Over the past few years, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has gone from far-out to majorly mainstream in the beauty world and beyond. With benefits in skincare and wellness ranging from speedy skin soothing to long-term stress relief and sleep-inducing properties, is CBD oil the answer to all our skincare (and lifestyle) woes? Here's everything you need to know…
What is CBD?
CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is an extract of marijuana or hemp plants. It's extracted from the stalk and stems of the plant as a powder, before being mixed with a base oil such as olive, hemp, or coconut.
If you're concerned about the psychoactive affects of cannabis, worry not. CBD oil won’t get you high because it doesn’t have any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
How do you take CBD oil?
CBD oil can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin. If you're taking CBD oil orally, it's best taken sublingually (under the tongue). This is because there are a network of capillaries under the tongue, meaning the CBD will reach your bloodstream quicker. Drop 1-3 drops under the tongue and hold for a minute until swallowing.
What are the side effects of CBD?
While CBD is safe to ingest, there are some side-effects that you should discuss with your doctor if you're unsure. One of the main side-effects (which we'll discuss more in depth next) is drowsiness. But dry mouth, nausea and reduced appetite have also been reported.
Can CBD oil help with sleep?
CBD oil can cause drowsiness - a side-effect which has been harnessed and is utilised as a sleep aid.
'CBD works to impart feelings of relaxation and calm, so for this reason it's particularly good before sleeping,' says Charlotte Ferguson, founder of DISCIPLE skincare. 'CBD oil can not just reduce the time it takes you to sleep but by improving the quality of your sleep too.'
'Our skin and central nervous system has native receptors for cannabis which means they can be recognised by the body easily and work to soothe, repair and reduce inflammation.'
CBD doesn’t just help with the physical aspects of sleep reveals Ferguson. "It also helps you get to the state of mind you need to be in to be able to rest, so that you're less anxious. You’re so relaxed you aren’t worried whether you’re going to fall asleep or not. Plus in the morning you won't feel drowsy, CBD really is the miracle molecule."
Best CBD oil
1 of 5Healist Good Night Drops, £16
Not sure whether CBD oil is for you? Why not try this discovery size before committing to splurging.
2 of 5Thrive CBD Oil, £34.95
CBD oil can taste a bit funky but this blood orange flavoured CBD tastes like chocolate orange. Win.
3 of 5BeYou CBD Oral Spray with MCT Oil, £22.49
This CBD spritzer can be ingested or applied topically to soothe aches and pains.
4 of 5Dreem Distillery Night Drops, £160
These ethically-sourced broad-spectrum CBD drops are enhanced with a Super Terpene Blend to further increase its sleep-inducing properties.
5 of 5Disciple Skincare Miracle Drops, £30
These Miracle Drops can be used topically, massaged into your skin before bed or ingested using the dropper.
What can CBD oil do for skin?
You've probably noticed that CBD oil is also cropping up in some of your favourite skincare picks too. From calming face masks to healing foot balms, CBD oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a hit with skincare formulas. Numerous studies have found that CBD oil has soothing properties when applied topically and is able to decrease excess sebum production - allowing it to have a balancing effect on acne-prone skin. Ready to discover CBD in your skincare? Here are some of our favourites…
Best CBD Beauty Products
1 of 10Paula's Choice CBD Skin Transformative Treatment Milk, £43
A calming concoction to soothe irritation and help to reduce reactivity, this soothing moisturiser hydrates skin, restoring the lipid barrier without clogging pores.
2 of 10Rodial CBD Sleep Drops, £85
A targeted night serum, Rodial CBD Sleep Drops, £85, sink in at speed, soothing skin with natural anti-inflammatories.
3 of 10Lady A Evening Tincture 750, £55
An aromatic blend of hemp extract and hemp seed oil that proves a simple and effective way of adding CBD into your daily wellness routine.
4 of 10CBVit Active Hemp Body Oil, £19.95
Bursting with anti-oxidants and skin-calming ingredients, this beautiful body oil is the perfect post-shower luxury. Smooth it over wet skin to lock in moisture and condition.
5 of 10Origins HELLO, Calm Relaxing & Hydrating Face Mask with Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, £25
Doing what it says on the tin, Origins' new HELLO, Calm Relaxing & Hydrating Face Mask with Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, £25, helps take down redness while boosting moisture levels. A Sunday saviour.
6 of 10Aurelia Probiotic Skincare CBD Super Serum, £64
Containing 'unique pure crystallised CBD isolate' (sounds snazzy, right?) Aurelia Probiotic Skincare CBD Super Serum, £64, pairs its hero ingredient with hyaluronic acid to instantly perk up dehydrated skin.
7 of 10MGC Derma CBD Stem Cells And Peptides Eye Contour Cream, £65
Created for sleepy, puffy eyes in need some TLC, MGC Derma CBD Stem Cells And Peptides Eye Contour Cream, £65, calls on the elasticity-boosting nature of Cannabidiol to target fine fines, too.
8 of 10Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics Natural CBD PMS Cream, £32
On the lookout for a natural period pain reliever? Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics Natural CBD PMS Cream, £32 at Selfridges.com, is best applied straight onto your lower back and stomach to ease cramps and tension.
9 of 10Kush Queen Relax CBD Bath Bomb, £9.49
Blended with 25mg cbd and calming frankincense, Kush Queen's Relax CBD Bath Bomb, £9.49, will help you to completely unwind and relax before hitting the deck.
10 of 10BVit Active Hemp Ointment, £19.95
This one's the perfect targeted remedy for dry, cracked and irritated areas of skin.
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