Remedies for Pain & Relaxation | Why & How with CBD Topicals

Pain

We have all had pain at some point in our lives.  Unfortunately studies show that women experience higher levels of pain and are more likely to have certain pain disorders than men.

We do not know all the reasons why, but hormones may play a role in women having more pain sensitivity. In addition, women have greater nerve density (more nerves in a given area of the body)—which may cause women to feel pain more severely than men.

Feeling it?

✔️ Back pain

✔️ neck pain

✔️ menstrual pain

✔️ headache pain

✔️ chronic pain

✔️ arthritis, ... you name it.

  Check your box. Whatever’s it’s flavor, it's not fun.  

Here is another interesting fact about how our mind and body work together for balance: when experiencing pain, 75% of the experience is rooted in neuroplasticity (how we think/perceive pain), and the rest of the 25% of “pain” is actually organic within our physiological body.

WOW! This knowledge is empowering and puts you back in the driver's seat.  As a hypnotherapist, I’d love to be a guide around the “mind/body” if you experience pain, but for today, we’re talking TOPICALS enhanced with CBD for healing.  

ENTER ARTISAN CBD REMEDIES FOR TOPICAL SELF CARE
& PAIN REDUCTION

I created our internal and external CBD remedies for women - just like us. Whether you suffer from pain, anxiety or insomnia, our new skin-healing and soothing benefits of topical CBD combined with our internal Organic Advanced CBD Tinctures. Learn more and shop Evoq’s NEW Topical Solutions below!

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“Does Hemp CBD in a topical make a difference and worth the money?”

Based on our beta CBD topical users, I would say - YES! Feedback with our Evoq topicals helped with symptoms like:

• Sensitive skin conditions

• Arthritis

• Cold sores

• Back/neck pain

• Overall skin  moisturization

• Tennis Elbow

• TMJ

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ANCIENT PLANTS FORMULATED FOR MODERN TIMES

How does CBD work on the skin?
Let’s review the HIGH INTEL behind our new creations and connect the dots on how powerful cannabinoids can be used for skin healing, tension relief and even aging BETTER! 

What’s the relationship of cannabinoids and the skin’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
In the skin, the ECS is intimately involved in processes like temperature, cell growth and death, and the regulation of hair follicles and sebaceous oil glands, the modulation of infections, and more.

Our Innate Neuro-immuno-endocrine System
As the largest organ with a complex system of neuro-immuno-endocrine functionality, it plays a vital part in maintaining the biological homeostasis and without any effort on your part, it orchestrates over 300 million cells perpetually regenerating and renewing into a new, healthy epidermis every 28 days.   

I’ve studied the science of skin for 15 years and with the resurgence of hemp has brought me new insight and excitement on how to help women optimize their incredible cellular symphony known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is a recently discovered family of molecules, receptors, and enzymes now known as the “master regulator” of the body – maintaining homeostasis (balance) across all of our physiological processes.

I do not have pain, so how’s a CBD topical help me? 
First things first. Our skin is the ultimate agent of “safe boundaries” when it comes to environmental assaults like pathogenic threats, UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.  It’s quick to tell us its has pain and pleasure at the same time.  

Epigenetics + Endocannabinoids
This system regulates and interacts with over 1000 genes and  – an 65 of them are found in our skin’s ECS.

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Specifically, how Cannabinoids help your pain and underlying inflammation?  

Our “Universal Regulator,” the ECS helps modulate the initial pain by communicating with the central nervous system. 

When in danger, the ECS recognizes the excess signals, and after deciding that there is no longer a need for the increase of inflammation, the cannabinoid receptors in the surrounding immune cells and tissues will begin to bind with cannabinoids and start to slowly reduce these inflammatory responses. 

 When key players of the symphony go off-key and skins cell to cell rapport is disrupted, it puts us at risk for the development of skin conditions. 

Endocannabinoid receptors embedded in skin cell membranes produce a wide variety of reactions when stimulated by cannabinoids, which can be endogenous (made by our own body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids) or exogenous (from the cannabis plant, which produces phytocannabinoids).

Using a topical application of phytocannabinoids can provide any localized area fast relief and skin repair by the cannabinoids binding capabilities to receptors within the skin, activating the skin’s ECS. 

