It’s official. CBD is the new trendy ingredient.
What is CBD and How Does it Work?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, along with THC is what makes up the plant that we all know as marijuana or hemp. Whereas THC gives you the “mental high” feeling, CBD is the part of the plant that does not make one feel the psychoactive effects. However, it does have some impressive and therapeutic effects ranging anywhere from skincare, to makeup, and even mental health. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana at the state level making CBD very popular in the market nowadays varying from oils, edibles, pills, and lotions. Now how does CBD actually affect our bodies? CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system, or natural cannabis-producing molecules in our bodies that is involved in processes such as memory, sleep, pain, stress, anxiety, and inflammation. The important thing to be mindful of is that there are products that want to market themselves under the cannabis umbrella, therefore, just because a product has a marijuana plant on it does not necessarily mean that it contains CBD. Let’s check out some beauty products that do.
CBD in Hair Care
Hair products with CBD oil are about to take your hair care routine to a whole new level. Since CBD oil is high in antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E and contains 21 amino acids, it has been shown to increase hair strength, hair volume, and help with scalp care to avoid dryness and dandruff. Plus, one of the amino acids in CBD, known as tyrosine, helps protect hair color.
Emera, $25
This nourishing shampoo rich in vitamins from CBD oil gives hair a smoothing effect adding shine, strengthening hair against breakage, and preventing dryness.
CBD Daily Shampoo, $20
Along with peppermint and argan oil, this CBD shampoo hydrates hair and relieves pain in areas of tension while tackling breakage, frizz, and making sure that hair follicles are fully nourished.
ECO Natural Cannabis Sativa Oil Leave-In Conditioner, $19.99
If you have overly processed hair and your hair needs a drink of water, this treatment has got you covered. This CBD deep conditioner containing Vitamins A, D, and E help restore hair against split ends and helps hydrate your scalp.
Nomad, $54
This lightweight and non-greasy CBD infused serum includes rich antioxidants and fatty acids that mend split ends, tame hair, and protect hair from heat and environmental damage. It contains Hemp CBD Distillate that sustains moisture and shines as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredients such as chamomile extract, Kakudu Plum extract, and Rose Water. The AHA Lactic Acid properties in the serum also stimulate hair cells for a faster hair growth rate.
CBD in Makeup
Although CBD is still in its youth phase and there is still being research conducted on the benefits of makeup and skincare, it has been shown to reduce acne breakouts, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis by inhibiting sebum production and overactive sebaceous glands. The vitamin A from CBD allows tissues to stay firm, vitamin C activates collagen production which helps with anti-aging, and vitamin E blocks out free radicals from entering the body. Perhaps you should give these products a try:
Herbivore Emerald CBD Deep Moisture Glow Oil, $58
This product is a lightweight oil used primarily for redness, dryness, and uneven texture. It has 100mg of full-spectrum CBD and hemp seed oil that have calming properties for the skin to have a natural glow and look more hydrating overall.
Nourishing Body Cream by Cannuka, $23.80
This soothing body cream absorbs quickly into the skin and because of the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, it calms and refreshes your skin while adding the hydration all of us girls can use after a shower. It also includes ingredients such as Manuka honey and hyaluronic acid that repair skin from fine lines and wrinkles for a younger-looking complexion.
MILK Makeup High Volume Mascara, $24
This high-volume mascara adds that additional oomf for your lashes with its heart-shaped fibers sealing lashes with greater length and width. Since it is made from hemp-derived cannabis seed oil, it allows for fuller and smoother application. Here’s to healthier, more hydrating lashes.
High Five Cannabis Seed Facial Moisturizer, $40
This daily moisturizer is a win-win for all skin types–oily, combination, and dry. Whether you have fine lines, dryness, or redness, this product contains 20% cannabis Sativa seed oil that aids in calming your skin and providing intense hydration. It even contains interesting ingredients like broccoli, red grapes, and black cumin.
Whether or not some argue that it is a marketing gimmick, CBD is expected to reach $20 billion by 2024, according to a study conducted by Forbes. If adding CBD as a part of your beauty regimen excites you and you are into trying out the latest trends, give it a shot. One thing to keep in mind is that ingesting CBD allows it to travel directly into your bloodstream making the results appear faster whereas applying it topically tends to aid more with hydration and pain and may need to be used a couple of times to see results. Since it is still pretty new in the industry and is highly controversial, I would consult a dermatologist or beauty expert beforehand to learn more about what it can do for your hair and skin type. The keyword to look out for on the ingredient list is “hemp seed oil” versus “hemp plant extract” which will be more diluted. However, both still have beneficial properties. Only time will tell how much further CBD will make its way into the beauty industry but for now, to all my beauty influencers out there, happy shopping.