It’s likely you’ve heard a lot about CBD oil recently; whether it’s reading about its medicinal properties or buying products emblazoned with the cannabis leaf, it’s clear the cannabis plant is having a revival.

As more scientific research is invested into the properties of the plant and discussions regarding its legalization are being had around the world the old image of zoned-out stoners is becoming a thing of the past. CBD oil (an oil extracted from the cannabis plant) is now being touted as the key to stress-free living and the beauty secret everyone wants to get their hands on.

What is CBD oil and is it legal?

Cannabis, in many parts of the world, is still considered an illegal drug that carries heavy penalties for those found using and supplying the it; CBD oil however is perfectly legal. The cannabis plant is made up of lots of different compounds (called cannabinoids) which include CBD and THC. The psychoactive part of cannabis is from the THC cannabinoid not the CBD cannabinoid, meaning you can ingest and use CBD legally and safely with no psychoactive side effects.

OK, so what’s the difference between CBD and hemp?

The chances are if you’ve heard of CBD oil you’ve probably also heard about hemp (the two are often referenced together). Hemp is part of the cannabis family and is high in CBD but  low in THC.

It has long since been praised for its multitude of health benefits; the seeds are rich in amino acids which are great for keeping your heart and digestive tract healthy. Hemp seed oil is also rich in fatty acids which makes it a great moisturiser for your skin, although it lacks some of the benefits of CBD oil which we’ll explore now.

So how can CBD oil help your beauty regime?

CBD oil has three main benefits to your skin:

1. It’s anti-ageing
2. It’s anti-inflammatory
3. It’s an antioxidant

CBD protects your skin cells from damaging free radicals as well as being gentle and protective on your skin both of which helps to slow down the visible effects of ageing. It’s also full of super-conditioning fatty acids which help to soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

CBD can be found in cleansers, toners, moisturizers, oils, serums, masks and eye creams-just about anything! There’s something to suit every budget from high street brands such as Holland and Barrett and The Body Shop to higher-end brands like Aurelia and Votary.

If you’re not sure where to start try adding a CBD oil facial serum into your skincare routine; luckily our skin is really receptive to CBD oil so you can expect to see the benefits in a short amount of time.

That’s great news for your skin, but what about your hair?

CBD oil isn’t just great for your skin, it’s great for your hair too. It’s high in fatty acids, Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 as well as rich in  complex B vitamins which are particularly great for:

• Dry hair and scalp
• Repairing damaged hair
• Encouraging hair growth
• Assisting with hair loss

CBD can be found in most products, from your daily shampoo and conditioners to luxurious hair masks. If they’re out of your budget you can have a go at making your own: mix CBD oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and then massage this into your scalp. This will help promote circulation and blood flow to the scalp and ensure your hair absorbs all those great nutrients found in CBD oil.

Are there any other ways CBD oil can help me feel beautiful?

CBD oil doesn’t just do great work on the outside, it can do wonders when taken orally too. Some research suggests that when ingested CBD oil can help reduce anxiety, mood disorders and insomnia without any nasty side effects. It’s no secret that when you feel good on the inside you glow differently on the outside.

So if you feel like you need something to help calm your mind and encourage relaxation then pop a few drops of oil under your tongue and let it work its magic.

Are there any risks using CBD oil in your beauty regime?

Like any new product you use for the first time there is always the risk you could have an allergic reaction. It’s always a good idea to test any new products on a small part of your skin first and if your skin becomes irritated then immediately stop using it. If you’re planning  on taking CBD oil orally then make sure you’re getting this from a trusted supplier and do your research first.

How can I get my CBD dose at my next visit to the salon?

Many salons are now incorporating CBD oil into their services. For the ultimate relaxing experience try a CBD oil massage which helps loosen muscles and repair skin. CBD  facials are becoming ever popular as are hemp oil facials. The iconic spa Cowshed offers both a CBD oil facial and CBD massage in its various spas around the UK. Young Ldn Salon, based in London, offers a CBD manicure that uses CBD oil to pamper your cuticles and a hand massage that uses CBD infused hand cream.

The Future of CBD

As more countries around the world explore the health benefits of the cannabis plant and make moves to decriminalise its use there’s sure to be more from this plant in the future.

More and more brands and companies are learning  about the health and beauty benefits of CBD oil giving you an abundance of choices; like anything new you incorporate into your beauty routine, start out by playing about with brands you like and explore what works for you.

Be open and try new things that are going to nourish and protect your body and remember, if it makes you feel good, that’s always a good place to start!

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