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There’s an obvious marriaguana between cannabis and the beauty and skincare industry, and the thing is: it’s booming!
The hemp-derived compound has become so mainstream due to the relaxing of cannabis laws and more scientific studies that even major beauty brands have jumped on the bandwagon.
From face creams to lip gloss, you can find many products infused with cannabidiol (CBD), but are they actually any good?
What Is CBD?
Cannabis sativa is a complex plant with over 400 chemical entities of which “more than 60 of them are cannabinoid compounds, some of them with opposing effects”.
And no, CBD is not the one that will get you high – that one is called THC (or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation, and no, we are not encouraging it!
CBD is found in some amount in all cannabis plants. That means it can be derived from either hemp or cannabis. However, CBD products are only legal if they’re derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC in the US and less than 0.2% THC in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and from EU-approved origin.
What Are The Benefits of CBD For Skin?
CBD products are one of the fastest-growing products in the beauty and wellness industries, with many reporting that it works wonders for the skin when applied topically, and while there doesn’t appear to be loads of clinical trials just yet, the chemical properties within it suggest that it has every potential to be one of the most sought after skincare gems.
A 2019 study notes that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may be helpful in treating dryness and itching associated with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne and psoriasis.
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If you’re a big fan of Vitamin C, you’ll love the potent antioxidant properties of CBD that will fight free radicals too. In fact, CBD is 30% – 50% more potent as an antioxidant than Vitamin C or Vitamin E!
CBD is also a great skin-soother, “it’s moisturising to the skin, you can apply it to the skin in moisturisers as a way to help your skin to be more hydrated and to feel better” says Dr Anthony Youn, M.D. board-certified holistic doctor and plastic surgeon.
Another plus of using CBD is that it’s 100% plant-based! Of course, that doesn’t mean the products you buy containing CBD will be though, so always check the label.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
There are still more studies to be done to verify the efficacy of CBD’s benefits for the skin. Therefore, topical CBD has no known side effects.
However, always choose a brand that sells lab-tested CBD to ensure potency and purity. There is a possibility that CBD or other ingredients in the oil could cause a rash on very sensitive skin. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor or dermatologist.
The Best Products With CBD
1. Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil
The Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil combines fatty-acid-rich hemp seed oil with adaptogens like Shiitake Mushroom and Ashwagandha Root to provide skin with rich moisture and a glowing appearance.
2. Kana CBD Lavender Sleep Mask
Formulated with 28 active ingredients including cannabis sativa (hemp), hyaluronic acid and lavender oil, this mask works through the night to ensure a softer, brighter and dewy complexion in the morning.
3. Origins Relaxing & Hydrating Face Mask With Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
With cannabis sativa seed oil from hemp, this rich, super-nourishing mask is filled with essential omega-6 and omega-3 acids. In addition to hydrating your skin, the blend of essential oils helps to calm and soothe your skin.
4. KHUS + KHUS Bleu Body Wax + Cannabinoids
The BLEU Body Wax + Cannabinoids is a concentrated oil that has a gorgeous vivid blue colour thanks to the ingredient blue tansy which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. A few of the other “botanical superstars” include marula oil, blue yarrow, baobab, babassu and of course, cannabinoids.
5. Revolution Good Vibes Chilled Bomb Lip Oil
This CBD-infused lip oil from Revolution may be beneficial to those who suffer from dry or chapped lips. Reviews claim that this lip oil smooths, soothes, and hydrates lips and smells amazing!
6. Lord Jones Line Refine CBD Eye Cream
This CBD Eye Cream targets the entire eye area. Formulated with Phycoderm which is a potent fusion of two algae extracts that improve the appearance of firmness and thinning skin in the eye area. Retinol to even out skin tone and reduce fine lines. It also contains CBD to reduce puffiness.
