WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT CBD & HEMP?
These two plant-based ingredients are popping up in skincare products everywhere – but how do they compare? Dermatologist Dr Martin Wade gives us the lowdown…
HLots of products are arriving on the shelves, adorned with illustrations of the green cannabis leaves, but some contain CBD (cannabidiol) and some contain hemp. The two ingredients come from the same plant, but are harvested differently, and work to tackle separate skincare woes. CBD oil is taken from the leaves and stalks of the cannabis sativa plant, whereas hemp oil comes from the seeds. Both are nonpsychoactive, so they’re safe to use (from reputable beauty brands) and there’s no chance of experiencing a “high”.
Dr Martin Wade explains, “The two are often marketed similarly, but CBD oil is richly concentrated in cannabidiol (a natural chemical from the plant), whereas hemp seed oil only contains trace amounts of cannabidiol, if any. Both are great ingredients for skin, but have different benefits. Hemp seed oil is really hydrating and rich in conditioning fatty acids, plus vitamins B and D, which help boost radiance and repair skin. CBD oil has become increasingly popular as it’s a brilliant multitasker. It is a powerful antioxidant, which protects skin from damage while preventing signs of ageing. It’s also great for preventing inflammation caused by acne.”
WHO SHOULD USE IT?
Martin says, “Any skin type can be improved by using CBD or hemp oil. Mature skin will benefit from these ingredients because of the anti-ageing properties, but reactive and acne-prone skin will also reap the rewards from regular use, due to the calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO APPLY?
Martin adds, “It is best to use CBD and hemp products in a serum-based formula as this will enable the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin for the most efficient results. But they will still work well in other
products, including oils and moisturisers.”