As cannabis products become increasingly diverse, one of the latest innovations in skincare is cannabis-infused topicals designed to offer sun protection. These products combine the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids like CBD with traditional sunblock ingredients to create a unique form of sun protection that not only shields your skin from UV damage but may also provide additional benefits like soothing inflammation and promoting skin health.
Here’s a closer look at how cannabis topicals can help with sun protection and what you should know before incorporating them into your skincare routine.
1. How Cannabis Topicals Work for Sun Protection
Cannabis topicals are skincare products that contain cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but they don’t produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. Instead, these cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating skin health, inflammation, and cellular repair.
When combined with traditional sunscreen ingredients, cannabis topicals may offer several key benefits:
- UV Protection: The primary function of any sunscreen is to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Cannabis topicals designed for sun protection often include standard sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays from penetrating the skin.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBD and other cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which can help calm irritated or sunburned skin. Applying a cannabis-infused sunscreen may help reduce redness, inflammation, and the discomfort often associated with prolonged sun exposure.
- Antioxidant Effects: Cannabinoids like CBD have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors, including UV damage. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure.
- Moisturization and Healing: Cannabis topicals often contain other beneficial ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter, which provide deep hydration and support the skin’s natural healing processes after sun exposure.
2. What to Look for in Cannabis Sun Protection Topicals
When choosing a cannabis-infused sunscreen or topical for sun protection, it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure you’re getting effective coverage and added skin benefits. Here are the key features to consider:
Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection
Look for a cannabis topical that offers broad-spectrum sun protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to skin cancer.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
The SPF rating indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. A sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended for most people. While cannabis topicals provide added skin benefits, they should still contain SPF protection to shield the skin effectively from UV rays.
Natural Ingredients
Opt for a product that uses natural, non-toxic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. Many cannabis-infused sunscreens incorporate nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, which soothe and hydrate the skin while offering protection.
CBD Content
If you’re looking for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of cannabis topicals, check the label to see how much CBD or THC the product contains. Most CBD sunscreens contain full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, meaning they include other cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to boost the product’s effectiveness through the entourage effect.
Water-Resistant Formula
For those spending time at the beach or pool, look for a cannabis sunscreen that is water-resistant. This ensures that the product remains effective even after sweating or swimming.
3. Popular Cannabis Topicals for Sun Protection
Here are a few cannabis-infused sunscreens and topicals that have gained popularity for their effectiveness and added skin benefits:
- Kush Queen Defynt CBD Sunscreen: This SPF 30 sunscreen combines CBD with other skincare ingredients to offer UV protection and reduce inflammation. It’s a lightweight option that’s perfect for daily use.
- Mary Jane’s Medicinals Cannabis-Infused Lotion: While not specifically a sunscreen, this topical contains healing cannabinoids that can soothe sunburns and protect the skin when paired with a traditional sunscreen.
- Empower BodyCare Topical Relief Lotion: This lotion is known for its CBD-infused formula that provides anti-inflammatory effects and promotes healing, making it a great after-sun treatment.
4. How to Use Cannabis-Infused Sunscreens
Using cannabis-infused sunscreen is similar to using traditional sunscreen, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Apply Generously: Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin, especially areas prone to burning, like your face, shoulders, and neck.
- Reapply Frequently: Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Just like with regular sunscreen, cannabis topicals can wear off after prolonged exposure to the sun or water.
- Pair with Other Skin Products: You can pair cannabis-infused sunscreens with other topical products, such as after-sun lotions or healing balms, to enhance the skin-soothing effects of cannabinoids.
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5. The Future of Cannabis in Skincare
Cannabis-infused sun protection is part of a broader trend of incorporating cannabinoids like CBD into skincare products. As more research supports the therapeutic properties of cannabis, it’s likely that the market for cannabis-infused topicals will continue to grow, with more options for sun protection, moisturization, and healing.
Ultimately, cannabis topicals for sun protection offer a unique combination of UV defense, anti-inflammatory benefits, and antioxidant properties. While traditional sunscreen ingredients provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays, cannabinoids like CBD add additional skincare benefits, making these products an attractive option for those looking to enhance their sun protection routine. When choosing a cannabis-infused sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection, a high SPF rating, and nourishing ingredients to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and safe from UV damage.