Pretty powerful, right?  Now for the RESOLVE.

EXPERIENCE DEEPER HEALING WITH EVOQ CLEAN, CALM & CONNECTED CBD TOPICALS! 

Stress relief and deeper dream states - one swipe of CBD at a time

Evoq Hemp Calm Balm and Decompress Body Oil Key Benefits

• Penetrate multiple epidermis layers and bind with our skin’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, sealing in hydration and helping downregulate inflammation signally for the most intensive results

• Sun-grown, organic and natural ingredients.

• Muscle and joint soreness 

• Inflammatory skin conditions   

• Calm Eczema and reduce skin irritation

• Repair skin barrier

• Balances oil production

• Pre & Post Athletic Rub

• Help Cramps

• Calm TMJ

• Ease tension headaches

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CBD Extra Strength Calm Balm [1000MG]

A naturopathic healing balm to calm, soothe frayed nerves & aching muscles, and sweep tension away while moisturizing the skin barrier. 

Keep calm & hydrate: Ultra-rich Butter for Soothing Hydration and Pain-Relief 

Help dial down inflammatory discomfort and replenish vital moisture with our ultra-hydrating luxurious organic balm. It’s designed with a high concentration of plant actives, nourishing oils, and butters which may reduce blemishes, treat dryness, and promote naturally healthy skin. The abundant humectants draw moisture deep into the skin, while our whole plant hemp extract with CBD, terpenes, polyphenols, and fatty acids help to soothe aches, pains, and tension.

May help to:

-Muscle and joint soreness 

-Calm Eczema, Psoriasis and reduce skin irritation

-Ease tension from PMS and headaches

All Ingredients: Organic Full-spectrum CBD Oil Extract (500mg), Beeswax, Medium chain triglycerides, Organic Lavender essential oil, Organic Eucalyptus essential oil *Curated with organic, wildcraft, and food-grade ingredients.

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Decompress CBD Body Oil [1000MG]

An antioxidant and CBD rich luxury body and massage oil to unknot, unwind, and release tension. Nourishes the skin barrier and endocannabinoid system for beautifully soft, supple, and silky skin.

It’s like a high-vibe cashmere blanket of healing skin, muscle and joint love.

Life may come and go with pain, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the moments and how you perceive joy and freedom in your life. With our healing CBD body oil, you can decompress and reduce the minor aches and pains life holding you back.

An ultra-hydrating, organically sourced CBD body and massage oil nourishes the skin’s protective natural barrier function and dermal endocannabinoid system for beautifully soft, supple skin. This luxurious body and massage oil delivers three times higher active cannabinoids compared to conventional CBD topicals on the market. It has a concentration of 125mg of phytocannabinoids in every ounce and 1000mg per bottle. 

May help to:

-Body moisturizer and sports massage recovery oil

-Facilitate muscle recovery and soothe aches and arthritis pain 

 -Decrease symptoms of cramps and PMS

All Ingredients:

Activated Full Spectrum CBD Extract (1000mg), Sesame Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E,  Mineral Oil, Vitamin A, Organic Lavender Essential Oil *Curated with organic, wildcraft, and food-grade ingredients.

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How to find the RIGHT CBD topical through when there is a lack of industry standards.

What makes Evoq’s topicals different from the rest?   
We use a best-in-class 3rd party ISO/IEC-accredited facilities to ensure every batch of our products for consistency, quality, purity, and potency.

Surpassing industry standards, I’ve put 1000mg  of active topical phytocannabinoids in each bottle and jar - surpassing the average 250mg to 500mg standards.  

I’m thrilled with the initial evidence from our users and the future possibilities. And with growing consumer interest, companies are racing to the market with new products – but, buyer beware.

What’s “Really” in your investment? Mislabelling Issues

The Journal of the American Medical Association found widespread mislabelling issues.

 **A sum of 84 products were purchased and analyzed (from 31 companies) and only 30% actually contained the CBD concentration stated on the label, highlighting the need for manufacturing and testing standards and stronger regulatory oversight. 

