If your skin glows, so do you! As the warmer months roll on and we’re treated to an influx of heatwaves, we all want the same thing – summer-ready, radiant skin! Of course, we’ll stock up on our pharmacy favourites, from cleansers and toners right through to vitamin serums and moisturisers, but have you ever considered the benefits of introducing CBD oil into your skincare routine?
Over recent years, there have been countless claims suggesting CBD can not only boost the complexion but also support in reducing some of our most common skincare complaints, such as acne, rosacea, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Such claims pose a real question – does research back up the promise of a healthy and revitalised complexion, or is all this typical marketing hype just to entice us to buy?
To know whether or not CBD oil is likely to enhance your skincare regimen and give you that photo-perfect complexion you’ve been hoping for, you first need to understand exactly what it is. More importantly, you’ll want to know the science of how the CBD receptors in our skin work to react with these miracle complexion products. Ready for the medical jargon? Brew up the kettle and get yourself comfortable, here’s everything you need to know.
The skin is the body’s largest organ, on average spanning an incredible 21 square feet, weighing in at approximately nine pounds and containing more than eleven miles of blood vessels. Pretty impressive right? But wait, there’s more. Our skin is made up of 3 layers, the epidermis, the dermis and finally, the subcutis. Each layer of skin serves its own purpose, but present within the tissue of each skin layer are cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids; cannabinoids our bodies naturally produce. Discovered only in the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system is still relatively misunderstood, but what we do know is that it is a crucial and multifaceted homeostatic body regulator, made up of a variety of receptors, complex enzymes and endogenous ligands.
As incredible as our skin is, as far back as we can remember, we’ve neglected it often letting our complexion fall victim to dehydration, blocked pores, sun exposure and much more. At least, that was until we discovered the true benefits of nurturing our complexion, and today there are numerous skincare products readily available to purchase.
One of those products, although rarely advertised for its complexion boosting agents, is CBD oil, the non-intoxicating component of marijuana or hemp plants. Of course, not specifically developed to enhance our skincare regimes, CBD oil has fast become recognised for a whole host of healthcare uses over time, and this is predominantly thought to be accredited to its many suggested therapeutic properties. Statistics demonstrate that a good quality CBD oil is often vitamin-rich, containing concentrated levels of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 and that all-important Vitamin C. Additionally, whilst research is still ongoing here, animal-focused studies to date have evidenced that CBD oil is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is this, that makes it a must-have shelf product for healthy glowing skin, and the very reason skincare professionals and spa therapists are beginning to incorporate CBD oil into their treatments and product lines.
So, how does it work?
When CBD oil is applied directly to the skin, it becomes absorbed through the number of cannabinoid receptors in our skin tissue. CBD oil can target specific skincare complaints, such as dryness, dehydration and acne when administered onto the troubled area itself, and unlike other methods of ingesting CBD oil, inclusive of gummies and vaping, components won’t enter the bloodstream when applied as a topical treatment. Instead, they stimulate the sebaceous gland and interact with the skin’s endocannabinoid system, creating an auto-response that can boost our complexion and minimise troubling skincare concerns.
Today, retailers are selling CBD skincare products of all varieties, from creams and serums, through to facial masks and peels. This is great if you’re looking to invest in a new vitamin-rich moisturiser, but less appealing when you know these products are also often overloaded with dyes and additives for marketing attraction.
To ensure that you can get the best results from your CBD topical treatment and enjoy a healthy, glowing complexion all year round, here are three skin-boosting treatments you can make at home, infused with our world-class CBD oil and free from any additional harmful ingredients.
Soothing honey and oatmeal CBD Mask:
For this vitamin-rich exfoliating face mask, you’ll need just 4 drops of our Moonlit CBD oil, half a ripened banana, three tablespoons of ground oats and of course, a good dollop of honey (please ensure to also buy your honey from a reputable source). To create the perfect mask, simply whisk together the honey and CBD oil, stir in ground oats and leave to cool in the fridge for approximately 15 minutes before application.
Once applied, leave on for 10-20 minutes, allowing the oil to absorb into your skin; then rinse off for a crystal clear complexion!
CBD Yoghurt and Avocado Mask:
Need a good excuse to use up those left-over avocados? We’ve got you covered. Packed with fatty acids, potassium, calcium and copious amounts of Vitamin E, avocados are mineral and moisture-rich and can boast impressive benefits for our complexion. For the ultimate skin glow, whisk together half a ripened avocado, one heaped tablespoon of high-fat plain yoghurt, one teaspoon of honey and four drops of our Moonlit CBD oil.
Once whisked and mixed, leave to set in the fridge for half an hour before applying to the face for a cool, soothing topical treatment that’s all about that glow!
Anti-ageing, vegan CBD face cream:
So, this one will take a little longer to prepare but if you’re looking to minimise those fine lines and give your complexion a more youthful glow, our oil-infused vegan face cream is our ‘go big or go home’ facial treatment. For this, you’ll need approximately 5 grams of shea butter, three times the amount of cacao butter, 35 grams of almond oil or jojoba oil, half a teaspoon of rosehip oil and 25 drops of our Moonlit CBD oil. If you’re looking for a luxurious treatment, 5-10 drops of lavender oil will take this face cream to next level indulgence!
Simply mix all ingredients together, then warm in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water, to form a balm-type consistency. Once all ingredients have melted, pour into an airtight bottle or container and store in the fridge for optimum shelf life. Apply as and when desired and enjoy the appearance of a hydrated and youthful complexion!
Have everything you need but the CBD oil? Browse our Moonlit CBD store and checkout for fast, free UK mainland delivery.