CBD: Is it worth the hype?
Updated: Mar 14
Your Ultimate Guide to what you need to know before incorporating CBD into your skin care routine
Why all the excitement? Is this just a temporary craze or a trend that has the potential to become one of the biggest skin care innovations in years? And what in the heck is CBD?
Emma, Founder, Master Aesthetician, Brow Artist & Trainer discusses everything you need to know about CBD and her thoughts about how it can maximize results and improve overall skin health.
Cannabidiol (CBD) in recent years has become one of the biggest trends in the beauty and health industry. There are a variety of CBD-infused products on the market from face oils, eye creams and massage oils to supplements, water and even gummies. But, how do you know which products are best for you? Is it truly beneficial?
Let's dive into the history of CBD and how it has become so popular in the beauty industry.
CBD History
Cannabis plants have been around for thousands of years. They were first discovered in ancient China, with remnants dating back to 10,000 BCE. The father of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Shen Nung, first noted the benefits of cannabis in 4,000 BCE. The benefit of the entire cannabis plant including the stalk, stem and seed have been noted to be one of the most powerful healing plants in ancient times.
Cannabis was first brought from Asia to India, and then introduced to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The medical benefit of cannabis and hemp was mostly lost in transit from the far east to Europe. It wasn't until the Renaissance period that medicinal benefits of cannabis were noted by Western medicine and used in the treatment of pain, cramps, muscle spasms and even jaundice.
The cannabis plant was brought over to the United States with the Jamestown settlers, though it is thought the plant was already growing naturally. In 1619, Jamestown colony law mandated that farmers in the settlement were required to grow Indian hemp seed. It was used at the time for fabric and rope. Use of the hemp plant spread in the following century, and it was second only to cotton in prodcution in the United States. By 1910, production of cannabis and the hemp plants were greatly reduced and Congress dealt the final blow banning all cannabis plants with the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937. Though banned, the plant was still grown, consumed and used in the United States on the black market.
In 2012, cannabis returned with laws passing in both Colorado and Washington state allowing for the recreational use of cannabis. Since then, 37 states have passed laws allowing medical cannabis use, another 21 have recreational usage.
Are CBD Products a fit for you?
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CBD & the Skin
Now that we have a brief history of how CBD has come about and landed in the United States, lets talk about the effects and benefits CBD has on the skin!
CBD is a plant compound found in the plant species Cannabis sativa L., commonly known as hemp. This plant species can produce a variety of specialized compounds called cannabinoids. These plants contain two primary active ingredients: THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive ingredient while CBD isn’t. In other words, CBD can't get you high. The uses of cannabis expand beyond medicinal to include lotions, serums, masks or other beauty products. When used in topical skin care products and treatments, CBD's benefits can be summarized as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, and potentially effective in controlling sebum, or oil.
CBD oil is rich in vitamins A, C, and E and can help restore moisture and increase hydration while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.
Hemp oil vs. CBD oil
Not all cannabis-infused skincare contains CBD. Some skincare and beauty products contain hemp
oil instead. Unlike CBD which comes from the leaves and the flowers, hemp oil comes from the seeds and contains no cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil comes with its own variety of benefits – it’s an amazing moisturizer with rich fatty acids. But if you’re looking to try out CBD for some of its potent properties – make sure you’re buying products that contain CBD oil and not just hemp oil.
Not all cannabis-infused skincare contains CBD. Some skincare and beauty products contain hemp oil instead.
To optimize your experience while ensuring safety, you will need to make empowered, conscious cannabis decisions. Here are five important considerations when browsing CBD rich options.
1. Choose Full Spectrum
Is it made with a full (broad) spectrum extract? The cannabis plant includes over 100 different plant constituents that contribute to its synergistic effects. Science shows that the "entourage effect," which includes multiple cannabinoids as well as terpenes, has the most medicinal benefits.
2. Understand Isolates
The making of isolates involves industrial chemical solvents, which takes away from the medicinal potential of the hemp cannibinoids. Initial studies show that isolates may lead to long term damage of the cannabinoid receptors. If the product claims to be 99.9% CBD or pure CBD, you are using a CBD isolate.
3. Go ORGANIC!
Does the product contain organic hemp cannabis? The cannabis industry is often perceived as a green industry; however, there is a wide range in quality. The cannabis plant pulls toxins out of the ground and into the plant tissues, which may lead to absorption of contaminants. Avoid pesticide toxicity by choosing a brand that uses organic hemp.
4. Say NO to Fillers
What are the other ingredients in the product? Refined ingredients, preservatives and fillers can dilute the overall intent of the product. Less is more in this case. Choose products with minimal ingredients that you understand. One may consider looking for products that have synergistic botanical to compliment the CBD or add additional absorption and potency.
5. Transparency is Key
Ask for lab results to determine the potency and purity of the product. In addition to cannabinoid concentration, look for contaminates, heavy metals, residual solvents, and pesticide results to evaluate a company.
By choosing the right product, you will increase the likelihood of maximizing the health benefits of this powerful plant. You will also be supporting the health of the plant and the farmers who work to grow the ingredients. Taking the time to find a trusted, high quality brand will be time well spent!
Are CBD products a fit for you?
Incorporating CBD into your everyday life is an amazing way to amplify your routine. Maybe you’re looking for extra protection against free radicals and oxidative stress. Try to combine a few drops of CBD oil into your sunscreen and pack on the protection. Want to boost your hydration? Mix the oil with your moisturizer! Extra sensitive skin? Try applying CBD oil topically with a cream or a serum when your skin gets irritated. And whenever your skin feels stressed or irritated, opt for a results driven skin treatment with our expert Aestheticians– our CBD Skin Treatment.
How do you incorporate antioxidants into your routine? What do you use to fight stress and breakouts? Have you ever tried CBD-infused skincare or other beauty products? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comment section! We wish you a stress-free and antioxidant-filled day!