Delivery system and fillers:  Filler ingredients found in topicals on the internet may inhibit the efficacy of the active cannabinoids, let alone ingredients not so “clean” and leaves you smelling like a medicine bomb (camphor/menthol).  

Example a CBD Topical Full of Ingredient Fillers:  
Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ethylene Glycol Distearate, Menthol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Allantoin, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Glycerylstereate, Peg 100, Stearate, Diasonilidyl, Tocopherol Acetate

Before you buy anything, make sure the company is transparent about its standards and testing for ensuring consistent purity and potency.

Evoq’s new CBD topicals smell heavenly - like a soothing warm caress of aromatic calming love of lavender, eucalyptus and herbals. 

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Let’s review!

Why CBD Topicals?

Topicals with high enough percentages of cannabinoids are pain and inflammation relieving as well as skin-nourishing with a plethora of additional phytonutrients and essential fatty acids making it highly moisturizing, calming, conditioning, and protecting.

When to Use CBD Topicals

What woman isn't looking to release tension or fine-tune a targeted, localized area of discomfort after a long day or warrior workout?   Our Evoq CBD co-ingredients include essential oils like lavender oil to help calm body and mind before bed or in times of stress or headaches. 

How to include CBD Topicals in your day!

I highly suggest being consistent. The topicals best work when incorporated into your daily routine.   The great thing about CBD-infused topicals is that you can use them on the go! Using them before (or after) your workout, when you need a moment’s peace during a hectic day when your baby gets a “boo-boo,” or for the perfect pre-bed decompress. 

Whatever the case, you can use topicals liberally wherever and whenever you need their support.

Whether you’re looking for better skin barrier health (plump with less fine lines) or nagging pain or light headache - Evoq’s CBD-infused topicals are a great place to start (or continue) your CBD journey. 

We already use skincare on the daily, so this is an enhanced, scientifically proven way to nourish the skin in a remarkable way.   In addition, CBD brings a wider holistic approach to help you feel refreshed, calm, and rejuvenated no matter what’s happening in your jam-packed- every- day. 

PREMIUM, CLEAN INGREDIENTS  MATTER

Quality over quantity is our philosophy, all of our products are handcrafted in small batches and exceed industry standards.

SHOP EVOQ ORGANIC CBD

Debunking CBD & Skin Care Video Replay

Hi dear one!

As you know, I’m passionate about truth and transparency. As a skin care formulator, I’m weary of all the new “CBD skin care products” on the market. After formulating CBD rich topicals myself, I can analyze and recognize the watered down counterfeits on the market, and want the same for you.

So what’s all this jazz about CBD and skincare?

It’s ALL RIGHT HERE! Listen to this live webinar replay with Aliza, the CEO of Ellementa and yours truly.

**PS. Grab our 25% reduced price offer below for trusted, organic CBD.

Here are the cliff notes!

This awesome and informative video focuses on how CBD (cannabinoids) is a potent antioxidant, and when used topically- it is an easy, low-commitment way to bring new life support into your daily skin health routine.

Cannabis extracts are being added to skin and beauty products. Some of what is appearing on the market today is part of a trend, there are some ways cannabis – and particularly CBD – can be beneficial to you.

• Many products on the market contain Hemp Seed Oil and are now labeled as containing “cannabis sativa.” Technically, that is correct – Hemp is a version of the cannabis plant. But extractions from hemp seeds do not have the same properties as extractions of the hemp plant or cannabis sativa plant.

• Hemp Seed Oil benefits for skin include:
Contains linoleic acid and oleic acids, both helpful to skin health and can be taken internally
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Helping to prevent signs of aging
Good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids the help maintain healthy cells o Moisturizing/hydrating with protectant qualities via lipids/fats

• Products that contain Cannabidiol or CBD can be useful in reducing inflammation, swelling, irritations and acne and also preventing it.

• Terpenes found in cannabis can also be helpful to reduce inflammation. The terpenes known to have anti-inflammatory properties include: Caryophyllene, Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene, Alpha-bisabolol (anti-irritation and analgesic properties), Humulene, and Myrcene. Linalool is an anti-microbial and antifungal.

• Cannabis and CBD can be used internally to reduce systemic-wide inflammation and address auto-immune conditions that present on the skin such as eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis.

