What's The Big Deal About CBD? Here's What You Need To Know (Plus Tips For Shopping Topical CBD)

If you’ve spent any time on Pure Life Blog, then you know we’ve become obsessed with this hemp-derived ingredient that’s a dream for sensitive skin states and a distant cousin of marijuana: CBD skincare.

We’ve put together several posts (like this one and this one) and formulated multiple products (this serum and facial mask are a MUST) with CBD front and center.

Whether you’re new to this natural ingredient, still researching its benefits or already blown away by its results, you’re in the right place.

Today we’re digging a bit deeper and discovering what the big deal about CBD really is – especially when it comes to skincare. Plus we’re spilling a few tips for shopping for the *best* topical CBD products.

But to fully understand its holistic beauty benefits, the best place to start is actually below the skin’s surface. Because remember, it’s all connected. 🙂

Let’s start with a simple science lesson.

So below your beautiful skin, there’s this natural system within the body that was only just discovered in the last few decades. But with all the hype surrounding CBD lately, you may have heard of it: it’s called the Endocannabinoid System.

Simply put, it’s a biological system that regulates lots of different areas of health and promotes homeostasis. The Endocannabinoid System (we’ll call it ECS for the sake of simplicity) is on a mission to constantly maintain balance at a cellular level at all times.

As your external environment consistently shifts and stressors inevitably increase (just a typical day in today’s society!), the ECS works to stabilize your body’s internal balance, build immunity, and soothe the nervous system to minimize negative health effects such as anxiety, pain + depression.

When the body’s internal balance feels threatened or stress levels rise, the Endocannabinoid System releases endocannabinoid molecules (aka messengers) that bind with receptors to send signals to sustain health + homeostasis.

(Side note: can we just geek out for a second on the fact that our bodies are designed as self-regulating and self-healing beings?! Seriously, so cool. Okay, back to the ECS.)

But while our bodies naturally produce these endocannabinoids, their production can actually be disrupted by poor diet, a stagnant lifestyle, lack of sleep, toxic personal care products and other factors.

While we strive to lead a healthy lifestyle to keep our body + its natural systems functioning optimally, we don’t always get it right (remember, progress > perfection is our mantra!).

So a powerful way to support your Endocannabinoid System (and its messengers) in rebuilding immunity + restoring balance back to the body, is actually through the bioactive compounds in… yup, the cannabis plant.

One variety of the cannabis plant, called hemp, contains plant-derived cannabinoids (or phytocannabinoids) that speak the same language as our body’s ECS and helps to strengthen that system – along with other systems and organs in the body.

That’s where hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD Oil comes in! It contains natural phytocannabinoids that bind to ECS receptors to signal healing and balance in the body.

Even in its largest organ: the skin.

Now that we’ve taken a little tour of the ECS within the body, now it’s time to get back to the skin. And keep in mind, our goal here is just the same – to calm inflammation, relieve painful skin conditions and create a complexion that’s healthy, balanced and resilient.

Similar to the inflammatory response to stress within the body from internal or external factors, stress often reveals itself in the skin through sensitivities, acne, redness, and other inflammatory skin conditions. (But don’t lose hope, healthy skin is still possible in the midst of hectic seasons.)

And just like the benefits that CBD oil offers when taken internally, such as a more quiet mind, calm mood + balanced state of being, research shows it has a similar effect for your skin when applied topically.

Stressed-out skin? This hemp-derived herb supports serious skin healing – but without the high. 😉

CBD is one of the most prominent + popular compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant that infuses the skin with a variety of vitamins (like Vitamin A, D and E), minerals and multiple amino acids (the building blocks of our body) – minus the mind-altering effects that are experienced from THC.

But while CBD is the most well-known cannabinoid, other bioactive components in the plant have specific + complimentary properties that work together to optimize skin health.

Experts call this the Entourage Effect.

