Everything You Want to Know About CBD Oil Benefits for Skin & Uses

First things first: what is CBD oil?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the Cannabis Plant.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: what’s the difference?

Both CBD and Hemp Seed Oil come from the Hemp (Cannabis) Plant. But, CBD is found in the aerial parts of the plant, while hemp is found in the seeds. If you see a product containing Cannabis Sativa, it can be tricky knowing what exactly this means as it’s a catch-all term. You might think it’s made with CBD, when it’s actually Hemp Seed Oil. Both are non-psychoactive and they each offer a whole host of health and skincare benefits - some of which are beginning to make a home in our favourite beauty rituals.

Is it safe?

In short: yes. A World Health Organisation report published in 2019 found no adverse health outcomes and actually several medicinal benefits. CBD contains less than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the plant which gets you high - which means, ingesting or applying CBD oil topically will not get you ‘high’. But in terms of elevating our beauty routines? The results are endless, so we’re turning up the volume as loud as it will go. 

How can we use this ingredient, and what are the benefits?

“We always advise first-timers to identify the area they want to target. Is it to alleviate stress, to induce a better night’s sleep, or for muscle relief? Then we recommend choosing your preferred delivery format, ideally something that works into your current routine seamlessly,” says Marisa. 

You can get CBD beauty in almost any form - oil drops, supplements, sheet masks, creams, serums, shampoos and SO much more.

CBD and the benefits for skin

“CBD has a natural fit in our skincare routine because it’s full of fatty acids - Omega 3 and 6 - that help skin stay moisturised and maintain its elasticity”, says Marisa. “Not only that, but it’s a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, making it effective at tackling everything from angry breakouts to age-related skin damage.” With its long list of benefits, CBD is proving to be a powerful super ingredient for all skin types. Here are the ones Marisa highly recommends:

• Aurelia London CBD Super Serum + Probiotics as it contains both CBD isolate and Hemp Oil Extract, which work together to improve skin texture. Also featured? Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, smooth and plump, plus Protida, which restores and balances. And thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, applying products with Hemp Seed Oil has been found to improve the overall look of our skin. Among others, Hemp Oil skin benefits include calming redness, hydrating the skin, and soothing sensitivity. We love.
  
• Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate is a great one as it helps to reduce skin blotchiness while balancing hydration and strengthening the skin’s barrier. Alongside the many benefits for your skin, CBD can also work wonders for your hair. We recommend smoothing any onto your ends to seal in moisture, softening and adding shine as you go.

What should I check for when buying CBD products?

When looking for CBD products, Maria always recommends opting for quality. “Quality in organic farming practices, in the extraction process, and of the ingredients are especially vital.” Finding brands that promise quality standards is the first step to making sure you’re getting a truly effective product.

If you’re new to CBD, then there’s one important thing to remember: strength is everything. Usually measured in milligrams (mg), the higher the strength, the stronger and more effective a product is likely to be. And if you’re stepping out of skincare and into wellness, you might want to try a tincture or oil infusion. When it comes to dosage for these, Marisa has this advice: “find your sweet spot by starting with a minimum dosage and then incrementally working your way up, slow and steady. Once you’ve nailed it, you won’t look back.”