• Topicals with cannabis or CBD can only penetrate a few layers of skin but can be useful to reduce inflammation that is closer to or on the skin’s surface.

• Transdermals are formulated to penetrate more deeply and can address bigger health issues that affect the skin including systemic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Transdermals contain an “accelerant” to promote absorption and could include terpenes such as Limonene or Oleic Acid.

• Taking cannabis or CBD internally can address deficiencies in your Endocannabinoid system which in turn can promote healthier skin.

3 Takeaways

1. A healthy Endocannabinoid System can result in healthier skin and hair (scalp). Cannabis can nourish your ECS.

2. Topicals affect only a few layers deep into your skin – good for surface conditions.

3. Transdermals and taking cannabis or CBD internally can have address more systemic issues that could be affecting your skin.

3 General Tips

1. When using cannabis or CBD externally, do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If taking internally: Start low, go slow.

2. Keep a journal of symptoms, what you try, and effects over time.

3. Look to address not just surface skin health but the underlying conditions that could be presenting as skin issues by taking a suitable cannabis product as a supplement as part of your regular health routine

Thanks for listening!

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Shop Organic, GMP and ISO Certified Activated CBD today!

Evoq promises transparency and the highest level of ingredients that are consistent in every bottle.

Use the code “ AWAKEN “ for 25% OFF your first order!

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About Your Hosts

How do you dose? The True Bioavailability Between Tinctures, Edibles and Topicals.

Believe me, I know when you’re taking the journey of understanding CBD and how it works - is confusing. If you don’t have neurology or biochemistry degrees, even understanding the basics like your endocannabinoid system, it’s vast network and CB1/CB2 receptors can make you dizzy.

Here’s the truth. Cannabis and CBD is a chemical.

In fact, everything in our universe is built of energy and chemicals - and these chemicals interact with your body’s own chemicals.

So you know the difference between the chemical compounds of THC and CBD:

THC binds most notably to receptors in your brain, altering perception, and CBD doesn’t bind to receptors but alters the communication by activating enzymes and receptors; notably CB2 receptors which are found all over the body regulating everything from mood, skin to menopause to fertility.

At the end of the day, choosing a product with high bioavailability is key. The second is that the “hemp” is activated - reading “Cannabidiol or Diols, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum.”

Dose refers to how much CBD, CBG, THC, CBN, etc. is in your product and bioavailability refers to how much of that dose actually gets into your body to be considered “active.” Today, we’re breaking down dosing and important definitions to understand.

Bioavailability: when speaking of supplements (hemp falls into this category), bioavailability is the quantity or fraction of the ingested dose that’s absorbed into your body to be considered active.

Two things impact bioavailability:

The application and how your ingest: topical, smoked, oral, edible, or pill are a few common ways to get CBD into your body.

The form of supplement: full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate and whether these ingredients are “nano.”

A note on nano: Evoq’s Clean Calm and Connected Collection of Nano products whether topically or internally, avoid harsh emulsifications, surfactants, and fillers for two reasons: Some science shows that emulsifications (reclump) in the body; and have harsh driving agents in them defeating the purpose.

Based on the research - let’s look at bioavailability.

While the studies we have don’t outline the rate of absorption (% of bioavailability), look for a product that has transdermal technology or transdermal ingredients to make sure it penetrates the skin. What we do know is that topicals don’t get digested (aka first pass metabolism) meaning it’s stronger and more localized relief.

Vaping and smoking appear to have some of the highest bioavailability at between 34-56%. While smoking something like CBD may not have the localized effect you’ll want if you have joint pain, smoking is a good way to get CBD into your system.

Humans are made of water. Most CBD tinctures are made of oil. Your body is hydrophilic and CBD tinctures are the opposite (hydrophobic - oil and water - remember chemistry class). This doesn’t mean nothing will absorb; of all the “oral” methods, this is one of the better ways to absorb CBD. Another repeat here, but how is the product made, what surrounds it to help it drive further to the blood brain barrier for efficiency and absorbance. So, when the bottle says hold under your tongue for 30 seconds, you might want to overachieve and hold for 60 seconds.