Full-spectrum (or broad-spectrum) CBD unlocks the full plant power and contains the most potent variety of plant compounds in their specific ratios for the most effective CBD oil possible. Studies have even shown that the synergy of phytonutrients has a greater capacity to contribute to skin health, homeostasis + your overall sense of wellness.

When it comes to CBD and its compounds, they’re better together.

This “skin superfood”, along with all of its friends found in full-spectrum CBD oil such as flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids, contains the perfect ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 acids.

Wait, did you catch that? The perfect ratio. That’s a BIG deal.

Omega fatty acids powerfully restore a compromised Endocannabinoid System (and complexion) and work together to soothe inflammation and support a strengthened immune system while relieving painful skin conditions such as psoriasis + eczema and minimizing inflammation – hello natural acne treatment!

CBD also contains more Gamma Linoleic Acid (a strong anti-inflammatory compound) than any other plant along with potent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits to balance oil production and inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells to keep skin clear and acne-free.

And the best part? CBD’s beauty + well-being benefits continue to build over time, so we suggest making this oil a lifelong skincare companion.

Because of its rich medicinal and therapeutic benefits, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your CBD. But not all CBD oil is created equal.

So before you run out and pick up just any CBD product, here’s what you should look for:

• GROWN: Look for organically grown, hemp-derived + full-spectrum CBD oil. We want to stay far away from pesticides on our plate and in our skincare products.

• PROCESSED: How pure is your CBD? Look for oil that’s been triple-tested for any traces of toxins, harmful pesticides and heavy metals. Your skin deserves only the best!

• EXTRACTED: You guys, this one is huge. The majority of extraction methods for CBD Oil use high temps + long periods of time. BUT more heat = more breakdown of delicate molecules (and less goodness on your skin). And not only do these industrial methods incorporate high heat, they often use solvents (such as propane, butane and ethanol – yikes) which are toxic and risk leaving behind residual chemicals, contaminating the purity of the CBD Oil.
  
  Enter: Flash activation/flash extraction (aka quick bursts of heat) which ensures there are no traces of toxic chemicals and protects the fragile, powerful plant compounds and captures all of its healing properties for your skin.

• FULL-SPECTRUM: Many CBD products on the market include CBD Isolate (isolating CBD from the rest of the beneficial plant compounds). But the Entourage Effect (aka full-spectrum CBD), like we talked about above, contains the broadest + most beneficial variety of plant compounds to optimize the effects of CBD oil – and your skin health.

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Because we’re so passionate about pure, effective skincare products at Primally Pure, we’ve done the hard work for you! We’ve sourced the purest + most potent form of organic, hemp-derived and full-spectrum CBD oil (that’s also been triple-tested for purity) to support true skin healing + transformation, holistically.

Still skeptical about CBD? Here’s why it’s become a big deal for these customers below:

“I’ve never seen such a drastic change in my skin over the course of a month. I have the clearest complexion I’ve ever had.” -Sarah

“I suffer from hormonal acne and this natural product has done so much for me in such a short period of time, unlike medical-grade skincare that I’ve been using on and off for months. I put it on, went to sleep, and woke up with visibly less inflamed and angry skin.” -Lauren

“You will never regret this purchase. These products are a skin lifesaver.” -Madison

“I have been battling some serious skin issues from rosacea to hormonal cystic acne, so I was doubtful it would work but it’s helped tremendously!! My rosacea is almost gone and the cystic acne is clearing up and this month’s breakout was nothing compared to what it has been!” -Janine

“My face is very reactive and this serum calms and controls the redness. I cannot be without this product!” -Sharon

“Literally the first product that’s really helped with my hormonal acne (and I’ve tried a bunch!). It works quickly and has really calmed my skin.” -Jenn

Especially with the uncertainty of this past season, we’ve all needed to find fresh ways of dealing with the stress of unexpected events and hardships that have impacted our inner + outer world. And while there’s still ongoing research on the ECS and phytocannabinoids and CBD oil, what’s already been discovered is groundbreaking – for glowing skin and a grounded sense of wellness.

Enjoy! XO