Now starring in everything from bath bombs to soothing balms, CBD is officially the trendiest ingredient in skin and body care. Consider this your guide to CBD beauty.

CBD’s Skin Benefits

By now, you probably know that CBD (a.k.a. cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana. So whether you take it orally or put it on your body, it won’t get you high.

CBD does, however, have a powerful ability to support the immune system, says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. That’s why it can be helpful for soothing irritated, stressed-out skin—and skin trouble related to immune issues—when applied topically.

Read More: Don’t Let These 7 CBD Myths Fool You

Research (like this 2014 The Journal of Clinical Investigation Research study) also suggests that, when applied topically, CBD may help reduce the skin’s production of oil—a plus for certain skin types.

Additionally, as far back as 1998 (check out this Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences paper), researchers have identified that CBD possesses antioxidant properties. (Antioxidants help fight off free radical damage that can age our cells—and skin.)

If your skin needs extra soothing—or you’re just looking for an all-around all-star ingredient to support a healthy complexion for years to come—CBD can be a great way to plus up your routine.

Buying The Best CBD Beauty Products

Intrigued? Keep the following tips in mind when shopping for CBD products to add to your beauty and skin-care routine.

1. Make Sure The Product Specifically Calls Out CBD

It sounds obvious, but if you want a product that contains CBD, make sure it calls out the compound specifically. With so many hemp-based products on the market right now, it’s easy to get confused—but hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same thing.

While hemp oil is made from hemp seeds, CBD is extracted from other parts of the plant, like the flowers and stalks. “CBD is much more potent than hemp oil,” says Dr. Zeichner.

2. Check For Quality And Third-Party Testing

Not all CBD products—beauty, included—are created equal, so make sure to purchase CBD-containing products from a well-known, reputable brand (like Uncle Bud’s). You can also check out the company’s website for more information about third-party testing and quality assurance.

3. Consider Full-Spectrum Products

Though they tend to be more expensive, products that contain full-spectrum CBD offer the benefit of the “entourage effect,” meaning that you get CBD alongside other plant compounds it’s naturally found with, which might make it more effective.

4. When In Doubt, Talk To Your Dermatologist

If you’re uncertain about adding CBD to your skin-care routine, talk to your dermatologist, recommends Dr. Patricia Frye, M.D., author of The Medical Marijuana Guide: Cannabis and Your Health. “They’ll be able to recommend the skin-care product best for your particular needs,” she says.

Popular CBD Beauty Products Worth Trying

Not sure where to start? Check out these popular CBD beauty and skin-care products, all sold at The Vitamin Shoppe.

1. Uncle Bud’s CBD Oil Face Masks

Made with ingredients like collagen protein, rose water, and CBD, these masks moisturizes, detoxify, and nourish skin to support a firm, rejuvenated, and bright complexion. They’re the perfect skin pick-me-up before a big day.

2. Lafe’s Lavender & White Tea CBD Roll-On Deodorant

One of the first CBD roll-on deodorants in the game, this Lafe’s product contains 50 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD oil to keep your underarms soothed. Meanwhile, natural ingredients like witch hazel and essential oils keep everything smelling squeaky-clean.

3. Miss Bud’s Mango & Mandarin CBD Body Butter

This super-rich body butter contains 120 milligrams of CBD oil, along with organic hemp oil and other natural ingredients to leave dry skin nourished, hydrated, and renewed. With a tropical aroma, it makes body-care feel luxurious.

How To Tell If Your CBD Skin-Care Is Doing The Job

As you incorporate CBD into your skin-care routine, monitor the texture, firmness, suppleness, and evenness of your complexion, recommends Frye.

Of course, just remember that using a CBD face mask once won’t work miracles overnight. “It often takes several weeks to experience any benefit from a skin-care product,” says Zeichner. Give any CBD products you add to your regimen at least three to four weeks before deciding whether to make them staples or try out other options.

As always, if you begin to experience any irritation, redness, or itching after introducing a new product, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist, stat.

References & Further Reading

1. The Journal of Clinical Investigation: Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes.
2. PNAS: Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol are Neuroprotective Antioxidants.

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