Who doesn’t like a good chocolate CBD edible? Unfortunately, the oral bioavailability of CBD in edibles is low due to something called “first pass metabolism.” If you want something that “hits,” you’re going to need to down a lot of edibles. With food products, you’re looking at anywhere from 6-20% bioavailability with pills being more towards the 6% end.

Now that you’ve mastered bioavailability by product type, let’s talk about the different versions of supplements you find in the CBD world:

Full spectrum means you maintain all ingredients found in the hemp flower. This means that full spectrum products have .3% or less THC because it doesn’t strip anything out.

For potency consistency and reduction of “bell curves” (consistent results), some may choose to formulate with CBD extracted alone, which would be called isolate.

Broad Spectrum is when only the THC is removed but all other ingredients and cannabinoids are maintained. The best way to think of full spectrum and isolate is an orange versus a vitamin C pill, with broad spectrum acting more like a full spectrum product.

BAM! You’re now a PRO!

WAIT! At this point, you’re probably wondering “but how much should I take?”

Through my own experience coaching clients and broad data, it all comes back to testing and good to start at 20mg (and bill upwards to 100mg a day), and journal how you feel.

CBD a pharmacological drug. It’s a plant. Use it daily with consistency and be honest about how you feel and if you have serious concerns about your health, please - please go see a doctor.

Thanks for following along, Awakened Beauty!

Love n’ Light - Kassandra (Leave me a comment, what have you found to work best for you? I’m curious!)

Resource: ChillHouse

How to Know if Your Skin Products Contain Hemp Oil or Active CBD Oil

Hello Awakened Beauty!

Unless you’re living under a rock burrowed deep within a cave on a remote island with terrible cell reception, you’ve heard of CBD. Touted as a “miracle drug,” everyone from doctors to stressed-out city dwellers are excited about its therapeutic potential. While we tend to err on the side of science, both anecdotally and in studies, CBD has been shown to help with conditions ranging from anxiety, stress, inflammation, and, as demonstrated by the drug approved by the FDA, childhood epilepsy.

We’ve talked about how topicals can help with pain (remember: most cannabis creams don’t meaningfully enter your bloodstream), but we haven’t talked about why inflammation happens, why it’s important, and how cannabis can help the process.

Think of inflammation like your body’s personal police force and hospital all rolled into one operation. It’s your first line of defense when you cut yourself, get an ingrown hair, or destroy your feet with a pair of five-inch heels. Your immune system is kicking in to protect and repair hurt areas with increased blood flow and white blood cells. This causes area to swell up, but it’s for a good cause

. A certain level of inflammation ensures bacteria is kept under control and cells are hard at work to heal the area. However, there is such a thing as too much inflammation. The root of excruciating chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, excess inflammation can also cause damage to tissue, cells, and your skin.

Now, onto another form of inflammation that causes great strife in human populations—zits. A pimple is your body’s response to trapped bacteria. Zits are how your body deals with bacteria that’s become sealed in your pores—whether it’s from excess oil production or dead skin cells.

While popping said pimple can be deeply therapeutic, it never solves the root problem: the bacteria getting entombed. Whether it’s overactive sebaceous glands that create an oil imbalance (remember, not all oil is bad, particularly when it comes to your products) or dead skin creating a fossilized layer on your face, poking and prodding a zit can actually worsen inflammation and spread the bacteria to other pores for more mounds, more bumps, more pus.

Delicious.

CBD has been theorized to be the next wunderkind in skincare. Let’s DEBUNK how to know what you’re getting when buying “CBD skin care.”

Both are good for your skin but hemp seed is used for its deeply moisturizing abilities. CBD is the active compound in cannabis that fights inflammation, bacteria, and cell turnover. Hemp seed oil is already used in products throughout Europe and the U.S., and is akin to a common carrier oil like rosehip. If the brand doesn’t list CBD, phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol, or full-spectrum hemp (which are all indications of CBD in legal chemical terms) on their packaging, you’re just buying hemp seed, which has no active CBD.

