‘CBD is helping me through quarantine life.’ What does CBD do for you?

There is no doubt that CBD is the wellness product of the moment. From being legalised in some states of America and sort of around in England, it has officially created a buzz (pardon the pun) and is absolutely everywhere all at once. I had heard of CBD infused lattes, added in post-workout smoothies and even top notch spas offering CBD facials and massages, always wondering how beneficial they really are. Do they actually work? Many beauty companies have now released products, which have CBD or ‘hemp oils’ in their formulas and their target audience ranges from your anxious co-worker to your arthritis suffering mama! So my question is, how does this ‘non-psychoactive drug’ actually help and what does it consist of?

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When terms like CBD, hemp and marijuana are all thrown about together, it can get rather confusing but when broken down into specifics, you should get the all clear! The plant Cannabis sativa has two primary species: hemp and marijuana. Both contain cannabidiol (CBD) but there's a much higher percentage in hemp, which also has very low(less than 0.3%) levels of THC compared to marijuana. While out of a hundred other components, CBD is essential and is extracted directly from the hemp plant, which by itself does not get you feeling ‘high’. According to WHO, (World Health Organisation) it has been reported that ‘there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.’  CBD oil is made from a variety of the whole mature hemp plant, including its stalk and flowers, whilst hemp oil is derived from the seed of the plant. Today there are many different forms of taking CBD and it all depends on what your desired goal is. It can be applied topically as a cream, taken as an edible, in form of drops or through a Vape pen for a much quicker effect.

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‍CBD has suddenly become popular, but has been commonly used for years to help lower anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorders. It also addresses people who suffer from miserable insomnia. Studies suggest that it has helped with falling and staying asleep, along with inhibiting inflammatory conditions. It is offered as an option to treat different types of chronic pain, some of which include arthritis, multiple sclerosis and acute back pains. Where it has been flaunted for a variety of health issues, one of the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruellest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome, which doesn’t typically respond to anti-seizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures and in some cases, stop them altogether.

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‍The beauty industry has suddenly become obsessed with CBD and why is that? Following the surge in consumer interest and understanding its reaping health benefits, companies have realised the value it can add to your skin and have grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Cannabidiol is highly anti-inflammatory and therefore helps treat skin conditions such as acne or rosacea, to help reduce inflammation and breakouts. It is also known to reduce sebum production, making CBD a great choice for oily skin types. Huge industry pioneers such as The Body Shop have used hemp seed oil in their Hemp range since the nineties. Hemp seed oil in particular has been known for unclogging pores and provides the perfect balance of moisture that your skin needs in order to look and feel supple. Leading dermatologist, Dr Timm Golueke, at London’s Urban Retreat says CBD has ‘age-defying properties because ageing is considered chronic inflammation which leads to degradation of collagen.’ If that’s not something to be excited about, I don’t what else is! Our cells are naturally receptive to CBD and because of the minuscule molecule size, it reaches your epidermis faster and you can notice the difference in your skin quicker, where some also say they feel a general sense of calmness to their mood too.

Here are my top CBD infused beauty products, which I have not only researched through reviews of the general public and beauty experts, but some of which I have tried myself and find hugely effective. The comprised list consists of a variety of different brands and products but is something for you to keep your eye out for!

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Kiehl's Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate
‍£40 / Kiehl’s

This oil is my top pick and a favourite because I do love Kiehl's as a brand and what they stand for. I have used it now for around 6 months after being advised it will help with my oily-blemish prone skin. It is however, designed for all skin types and the pros to this product include reducing skin blotchiness and balancing hydration. It is made using natural ingredients, including hemp-derived cold-pressed cannabis sativa seed oil and oregano oil.

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Ohne Yours, hormonally
‍£27 / Ohne

Born from a strong belief that every woman should be able to manage menstruation without disruption to their daily routines, this product from Ohne comes in the form of ingestible drops. A CBD supplement formulated to help balance mood swings and keep your hormones in check, particularly during your period. The inclusion of coconut and avocado oil (both great for your skin) means there’s no horrible after taste. A great option if you struggle with the effects of unbalanced hormones during your period.

Votary super boost night drops
‍ £95 / Votary

Founded by British make-up artist Arabella Preston, this product does all the work whilst you sleep. This 2% pure CBD infused product is combined with rosemary leaf extract and hand blended in small batches to create lightweight premium oil. The oil suggests that the anti-inflammatory process soothes and nourishes the skin, whilst battling blemishes and fine lines. It also includes strawberry seed oil, which is rich in ellagic acid and encourages a youthful glow and even skin tone. A budding glow like this doesn’t come cheap…but 1-2 pumps applied on clean skin at night and you will feel so worth it!

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It is worth mentioning that I haven’t been taking the oil for long and only through regimented research and recommendation, I felt this over whelming time of uncertainty, gave me the push I needed to give it a go. I have found a number of different CBD oils for sale in the UK market, both available in stores and online and where one would think you are spoilt for choice, the decision is tough! I was told that if you are a first time buyer, you need to consider a few key factors such as; making sure the product is laboratory verified to ensure the CBD content meets the actual amount in the formulation. You also want to ensure that there is no presence of pesticides, fertilisers and heavy metals. I went with a friend’s recommendation and bought mine from Karma Coast, a Newcastle based company, which has proved brilliantly so far. However, other popular brands, some well renowned, others more newer on the market which also prove to be effective are;

• Provacan
• Blessed CBD
• Holistic Hemp
•  Bud and Tender

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For the past few weeks, along with many others, I have been home all day, have two young children and quite honestly, needed something to help me manage my symptoms of anxiety through this pandemic. There are some days in a week, which feel more of a struggle then others and that’s when I take a few drops of oil under my tongue. It slowly mellows out the nervous system and I don’t feel that heightened ‘fight or flight’ feeling, thus helping me to feel more tranquil. Because you are able to get fast results, this seems like a popular choice for many. It encourages relaxation and overall well-being. There are some reported side effects of CBD, which may include nausea, fatigue and irritability; however I have not experienced any of these. If you have any doubts, always consult your doctor or pharmacist.