Why Men Should Make the Switch to CBD Soaps
In recent years, men’s grooming industry has skyrocketed to prominence, thanks to accessible information which contributed to the growing awareness of the importance of a skincare routine tailored to men’s specific needs. It’s no surprise that an entire industry is now dedicated to men’s products from moisturizers, body washes and deodorants. And all the more so as it turns out that a man’s skin is entirely different from a woman’s.
How is a man’s skin different?
A man’s skin is thicker, tougher, sweatier and oilier than a woman’s due to high testosterone levels. Although sweat and oil helps form a protective layer that prevents damage from pollutants and toxins, it also means that men are more prone to acne breakouts than women.
While thicker skin means more collagen levels that help hold wrinkles at bay for longer, it also means buildup of dead skin cells. These dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin can cause men’s skin to appear more dull and also clog pores, leading to more acne.
Men are also more likely to have drier skin, no thanks to frequent shaving that strips off the skin’s natural oils (and causes those ugly nicks and cuts).
According to research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, men also have more sensitive skin. The study suggests that about 40% of men have rated themselves as having sensitive skin and 33% of men reported having experienced a skin reaction to a skincare product in the past.
With all these skin issues, it’s just as important for men to take care of their skin with a skincare routine. But where do you start when there are a multitude of skincare products available in the market today from serums, face masks, toners and sunscreens? To start building a skincare routine, men need to start with step one: cleanse.
Cleansing is the first step to any skincare routine. It removes toxins, oils, bacteria and any gunk you’ve applied. Cleansing allows any products you apply afterward to be properly absorbed by the skin for maximum efficacy. And because your skin is highly absorbent, you’d want to use a natural cleanser for your epidermis.
Facial Wash vs. Body Bar
Most bars of soap are too harsh on the face and cause even more dryness or breakouts. However, if you’re like most men who want to keep things simple and prefer to clean with whatever’s on hand (admit it!), you may want to opt for an all-natural bar of soap to use for both body and face. Natural soaps can double as facial bars, saving you both time and money.
What are natural soaps?
As the name suggests, natural soaps are made of natural ingredients. Unlike regular soaps which are made of synthetic chemicals, natural soaps are made of plant-based ingredients.
Natural Soaps vs. Regular Soaps
Natural soaps are just as effective cleansers as regular soaps but they are safer, gentler, and smell better too (plus they don’t harm animals or the environment). They have natural ingredients and extracts that are nourishing and moisturizing, as well as smelling great!
Mass-produced soaps that are commonly seen in your local supermarket may contain harsh, drying chemicals and artificial preservatives that do more harm than good to your body. While you might not see an immediate impact on your health with the use of synthetic chemical-derived soaps, daily toxin absorption will eventually lead to issues at some point.
Thankfully, natural soaps don’t contain any of this scary stuff but are composed of organic oils and natural emollients that are built-in with a multitude of healing and antioxidant properties.
What are CBD soaps?
Natural soaps come in many different types and formulations. One of the most sought after natural soaps today are CBD bath soaps. CBD is a potent ingredient extracted from the stalks, stems, and flowers of the cannabis plant that contains strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.
Skin care brands hail CBD for its low comedogenic factor, as well as its wealth of skin-rejuvenating antioxidants. It doesn’t clog pores, regenerates skin and moisturizes as deeply if not better as Vitamin E. This said, CBD is a great remedy for a myriad of skin issues that are akin to men’s skin issues including dryness and acne.
For these reasons, you may find that CBD soaps are a little more expensive than other natural soaps in the market.
Benefits of CBD Soaps for Men
1. One downside of using regular bars of soap are sulfates, the detergents or cleansing agents responsible for the sudsy lather. Sulfates strips of the skin’s natural oils and can lead to chronic dryness of skin. Fortunately, natural soaps are made from nature-derived ingredients that moisturize skin without any toxic chemicals in the mix and CBD soaps are no exception.
As a natural plant emollient itself, CBD functions to lock up moisture in the skin and repair dryness. Dr. Nima Gharavi, dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Cosmetic Dermatology Program, suggests that CBD plays a role in hydrating the skin and might help with treating dry skin and inflammations. By boosting hydration, CBD is excellent for men to use in their cleansing routine.
You’d also want to combine CBD with other natural moisturizers for maximum effect. Look for ingredients such as organic shea butter, sunflower oil, coconut oil and olive oil in the formulation.
2. For those who struggle with acne like most men, CBD soaps are a great remedy. CBD oil can combat acne in two ways: first, its anti-inflammatory characteristics act to reduce the visible inflammation induced by clogged hair follicles. Second, CBD reduces over activity of the sebaceous glands that trigger acne.
Other ingredients to look out for in a CBD soap for acne-prone skin are activated charcoal and tea tree oil. Activated Charcoal is a powerful natural ingredient that absorbs excess sebum and removes pore-clogging toxins while Tea Tree Oil is known for its antifungal properties that keep acne, rashes and odor at bay.
Many top-selling natural soaps also contain natural exfoliators that slough off dead skin, revealing smoother skin underneath. These natural exfoliators can come in the form of real ground peppermint leaves and ground oatmeal among others. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, regular exfoliation can prevent clogged pores, result in fewer breakouts and improve the effectiveness of your skincare products by enhancing absorption.
To shop CBD soaps that contain Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil with natural exfoliators, check out this link.
3. CBD is known for working synergistically with other beneficial ingredients. When mixed with other natural emollients, it can help other ingredients perform better. Since natural soaps contain other skin-friendly ingredients, expect your CBD soap to do even more wonders for your skin.
4. Men with sensitive skin may find that regular soaps can be irritating. Natural soaps are organically concocted using pure, organic ingredients that don't strip the skin of its natural oils. The absence of synthetic chemicals also means they are pesticide-free and non-irritant, making it safe to use even for those with sensitive skin.
5. Natural soaps last longer than other soaps. A typical 4 oz bar will last twice as long as commercial soaps, giving you great value to compensate for the heftier price tag. And just like wine, natural soaps usually get better with age!
Our verdict?
Ideally, men’s soap should cater to the unique qualities of men’s skin. While CBD is considered a skin superfood, it’s not a cure-all ingredient so it’s not going to do everything on its own. Choosing CBD soaps with other natural ingredients in the formula should work best.
To help narrow down your search for the best CBD soaps, check out our premium suds with skin-friendly plant-based emollients like organic shea butter, olive oil and sunflower oil. We’ve infused our soaps with 100mg of full spectrum CBD oil extracted from quality hemp farms in the USA and combined other natural goodies to create a special formula of CBD soaps that are nutrient-rich, skin-nourishing, sustainably produced and cruelty-free.
Medical Disclaimer: It’s important to note that CBD has not yet been proven to reverse any health conditions and should not be used as medicinal diagnosis or treatment. The content of this post is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor for questions.
Sources: Esquire.com, gq.com, themanual.com
