With all the smoke in the air from wildfires, I’ve been thinking a lot about CBD, antioxidants and free radicals. You may wonder why, but I’ll get to that shortly. First, we’ll get to know this trio individually.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, also found in cannabis plants, CBD is nonpsychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. Our products are made with hemp-derived CBD. We also use full-spectrum CBD, which contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes. Full-spectrum is important because the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase CBD’s efficacy.
CBD is known to work with an already present endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies that maintains homeostasis or balance. Here’s how they work. Two receptors, CB-1 and CB-2, travel the body and endocannabinoids bind to them. There are many enzymes in the body, but two in particular break down cannabinoids. They are arachidonylethanolamine (AEA), nicknamed anandamide from the Sanskrit word for bliss, and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG).
CB-1 is found mostly in the nervous system and brain. CB-2 is found outside the brain and tends to monitor and regulate the immune system. Both are found throughout the skin. Once enzymes break down cannabinoids, the resulting endocannabinoids search for receptors to bind to and help maintain balance.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a broad term for a range of molecules and compounds that neutralize free radicals. (I’ll get to free radicals in a bit.) Bodies are equipped with an antioxidant defense system. However, a diet rich in antioxidants is important to counterbalance a lot of the high-fat, overprocessed foods we eat. Antioxidants are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and other plant-based, whole foods. Several vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are also effective antioxidants. Rather than go into a long list, I’ll just give you this nifty graphic to give you a better idea of which foods to consume.
But what about protecting our bodies’ largest organ and biggest protector: the skin. CBD in topicals, like the other forms of CBD, is antioxidant. Rather than ingest or inhale it, you apply it to the skin. As it penetrates it adds a layer of protection that heals and nourishes your skin. Here is where CBD, antioxidants and free radicals come together.
According to board-certified dermatologist Rhonda Klein of Connecticut Dermatology Group, “Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting free radical production, which can damage the skin. With daily use, they can reduce lentigines (sunspots), help combat visible signs of aging and calm skin inflammations. Several antioxidants provide the skin with hydration and increase moisture retention to help revitalize dull-looking skin.
What are free radicals?
Energy generated within cells creates toxic molecules known as free radicals as a waste product. Stress and environmental agents, including smog and cigarette smoke also result in free radicals. Constantly forming in your body for various reasons, free radicals cause harm if there aren’t enough antioxidants to balance their activity. Free radicals are not necessarily bad. In fact, our immune system uses free radicals to fight infection. They also perform other functions important to health
When the balance between antioxidants and free radicals tilts toward more free radicals, it can lead to oxidative stress. Prolonged oxidative stress can damage DNA, which can increase your risk of cancer and heart disease and also hasten the aging process. It’s also been known to cause cell death.
Common factors that promote excessive free radicals include:
- Air pollution
- Cigarette smoke
- Alcohol intake
- Toxins
- High blood sugar levels
- High intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Radiation, including excessive sunbathing
- Bacterial, fungal or viral infections
- Excessive intake of iron, magnesium, copper or zinc
- Too much or too little oxygen in your body
CBD, antioxidants and free radicals
Earlier I mentioned that skin is our bodies’ largest organ and the first line of defense to protect our internal selves. In our quest for youth and perfect skin, we often slather the skin with products that are riddled with chemicals, toxins, parabens and other noxious components. What good is that doing?
What you need are topicals that protect the skin with antioxidants. CBD topicals are those products. Comprised of hemp-derived CBD, essential and carrier oils, CBD topicals nourish skin. More important, topicals protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage skin.
Now, about the smoke from so many wildfires burning everywhere. The haze is an unhealthy form of pollution that not only dulls the sunshine it makes it difficult to maintain a healthy balance of naturally occurring antioxidants and free radicals. A little external help may be necessary. However, applying more chemicals isn’t the answer. CBD topicals to the rescue.
This 1998 National Institute of Mental Health study was the first to show the antioxidant properties of CBD. Indicating that CBD is a more powerful source of antioxidants than vitamins C and E.
It’s important to point out that all of Lost Remedy topicals are made with high-quality CBD derived from hemp. Regardless of whether you use health and beauty products or our pain and health products, you’re getting the antioxidant benefit of these full-spectrum, hemp derived CBD topicals. Plus, you’re not adding more toxic chemicals to the earth each time you shower or bathe off the external residue. Seems like a win-win to me.