Like with all active compounds, you need enough of it to work. Ever try taking an eighth of an Advil? Dr. Caroline Hartridge, an osteopath and founder of Dr. Hartridge’s Healthcare Solutions, notes that 200-mg per ounce of product is effective for pain and anti-inflammatory effects. Lower doses are still powerful for cellular repair among a host of other benefits but if you're seeing lower than 25-mg per ounce, or the company is hesitant to share levels, be wary.

Before you get dazzled by CBD, make sure the other ingredients are OK for your skin. Perfumes, additives, and thickeners may trigger allergic reactions or be the key ingredient that helps your skin.    

Chemicals are chemicals are chemicals. The battle between isolate and full-spectrum CBD are valid as isolates are difficult to trace, but, if your beauty company is transparent about where the CBD comes from, isolate might be better for your face. Full-spectrum is like a wine crop: Each vintage varies. CBD’s terpenes or essential oils can vary from crop to crop. While that’s okay for food, for your face, you may want something that’s more consistent.

Whether you’re slapping it on your face or ingesting it orally, evidence points to CBD helping with inflammation, oil production, and restoring moisture balance.

One study showed that ingested CBD helped normalize oil production, leaving acne sufferers with better skin as pores wouldn’t get blocked. If you’re looking for a topical, make sure it has a high dose. If you’re looking for an oral CBD, make sure you’re not allergic to anything in the tincture.  

Shop Clinical Grade CBD @beautyecology and online www.evoqbeauty.com

**Thank you for this great resource and editorial by Nice Paper

Avoid CBD Greenwashing & How to Take Full Control of Skin Inflammation

Talk about a new era of GREENWASHING.

The onslaught of “CBD heals everything,” that can amount to a bunch crazy.”

Curious exactly what CBD oil can do for your skin?

Ever wondered if hemp seed oil is the same as cannabis oil?

Great questions my friend.

Let’s debunk and get clear on some skin facts .

Come get your skin love baby - come and get your love …

Groundwork: What Is CBD Oil?

CBD (cannabidiol oil) is not hemp oil, and it’s not technically cannabis oil  either. Lastly, no it’s not going to get you high. So what the heck is it?

CBD oil vs hemp oil vs cannabis oil.

What you need to know: cannabidiol (CBD) oil is naturally found in hemp oil – but in extremely small amounts.

Here’s the most important CBD  “green washing tip-off:”

The majority of “CBD” Skincare Hemp oil is contain cannabis sativa oil.

SO is it Hemp or CBD Oil?

Both are good for your skin but hemp seed is mostly used for its deeply moisturizing abilities.

CBD is the activating compound in cannabis that fights inflammation, bacteria, and cell turnover.

Hemp seed oil has been used for centuries in skin products and is similar to a common carrier oil like rosehip oil, but its not the same as active cannabidiol.

What to look for when wanting ACTIVE Cannabidiol in your skin products.

If the brand doesn’t list CBD, phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol, or full-spectrum hemp (which are all indications of CBD in legal chemical terms) on their packaging, you’re just buying hemp seed, which has no active CBD.

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HOW CBD OPTIMIZES AGING & SKIN HEALTH

The Imperative Cross Talk Between CBD and Your Skin

Fact: CBD oil regulates over 1000 gene expressions in your biology. This is great news! The impact of positively creating a healthier short and long term epigenetic interaction brings potential for both aging and ailments.  

A recent study completed by a clinical research company called Genemarkers showed CBD oil – when in the right formula – has potential to speak to up to 165 of your skin’s genes via your cb2 receptors.

This gene pool party can have a splashing impact on:

• How quickly your skin heals

• Hydration

• Skin barrier health

• Pigmentation (aka age spots or acne scars)

• Inflammation (huge in eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis)

• How oily your skin is (and therefore acne – impressive studies on this)

• Ageing

• Your skin’s response to stress

• Skin cell renewal aka how youthful your skin looks

Inflammation is a biggy for skin. Now let’s hit how CBD oil helps.

Inflammation - A Sight Unseen

All skin types can benefit from anti-inflammatory actives. Your skin can be triggered into inflammation quickly and we go about our life not even seeing it.

