Cannabis has become quite popular in the skincare world, and with its tendency to provide users with next-level results, we can definitely see why. Living in Colorado, I have learned the countless benefits of cannabis and why adding it to your skincare regimen is a must. Its anti-inflammatory properties paired with the embedded antioxidants make it perfect for alleviating many of our skincare woes. Recently, we had a chance to check-in with CEO of Undefined Beauty, Dorian Morris, to deep-dive into the power of CBD.
Though a champion for its capabalities, the beauty and social entrepreneur quickly proclaimed that CBD isn't a panacea. "You have to take a holistic approach, using known botanical superpowers and CBD as the supercharger. What's in the formula and not in the formula is just as important, if not more, than the presence of CBD," she explained.
Dorian also shared the four main skincare benefits that make CBD a powerful ingredient in your beauty arsenal:
- "It's antioxidant-rich and has more antioxidant horsepower than Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Antioxidants are critical for skincare because they help prevent free radical damage that leads to early skin wrinkling and hyperpigmentation - both things nobody has on their skin wishlist.
- "It's anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is what's at the heart of most skincare concerns, from rosacea to acne to wrinkles. Again, it's a partner in crime for 'graceful aging' (I'm not a big fan of the term 'anti-aging').
- "It's a balancer. If you have overactive sebum (aka oily skin), it turns off oil production. If you have dry skin, it turns on oil production. This is why CBD has been heralded as a game-changer for acne but more broadly, it has the power to help all skin types move back to homeostasis.
- "The most important benefit is that CBD is an enabler. Your body has a natural endocannabinoid system--Mother Nature knew what she was doing--and your skin has many receptors. When using CBD topically, it allows for better penetration aka better performance aka more bang for your buck, taking all the other ingredients in the formula along for the ride, which is why choosing a clean/non-toxic formula is key."
With all of that said, we just know you can't wait to try this trend. Ahead, find some amazing cannabis-infused products that will elevate your skincare collection to new heights.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Undefined Beauty Glow Elixir
Undefined Beauty
Glow Elixir
Apply this gem day and night to hydrate, brighten and balance your skin. This product is a miracle worker when it comes to unclogging your pores, while the CBD revitalizes. The clean, floral scent also makes it a joy to apply. Pro-tip: Pat the product into your skin for easy absorption.
e.l.f. Happy Hydration Cream + hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Target
e.l.f is my go-to because it's effective and coin-efficient. When I learned they had a CBD product, I added it it my cart in a heartbeat. The hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa seed oil aids with acne-prone skin and is a great base before applying makeup.
SheaMoisture Cannabis & Witch Hazel Skin Rescue Facial Oil
Target
True to its name, SheaMoisture maintains your skin's natural moisture and the vitamin E gives it extra nourishment. This rescue face oil was created to calm your skin and make your skin happy — think of it as your skin's therapist.
KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Hemp-Derived
Macys
You only need a few drops of this gem from Kiehl's. The power-packed product is ideal for those that have blemish-prone skin because after a few days you will find that your skin feels soothed, healthy and fresh.
HERBIVORE EMERALD CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil
JCPenny
Looking for a product that will quench your skin's thirst? Herbivore's Glow Oil is the answer. If you're having issues with redness, irritation or environmental stressors, this glow oil is guaranteed to give your skin the deep moisture and relief it deserves.
Cannuka CBD Cleansing Body Bar
Walmart
We often forget about our body when we talk skincare. Not today. With ingredients like grapefruit, coconut and sunflower oils, the hand-cut body bar lathers like a dream, leaving your skin feeling pampered.
HELIX SKIN SCIENCE Youth Fusion Repairing Night Eye Serum with CBD
Nordstrom
Black don't crack but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do the work to make sure it stays that way. Try this repairing eye serum at night to prevent puffiness. The only bags we carry are handbags.
BEBOE THERAPIES Set of 5 High Potency CBD Sheet Mask
Nordstrom
We love a good mask, especially when it soaks your skin with lulling minerals. Beboe Therapies' masks support brighter, even-toned skin which is a godsend for skin recovery.
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Featured image by Undefined Beauty
When I first arrived in Spain, I was so used to the American mode of constant productivity. It almost caused me anxiety how relaxed most Spanish people are about everything.
In the United States, your career defines you; everything must be done correctly the first time and on time, and even your relaxation time should be productive. Spain is the opposite.
I learned to embrace it because if they’re not freaking out about it, why should I? It was an instant release. Spanish people place value on making time to relax, enjoying good company, and being outdoors in the sunshine. My mental health and ability to handle setbacks in stride improved a ton in Spain.
So as I near five years living abroad, here are the biggest lessons the Spanish taught me about chilling the fuck out.
Lesson Number 1: “No pasa nada”
My first day working as an English Language Assistant in Spain couldn’t have gone more wrong if I tried. The bus that took me to the town where I worked never showed up. When I finally got to the town, hours later, I couldn’t find the school. When I finally managed to make it to a class (after missing my first three of the day), the presentation I had prepared didn’t work.
I remember looking up from the computer screen to a class of eager students and my enthusiastic co-teacher (who also happened to be my boss). My heart sank into my stomach, “I can’t open the presentation, Mabel.”
