Cannabis has been making its way into the health and well-being industry for the last 5 years or so, with the number of CBD consumers rinsing from 125,000 in 2017 to 250,000 in 2018 - according to the UK Cannabis Trades Association. The growth in research surrounding the use of CBD - its ability to provide health benefits - has made the trend grow rapidly. It has been given a new persona of ‘health kick’ which gives you glowing skin instead of its stereotypical ‘stoner’ vibe and has been catapulted into the modern market.
The US has been ahead of the UK in terms of cannabis and as of 2019, thirty-three states, four U.S. territories, and Washington, District of Columbia (D.C) have legalized medical use of the drug. The UK finally caught up at the end of last year when The Natural Health Spa at the Budock Vean Hotel in Cornwall launched its new range of treatments. Bringing the benefits of CBD products to the professional spa market. The first in the UK to bring CBD therapy products into treatment rooms for facials, body treatments and nail services, showing the stigma is officially gone and everyone’s going wild for CBD skincare.
CBD is already known for being able to relieve pain, ease anxiety and reduce epilepsy-related symptoms. While this is what we already know, CBD has begun to take over the skincare market thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties. It is now everywhere, from Sephora to Superdrug! Cannabinoid has been said to relax skin issues such as dermatitis and inflammatory acne and also has the capability to slow down the production of a substance called sebum. Which is a waxy, oily substance that accumulates on the skin. CBD helps keep the skin clear of oil and bacteria which causes acne breakouts. Even individuals who don’t suffer with skin concerns can profit from the use of a CBD skincare routine. CBD is shown to be high in vitamins such as A, B, D, E and antioxidants which improve complexion by reducing redness.
“It’s this all-in-one solution because of its ability to target those problems simultaneously,” says Jessica Assaf, The Cannabis Feminist.
The natural beauty industry is on the rise because we’re becoming increasingly scared of chemicals. Customer mistrust is at an all-time high with apps such as “Think Dirty” showing us exactly what is in our products. Personally, I love skincare but… it begins to get stressful when you look on the back of the bottle and don’t recognize a single ingredient. This made me curious about natural products as Charcoal came and went and the same with Witch Hazel but it seems CBD is here to stay.
So, where do you start with CBD skincare? According to Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD, “It's important to start with a low dose until you know how your body will react to CBD.” The same with any new skincare you buy, start sparingly or even start with a facemask or bath bomb and see how your skin begins to work with it. A body butter or a lip balm? There is so much choice and room for exploration. Find what suits you and begin your CBD skin journey.
