What Is CBD? Cannabidiol Information

The question is being asked more and more as CBD has become one of the biggest trends in the spa, wellness and self-care industries. A recent ISPA report noted, 18% of Spas have incorporated some type of CBD into services or retail offerings. With featured articles in American Spa, Skin Inc., Marie Claire, and Time magazines all praising the effects, as well as the many celebrity endorsements, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Whoopi Goldberg, and even Martha Stewart; the popularity of CBD is only continues to grow.

Why are so many jumping on the CBD train?

The flooding of products is due, in large part, to two major federal farm bills. In 2014, the Farm Bill lifted restrictions for cultivating cannabis classified as Industrial Hemp (less than 0.3% THC). The Farm Bill of 2018 further clarified any extract from cannabis considered Industrial Hemp would not be included in any controlled substance qualification. Though CBD may seem like the new kid on the block, the benefits have been noted for years. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, one of many compounds found in the Cannabis plant.  Though there’s over 6000 years of recorded use of cannabis topicals, CBD was first isolated in the 1930’s, before many other well-known compounds, like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) were discovered.  CBD is unlike THC in that it does not have an intoxicating effect on the body. Like all cannabinoids, both made by our bodies (endocannabinoids) and found in plants (phytocannabinoids), CBD communicates with the body’s Endocannabinoids System. The message? To achieve balance. There are several ways we can recognize an out of balance body, which is why there are such a variety of CBD infused products entering the market. From softgels, tinctures and edibles, to mouth-sprays, pain relieving salves and foot creams, weeding through the information to understand how CBD works can be challenging. In skin, we can note several opportunities where the body shows it is out of balance: acne, aging, dehydration, uneven complexion.

Why use CBD infused skincare products?

It is the noticeable benefits of CBD in the skin which encourages seasoned consumers and entices new users. Skincare enthusiast and the scientific community alike can agree on the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD. Dr. Shirley Chi, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and CBD advocate, noted: “The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help decrease itching and puffiness of the skin, and even treat soreness of the skin.” In addition, “CBD has been shown to have a soothing effect on the skin and has been used in the treatment of acne and rosacea as well as eczema and dryness,” according to Dr. Chi.

The research continues into the application and treatment uses of CBD, yet the implications and results to date indicate CBD will have a lasting and advantageous effect on the entire body. Beyond the numerous hemp components, CBD also contains a variety of skincare staples including anti-oxidant value rivaling Vitamin C and Vitamin E combined, soothing anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to normalize oil production in the skin. All of which add to the overall benefits of incorporating CBD into skincare products and ultimately integrating CBD into your home skincare routine.

Quality product manufactures operate with transparent integrity and provide information that has not previously been required or standard, from education to 3rd party testing results. Additionally, effective products will be infused with CBD as well as a cocktail of efficacious and complimenting skin friendly ingredients.


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