“No pasa nada, just talk to the kids, let them ask you questions.” Just like that? The kids were so excited to meet someone from the USA that the questions just kept coming, and they thanked me for a fun class.
No pasa nada translates to something like no worries, or it’s not a big deal, and I must’ve heard it at least 10 times a day every day in Spain. If something ever goes wrong, “No pasa nada.”
You can’t control everything all the time. Is anyone bleeding, dying, or injured? No? Then it’s not worth losing your head over. Just come up with the best solution you can think of at the moment and roll with it.
Courtesy of Ambar Mejia
Lesson Number 2: “Teacher, Did You Not Have Time for Breakfast?”
When I was working in the U.S., I often had all sorts of meals at my desk. Breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks. It wasn’t uncommon for me to sit in front of a screen, clacking away on my keyboard while taking bites and sips in between thoughts.
One day, in Spain, I showed up to school with a thermos of coffee and was sipping away while I led the class. One student raised his hand, “Yes Miguel?” “Uh, teacher, did you not have time for breakfast?”
Count on children to call you out! I thought he was just being an 11-year-old until later that week, a teacher asked me to go get coffee in between classes. When I went up to the counter to ask for it to go, she looked at me like, “What are you doing?” I said I was just grabbing it to go so we could get back to work. She said, "Yeah, we don’t do that here." And in fact, they didn’t even have a way to give me this coffee to go.
She later explained to me that it’s not usual for Spanish people to drink or eat while they walk or work. “Certainly you have 10 minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee and relax.”
(ENJOY my coffee? Interesting concept. I was just going to consume it for energy.)
In another instance, a Spanish friend of mine saw someone walking while eating a sandwich and said, “How depressing that they don’t even have time to sit and eat a sandwich.”
And actually, if you think about it, that is sad, but it’s not out of the ordinary in the U.S. But our bodies need food, and when we don’t even take those 10 minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee or actually chew a sandwich, we’re saying work is more important than caring for our bodies.
Even taking those 10 minutes to just focus on your coffee and be present can help you slow down and relax throughout the day.
Courtesy of Ambar Mejia
Lesson Number 3: “Y la sobremesa?”
I learned over the years living in Spain that food and meal times are sacred. It’s not just about getting something in to carry you throughout the day. Meal times are a moment to pause, relax, and unwind, and it’s always at the table!
Meals are also a time to gather with family and friends and have rowdy conversations about any subject under the sun (except work, as they consider this stuffy conversation).
This tradition of chatting after a meal is so important, it even has a proper name 'sobremesa' (over table). Long after the plates are cleared, the sobremesa will continue over drinks, coffee, or dessert. It can last several hours! (I once had lunch for five hours, four of which were just the sobremesa.)
If you try to get up without it, someone might ask, “Y la sobremesa?” like “What about the after-meal conversation?”
There is so much emphasis on connection in Spain, whereas American culture is more individualistic. Now, while I’m not suggesting all Americans have 5-hour lunches or do everything in pairs, there is something therapeutic about prioritizing your meals, not rushing, and being in good company.
Courtesy of Ambar Mejia
Lesson Number 4: Go have some sangria, walk on the beach, and try again.
In my second year teaching English in Spain, I moved to a different city in Spain and had the strange luck that my new boss was the strictest Spanish person I have ever met to this day.
When I couldn’t get an appointment to renew my residency card in time, she told me if I didn’t have it sorted by January 1st, she wouldn’t be able to let me stay in the country.
I made an appointment in a nearby town, but when I showed up for the appointment, the police officer told me I had to do it in the town I lived in. I started bawling. As a child of people who had immigrated to the U.S., I was in panic mode.
He tried consoling me and begged me to calm down, but I only started shaking and crying more, “My boss won’t let me stay if I don’t have my card renewed.”
And I will never forget his next words, “It’s okay. It’s okay. This isn’t the U.S. We’re not going to come looking for you.” (In retrospect, it is kind of funny.)
“Why don’t you go have some sangria, walk on the beach, and try again.” This did not feel like the time for this “no pasa nada” attitude, but I took his words of advice.
I had the sangria. I walked on the beach. And I went home to try again, and guess what? I did in fact find the appointment.
Courtesy of Ambar Mejia
Lesson Number 5: Sundays are for soaking up the sun.
Everything in Spain closes on Sunday. Everything except restaurants. So you couldn’t even run errands if you wanted to. This is usually a day for family and friends to gather on the beach, in the park, at a restaurant, or out on the plazas underneath flowering trees.
Sunday is just about connecting with loved ones and enjoying the sunshine at your leisure. I’m sure you can notice a theme here, Spanish culture is all about letting things flow.
Something that struck me most about Spain was how much less they complained about their mental health. It feels like almost all of my friends in the U.S. are struggling with anxiety or depression, and not without good reason. American lifestyle can feel like a pressure cooker, but what I think we can learn from the Spanish is to slow down, take life as it comes, have moments throughout the day and throughout the week where we can just be, and always make time for good company.
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Featured image courtesy of Ambar Mejia
