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CBD-infused skincare: 2019’s biggest wellbeing trend

March 17, 2019

CBD-infused skincare: 2019's biggest wellbeing trend

Legalised in the UK in December 2018, CBD is an industry that’s set to make $2.1 billion in consumer sales by 2020. So what is the secret to its success?

Natural skincare products are taking the beauty world by storm, and CBD oil is paving the way. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the miracle oil is said to soothe irritated skin, ease muscle aches and restore the skin’s natural oil balance.

CBD is commonly sold in small bottles of concentrated oil. These have a relaxing effect when added sparingly to drinks or even placed straight under your tongue. Many people choose to apply this topically so that the oil is absorbed through the skin. As the popularity of topical application continues to rise, CBD-infused lotions, balms and serums are hitting the mainstream market.

What is CBD oil?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is a naturally-occurring chemical compound derived from the hemp plant. It’s a common misconception that CBD is extracted from marijuana. In fact, the cannabis plant has two primary species: hemp and marijuana.

Marijuana may contain a concentration of up to 40% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound that makes users of the drug feel ‘high’. In contrast, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, making it a completely non-psychoactive substance. For this reason, CBD is now legal in the UK – unlike marijuana, which is used as a recreational drug.

What are the benefits?

CBD oil is most popular among millennials, who have often been labelled as the most anxious generation. So, it’s no surprise to hear that the soothing properties of CBD appeal to those suffering with anxiety, insomnia or chronic pain. However, it’s important to note that CBD oil is not a medicine and is widely considered a homeopathic remedy.

‘It’s thought that CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and immune system to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain… The popularity of CBD says something about how stressed and anxious we are as a society.’

– Charlotte Ferguson, psychotherapist and founder of Disciple skincare.

For those looking to achieve a smoother, more even-toned complexion, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can work wonders for acne-prone skin. By reducing redness and regulating sebum production, a topical application of the oil can calm the skin. Similarly, CBD rehydrates the skin which can alleviate discomfort caused by dryness, psoriasis or eczema.

Holland and Barrett’s new CBD skincare range. © Holland and Barrett.

Is it available on the high-street?

In January, Holland and Barrett became the first high-street retailer to release their own range of CBD-infused skincare products. They offer four different variations: a serum, day cream, night cream and extra-strength muscle balms. The retailer also stocks CBD-infused skincare products from other brands such as CBD Daily, Ambience and Carun.

Similar results can be achieved using The Body Shop’s Hemp skincare range, which also includes their ‘heavy-duty’ Lipcare and Face Protector. Alternatively, visit Superdrug or Boots. One of the most affordable options is the Revolution Skin Nourishing Oil (£10) which is available in Superdrug. But if you’d rather support a more local company, George Botanicals produce a nourishing CBD balm  – and they’re based just south of Bath, near Frome.

What’s next for CBD?

With the growing popularity of its therapeutic properties, it looks like we’ll be seeing plenty more CBD-infused products in the future. It’s been finding its way into increasingly unusual products – you can now buy CBD-infused chewing gum, mascara, soaps and bath salts. And in the future, many people predict that we’ll see CBD infusions blended into coffee, cocktails and bath bombs.

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