Despite its growing prominence in the beauty market over the past few years, CBD remains a myth to many who have yet to try it in their daily routine. While praised for its anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects, the popular ingredient requires meticulous research before use. There is hard evidence showing that CBD and THC can reduce inflammation and pain when applied topically, the science behind their benefits in skin care is less clear, though many consider them solid sources of antioxidants and beneficial amino acids. Studies have shown that affecting the endocannabinoid system — like with CBD — can help the skin look more radiant and youthful. What makes CBD unique is that each of us has a molecular system of receptors called The Endocannabinoid System. This system works in concert with cannabinoids like CBD to produce a variety of potential beneficial effects – like helping to reduce inflammation and anxiety.  Other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol do not benefit from a similar type of system.  That doesn’t mean that they are any less effective, but our bodies have been specifically designed to accept cannabinoids and reap the benefits – whether we use them in skincare or ingest them.

However, because there are limited opportunities for federally funded studies we don’t actually know which compounds in marijuana do what. The most potent products are full-spectrum (meaning they contain CBD, THC, and a host of other cannabinoids), individual cannabinoids affect the skin differently and, as of right now, we don’t fully understand how each one works and in which percentages they’re effective. While one cannabinoid might be good for inflammation, another might increase oil production. So if you have a full spectrum produced, which in theory makes the CBD more effective, you also have these other cannabinoids that could be undoing the exact results you’re trying to see. Until the science advances, I would look for products that contain other, more well-studied active ingredients.

Take A Bath

Fill you baths with hemp milk and CBD-laced bath bombs or natureofthings’ Restorative Floral Bath in a bathtub filled with warm water. You can aslo surround yourself with cannabis-scented candles and THC tea. . Soak in the mineral-charged seawater formula featuring notes of plumeria, jasmine, vetiver and cedarwood to nourish your skin.

Moisturize

Following the bath, moisturize your body with a CBD body creme, oil or balm that features anti-inflammatory ingredients such as arnica, ginger and turmeric. You want a formula will also help with easing pain and soreness with a combination of cooling menthol, jojoba oil or shea butter.

Massage

For added relaxation effects, massage the products in using beauty tools like gua sha. A cooling CBD oil at the end of a massage really alleviated some of the aches I usually get after a massage with medium-deep pressure.

Relax

The relaxation effects of CBD products are the best part about them. My favorite addition to my CBD skincare collection is the Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask. It has moisturizing hyaluronic acid and soothing lavender oil in addition to antioxidant- and fatty-acid-rich CBD and hemp seed extract. Its whipped texture and light scent make it such a dream to apply before bed that I wish I could use it more than the recommended three times per week. For a nighttime routine, you can opt for Treaty’s “Calm” or “Balance” CBD oils. The former, packed with rosehip, celery seed oil and more, is recommended to be ingested ahead of a stressful situation to ease everyday anxiety. “Balance” helps regulate imbalance throughout the body. Formulas from Treaty can be taken together with a six to eight hour-gap in between, and they are advised to be taken in less than than four doses a day. While CBD has shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing effects, it is crucial to understand the therapeutic benefits of CBD and to assess personal health conditions beforehand.