The average adult human body is sheathed in approximately 22 square feet of skin. For reference, the open space of a standard doorway is approximately 21 square feet. If we look at our bodies from the outside in, our skin is the first layer of protection from the world around us, functioning as our largest sensory organ by reacting to the environments that surround us. From the inside out, our skin is also the final layer of our unique body compositions, producing its own immune system and hormones. It is an intricate and highly active organ, comprised of multiple layers and components, all of which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Understanding the many roles our skin plays will help us realize the ways in which we can assist it in regulating itself and staying healthy. Just as we supplement our immune systems and digestive systems, we can do the same with our skin, and help prevent and heal the dry, chapped skin that typically rears its head during the winter months.
The Layers of Our Skin
The epidermis, the absolute outermost part of our skin, is a waterproof barrier against UV irradiation, microbial invasion, extreme temperatures, chemicals and more.
Just below the epidermis are several mini-organs: hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands. Hair follicles are constantly rejuvenating to grow strands that assist with temperature regulation and provide UV protection. Sebaceous glands produce oily sebum that enforces the skin’s waterproof tendency. And sweat glands secrete liquid to help regulate the body’s temperature. Further, these systems produce Vitamin D and steroids for immunity support.
Amongst the epidermis, all those mini-organs and the sensory nerves that help us identify danger and elicit response, are immune cells. The skin has its own specific immune system to protect it, and ultimately the rest of our body, from allergens, bacteria, viruses and other external stimuli.
All of these facets of our skin are supported by the skin’s very own endocannabinoid system, which is comprised of endocannabinoid molecules and receptors in nearly every cell type throughout the skin. The different layers of the skin constantly produce endocannabinoid molecules, dependent upon the organ’s needs. The receptors, as mentioned before, are located throughout the skin, and serve as the catalyst for ECS functioning.
The Endocannabinoid System and Our Skin
When the skin is operating in homeostasis, endocannabinoids perform standard roles such as suppressing inflammation and controlling the immune system. Skin that is balanced maintains moisture, shows no signs of inflammation and its accompanying redness, and heals from abrasions quickly, whether superficial scratches and cuts or wind/cold/sun chaps and burns.
When the ECS is out of balance, its receptors change roles from maintenance to mending. When faced with external and/or internal agitators, cannabinoid receptors will promote proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis to restore balance. Meaning: they will either increase cell production to heal, change the actual function of a cell or destroy existing cells, dependent upon the situation. When the skin is operating with depleted immunity and decreased ECS function, we can encourage its health and bolster its strength through the application of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD Oil & Skincare
CBD oil is a powerful antioxidant and hydrator, two extremely important attributes when it comes to saving skin from winter weather.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is filled with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids that benefit skin health. Vitamins A and D encourage skin repair by supporting cell growth and inhibiting oil production. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, serving as a second layer of protection against collagen and elastin damage. B-complex vitamins boost the building of skin, hair and nails. And because CB1 and CB2 receptors are located throughout your skin, topical applications are simple to administer and provide direct results.
Finding a full-spectrum CBD skincare product that works for you will help you maintain healthy skin year-round, especially during those dry-weather months. Facial products enriched with CBD can help those sensitive areas under the eyes and below the nostrils that tend to show signs of distress quickly. Balms and rubs can help other areas of the body.
CBD Enriched Products for the Face
W!NK CBD Eye Cream + CBD Serum
W!NK products are formulated with natural ingredients and full-spectrum hemp oil, offering all the benefits of organic health and the added perks of endocannabinoid system support. Use the eye cream to soothe inflammation and redness, ease fine lines and help hydrate the skin around the eye. Use the W!NK CBD Facial Serum to prevent dry weather-related issues such as chapping, cracking and moisture loss, as well as inflammation-related issues and flareups.
Mary Jane’s Lip Bong
This silky balm glides on the lips with a pleasant hint of peppermint. Rich, cannabis infused plant oils make it incredibly moisturizing for even the most chapped and cracked lips.
CBD Enriched Topical Products for the Body
W!NK Relieve CBD Body Balm
The W!NK CBD Body Balm is the perfect response to cold weather. Not only are its ingredients all-natural, highly moisturizing and protective, its smooth application and lightweight formula allows it to be easily applied to both body and face. Use on dry, chapped hands, rough skin patches and cold-weather induced flare-up areas.
W!NK CBD Body Balm contains 0 THC.
Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm
The Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm contains THC for additional therapeutic benefits. Topical application allows cannabinoids to be absorbed through the skin but not enter the bloodstream, meaning the balm is non-psychoactive. This CBD-rich balm is great for reducing inflammation and relaxing sore muscles.
Original Sweet ReLeaf Deeply Soothing Body Butter
The deeply soothing Sweet ReLeaf body butter is a luxurious and potent topical cream made of organic coconut oil infused with 100% cannabis trichomes, Shea butter, cacao butter and select essential oils. It nourishes the skin and provides direct, localized relief from a variety of ailments such as: dry skin, inflammation, and chronic pain.
Founder and CEO of W!NK, Stacy Verbiest is dedicated to developing and distributing a high-quality, all-natural line of CBD oils, balms and blends that empower women to manage their wellness. For more information on W!NK products and spas, visit www.wink-wink.com.
