What is CBD?
In short, CBD stands for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is just one of over one hundred different types of cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for cannabis’ euphoric effects, or ‘high’. CBD on the other hand is non-intoxicating, and is known to be packed full of antioxidants and healing properties – with a (limited, but nonetheless) FDA approval for Epidiolex – a drug intended to treat epilepsy.
Both THC and CBD work by binding to certain receptors in the body (named CB1 and CB2), which interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system runs throughout our bodies, including the nervous system, muscles, brain, heart, skin, immune system and digestive organs. Whether your interest in CBD is sparked by CBD oil beauty, CBD oil as an aid for anxiety, or CBD for faster muscle repair, the benefits of this plant-derived oil are multifaceted.
The ECS is predominantly physiological. Its responsibility is to maintain a sense of balance, harmony and peace in all bodily systems. This includes sleep, mood, memory, appetite, inflammation, temperature awareness and pleasure. When one or more of these areas are on ‘high alert’, or not functioning to their intended capacity, it is the work of the endocannabinoid system to try and regulate the system back to normality. Both THC and CBD can help the receptors CB1 and CB2 reproduce, therefore increasing this sense of equilibrium in the ECS, and consequently, the entire body.
How does this apply to CBD Oil Beauty?
CBD is also bursting full of antioxidants and beneficial amino acids. Similarly to the ways it binds to receptors to treat aches, pains, inflammation, or mental chattiness – it can also help to appease and add a glossiness to agitated, wrinkly or acne-prone skin.
In clinical skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, the main body of research is still limited almost entirely to animal and anecdotal studies – however, much like other areas of testing CBD’s potential, the studies are ongoing and are showing highly encouraging evidence.
CBD oil beauty in the meantime, is on the rise – and for good reason. There are a number of different ways you can integrate CBD oil into your daily skin care routine.
Do I Need a Daily Skin Care Routine?
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of ageing skin, the short answer is yes. A daily skin care routine allows the effectiveness of the product to work over time. Because no temple is built over night. How many products do I have to try? Remember: each skin is different, so make sure you are sampling in the right area for your skin age and type. A consultation with a dermatologist should be able to help you in this area, if you are really unsure of where to begin. Judging by the texture and luminance of your natural skin, once cleaned, you should have an idea whether you gravitate more towards dry/sensitive or oily/combination.
What is a Good Skin Care Routine?
The basic principles behind a quality skincare routine are a three step process: cleanse, treat and moisturize. Dr. Ashley Magovern, founder of Manhattan Dermatology, explains ‘treating’ your skin involves using things like vitamin C serums, creams packed with retinol, or a CBD oil topical solution. Dr. Magovern says, ‘the middle step can make a huge difference over time, in the appearance of ageing skin’.
CBD in Beauty Products
Some tips for sampling CBD oil beauty products: always read the label, and make sure the ingredients list says it is inclusive of ‘cannabidiol’. Even ‘hemp extract’ or ‘hemp seed oil’ is not necessarily pure CBD oil. Some brands list their CBD content in milligrams, which can be a good way to check.
There are also three different areas of CBD to consider, which can also be recognised in the world of CBD oil beauty. The difference between ‘isolate’, ‘full-spectrum’ and ‘broad-spectrum’.
- Isolate: pure CBD. No other cannabinoids.
- Broad Spectrum: No THC is detectable.
- Full Spectrum: Trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids such as CBG and antioxidant compounds.
Does CBD Oil Tighten Skin?
CBD interacts with skin (specifically, ageing skin), by reducing free-radical damage. Free radicals are atoms or molecules in the body, which are highly reactive with other cellular structures, because they contain ‘unpaired electrons’. Imagine one of these cells moving all over the place, bumping into other cells and disrupting their flow. Free-radicals can cause damage to skin cell proteins and DNA, causing collagen to break down faster. Antioxidants are substances which protect your cells against free-radicals. As CBD is full of antioxidants, the oil works to reduce the look of dullness, deterioration and wrinkles overtime.
Looking for some inspiration of where to start?
The Calyx Smooth 600mg CBD Lotion is a heavy, soothing, silky balm, designed for even the most tenacious aches and pains. With its hydration properties and highest concentration of hemp-derived CBD, this water-based anti-inflammatory natural cream can be used to treat clinical skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Tinted with lavender and sandalwood essential oils, to add a sensory touch of relaxation to the experience.
Drop any of the three Calyx CBD Bloom – 100mg Bath Bombs into your tub to fizzle, soak and soothe into. Lullaby, Heart to Heart and Detox each providing their own flavourful zest. These unique bath blooms have the added CBD quality to their mix of essential oils. The CBD engages receptors through your skin, thanks to the moisture and humidity, while the citric acid provides the fizz. Bath bombs are a luxurious, experiential way to integrate CBD oil beauty into routine. For the ultimate relaxation and full-body treatment.
The Calyx Boost 250mg CBD Oil is an all round customer favourite, and an excellent way to enter the world of CBD. Acting as a kick-starter to the endocannabinoid system, Boost is the lowest CBD concentrated tincture in the Calyx oil range. The perfect way to interact with your dosage level, and start experimenting with your baseline ECS. This tincture can be taken in the morning, evening, or even throughout the day to help regulate your senses. You can even use Boost infused with your favourite skincare products for added hydration. Just add 1-2 drops into your moisturiser, or this product can be applied directly on to skin.
Can CBD Reverse Aging?
Ageing skin naturally becomes more fragile, thinner and drier over-time. The search for the miracle cream to plump our skin is neverending. While no CBD cream, or any other cream for that matter, can technically ‘reverse ageing’, it can definitely help to protect skin from further declination. CBD also contains linoleic and oleic acids, both contribute to skin health and longevity.
CBD Cream for Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, caused by external and internal factors, which largely cannot be avoided – a simple fact of life. However, some elements such as an excess of sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, too much stress and smoking tobacco, as well as environmental factors (living in harsher conditions), can certainly lower the body’s natural production levels of collagen and elastin. The antioxidants in CBD oil can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, working as an anti-inflammatory agent to the skin, repairing damage and smoothing fine lines over time. The molecules in CBD oil work by binding to the molecules in the skin cells, protecting them from free-radical damage.
Final Thoughts
CBD oil beauty: what’s the verdict? While there are plenty of antioxidant products on the market, CBD is a strong choice. Furthering your topical solution with a tincture oil could also increase the levels of antioxidants in your bloodstream. Our advice is to experiment with introducing a CBD product to your daily skin care regime, and see what works for you and your skin-type.