Inside Out: Why CBD Tinctures Should Be a Part of Your Natural Skincare Routine
You’ve made the commitment to swap out your conventional beauty items and replace them with only natural skincare products; you’ve traded your aluminum-laden antiperspirant for a healthier natural deodorant alternative and you are fully embracing the non-toxic beauty and skincare movement. But for anyone looking to really boost their natural skincare routine, adding a CBD tincture to your daily ritual is one of the best ways to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Here’s why.
What Is a CBD Tincture?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the hundreds of active compounds in the industrial hemp plant. Hemp plants are part of the cannabis (marijuana) family, but they contain less than 0.3 percent of THC—tetrahydrocannabinol— the compound in marijuana that creates the feeling of being “high.” CBD has been the subject of a growing body of research that suggests it works in tandem with our endocannabinoid system to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, to soothe inflammation throughout the body and to deliver a high dose of antioxidants, which help fight signs of aging throughout the body, including on the skin.
Tinctures by definition are alcohol-based or water-based solutions, often used for medicinal purposes. They’re administered in small doses and can include herbs, flowers—and CBD. To create a high quality CBD tincture, the hemp plant is usually saturated in alcohol and heated slowly, releasing the CBD into the alcohol. Bringing the solution to a boil burns off the alcohol, leaving behind a liquid that can either be taken as is, or added to carrier oils—like MCT oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil or olive oil—for ease of use and better taste.
CBD Tincture vs. CBD Oil
By contrast, the process of creating CBD oil generally involves CO2 extraction of a CBD isolate. CO2 extraction is also known as the “Supercritical CO2 extraction” method, and is considered a superior method of botanical extraction. Pressurized carbon dioxide allows for “tuning” to extract certain compounds and ensure the most beneficial compounds don’t get lost in the extraction process, including terpenes in CBD. Additionally, CO2 extraction does not add harmful chemicals to the extraction processes, making it safe for use both for ingestion and topical use.
The Skin Benefits of CBD Tincture
Just as tinctures are generally used for medicinal purposes, CBD tinctures are best ingested for full body benefits. Because CBD works with our endocannabinoid system, regular use of CBD tinctures may help with anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, chronic pain and overall reduction of inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammation can show up on the skin as acne, eczema or dermatitis—all of which may benefit from CBD tinctures. The powerful antioxidants in CBD may also help skin fight the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. Simply put, a CBD tincture made of high quality CBD can have a holistic positive impact on the body, making you look and feel better overall.
What’s the Right Dose of CBD Tincture for Skin?
If you are new to CBD tinctures, beginning with a 500mg bottle is a good place to start. Shop organic whenever possible and buy from brands with include certification of sourcing and testing practices of their full spectrum CBD. These tinctures will most likely come in tinted glass bottles to help protect the liquid from breaking down in sunlight; a dropper will help you measure dosage. Generally, adults do well with 25-40mg per dose, administered sublingually (under the tongue); most begin with 25mg to gauge how it works for them. Too much CBD can make you feel drowsy, so try slowly working your way up to the right dose—one that helps quell anxiety without making you sleepy.If you have an acute skin issue like acne or eczema, dabbing a single drop of CBD tincture on a small “test patch” may help quiet the inflammation and irritation. If your skin reacts well to this topical use, you can incorporate CBD tinctures into your natural skincare routine. The more you use CBD tinctures, the better you may feel. Your body, mind and your skin will thank you for incorporating this hemp wonder compound into your daily life!
