CBD, a controversial natural compound extracted from marijuana or the hemp plant is now being widely referred to as wellness and beauty ingredient, all thanks to its surprising health and beauty benefits. Despite common misconception, CBD skincare will not get you high. Instead it rejuvenates, moisturizes, heals and soothes your skin. From Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish American actress Olivia Wilde to Kim K and “Unfabulous” star Emma Roberts, celebrities swear by CBD’s goodness. But…
What is CBD?
CBD is the short form for cannabidiol, which is one of the 100+ active constituents of the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD can be derived from both cannabis, aka marijuana, and industrial hemp, which has been recently legalized in the U.S.A. But most CBD-spiked beauty and wellness products currently on the U.S. market contain hemp-derived CBD to quench the public’s concerns about its legality and morality.
CBD is now legal in all states for commercialization and contains no psychoactive elements, which means that it won’t get you high. CBD oil is a carrier oil infused with CBD extract to maximize the ingredient’s potency. Carrier oils are very important in CBD-infused products, as they can enhance or nix CBD’s benefits.
What Makes CBD Oil Special?
Our body already produces one of its own cannabis-type chemicals called anandamide whose levels are elevated by CBD oil when it enters our system. Increasing the level of this particular chemical in the body produces anti-inflammatory effects in the brain and other beneficial interactions with other receptors.
CBD is being called the ‘super beauty ingredient’ for synergizing with the internal endocannabinoid levels to maintain the overall health of the body. In short, CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and adaptogen that can help treat anything from stiff joints, post-workout soreness, and acne to chemotherapy-induced nausea, seizures, and chronic pain. And Hollywood is taking notice.
Benefits of CBD Oil in Skincare and Pain Management
CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help preventing fine lines and improving frustrating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The many beauty benefits of CBD oil body lotion, for instance, such as smoother skin, higher levels of hydration, lower irritation, and better overall complexion, have gotten many users hooked.
CBD also shines bright at decreasing chronic pain and inflammation levels, which may explain why so many A-listers, including Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Wilde, and Mandy Moore have fallen in love with it.
Those of us who don’t want to add too many painkillers to their routine can opt for CBD as it has analgesic properties which suppress pain levels and swelling. Therefore, it is used as an ingredient in many balms and rubs for sore joints or muscles. Olivia Wilde, for instance, has recently confessed that CBD lotion helps her muscles relax after a sustained effort with little to no pain killers.
What’s more, Brazilian beauty and Victoria’s Secret spokesmodel Alessandra Ambrosio relies on CBD oil to get her eight hours of beauty sleep before a big show. CBD reportedly helps Ambrosio calm her nerves and anxiety down to keep her pre-runway insomnia in check.
