps, massage oils and even shampoos. But what is the point of adding this molecule in cosmetics? Is it for marketing reasons? Is this a fad? No, answers Sophie Strobel, for whom CBD is a real beauty ally: it is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. “CBD acts a bit like a key that opens the doors to skin serenity,” explains the biologist. "The skin is attacked daily by UV rays, tobacco, junk food, stress, etc. CBD is like a meditation teacher. It will teach the skin to refocus on the essentials, to calm down, better repair and defend oneself ", explains Sophie Strobel.
We know that cannabis, when smoked, can be addictive.
Can you get addicted to CBD cream?
The answer is no, according to Professor Laurent Karila, psychiatrist and addictologist at Paul Brousse hospital in Villejuif.
"In the cannabis plant there are two important elements, tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD, which have completely different effects," he explains.
"It is tetrahydrocannabinol which will be responsible for the addiction. CBD does not make you dependent in any case", specifies the psychiatrist.
Beware of UV exposure
So there are no dangers in applying CBD-based products to your skin, but you still have to look at the composition of the product, advises dermatologist Nina Roos. And in particular the presence of a certain molecule, the terpene. If you expose yourself to the sun with a cream that contains terpenes, the risk is that your skin will appear irritations, brown spots or even burns. "It is necessary to check in the composition that the terpenes have been eliminated, or else use the product in the evening, without exposure to the sun the next day, and with caution on very reactive skin", explains Nina Roos. She also advises doing a test on another area of the body first, and don't forget about sun protection.