For example: UV light causes inflammation, stress causes inflammation, too little sleep causes inflammation, sugar causes inflammation – ever got red skin after a hot shower? Yup – inflammation.
Imagine your skin’s like a disco band concert DJ volume panel.  There’s hundreds of buttons, dials and sliders. You can push them up and you can push them down.   When the party of Cytokines which are messengers that impose stress and inflammation, your skin’s biome and genome visibly becomes agitated, aged, dry and eczema. This is also when you go from having patches of flaky skin to psoriasis.

To sum it up, when your skin’s inflammation volume gets turned up – genetic vulnerabilities to developing chronic skin conditions get switched on.

A geeky way of saying your skin is stressed.  Not the disco dance we want to experience. >> Where’s John Travolta when ya need him?

Pull in Your Oil Control - Anti-Acne Affect

CBD benefits are pretty awesome considering over 90% of us will experience acne and oily skin and some point in our lives.  I’m not talking about a drying astringent effect which temporarily absorbs or cuts through grease/sebum. Cannabidiol has proven to turn down your skin’s volume of sebum production.

Not only does this mean less oily skin, this also means a reduced chance of breakouts, acne and pimples.  Shine from your heart, not your face! The goal here is to make your skin less oily and your skin’s microflora balanced.

Flash~ acne causing bacteria get pushed out.

CBD oil studies have been shown to;

• Suppress skins sebocyte manufacture – these are the cells which make sebum

• Help stop skin reacting to testosterone – a hormone which makes skin more oily

• Help balance sebum production – sebum made by oily skin is different to sebum made by normal skin

So to review what benefits for oily, acne prone skin can experience….

1. Your skin becomes less oily.

2. Your skin therefore becomes less loved by acne bacteria.

3. Your skin experiences less acne, spots and pimples.

4. You can fly your skin plane steady and regain skin confidence!

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How Much CBD is Needed for Results?

Like with all active compounds, you need enough of it to work.  Dr. Caroline Hartridge, an osteopath notes that 200-mg per ounce of product is effective for pain and anti-inflammatory effects. Lower doses are still powerful for cellular repair among a host of other benefits but if you're seeing lower than 25-mg per ounce, or the company is hesitant to share levels, be wary.

Bidirectional cell talk brings an impressive anti-inflammatory and anti-acne affect by downregulating cytokines. Since almost every skin condition in existence is caused, worsened or made to happen more quickly by inflammation – the skin benefits of active diols, not just a seed oil are why myself and top formulators are evolving the anecdotal proof to largely reach women in the free market.

Is Full Spectrum or Isolate best for skin?

Chemicals are chemicals are chemicals. The battle between isolate and full-spectrum CBD are valid as isolates are difficult to trace, but, if your beauty company is transparent about where the CBD comes from, isolate might be better for your face. Full-spectrum is like a wine crop: Each vintage varies. CBD’s terpenes or essential oils can vary from crop to crop. While that’s okay for food, for your face, you may want something that’s more consistent.

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Get the SKIN HEALTH you deserve, NOW!

Remember, you are what you absorb.

1. Look for Organic and a COA.

2. Filler Free

3. Bioavailable through terpenes and low molecular fatty acids to assure you're avoiding the P450 Pathway - in which all your plant medicine is being stolen from Enzymes.

Want to get started on bringing your skin back to equilibrium?

Learn more and shop Nano CBD and top-selling topicals that are bioavailable, organic and sure to be a win-win on keeping your outer most protective barrier in top shape.

Awaken Beauty Podcast Mini Episode

How to Know if Your Skin Products Contain Hemp Oil or Active CBD Oil

Hello Awakened Beauty!

Unless you’re living under a rock burrowed deep within a cave on a remote island with terrible cell reception, you’ve heard of CBD. Touted as a “miracle drug,” everyone from doctors to stressed-out city dwellers are excited about its therapeutic potential. While we tend to err on the side of science, both anecdotally and in studies, CBD has been shown to help with conditions ranging from anxiety, stress, inflammation, and, as demonstrated by the drug approved by the FDA, childhood epilepsy.

We’ve talked about how topicals can help with pain (remember: most cannabis creams don’t meaningfully enter your bloodstream), but we haven’t talked about why inflammation happens, why it’s important, and how cannabis can help the process.

Think of inflammation like your body’s personal police force and hospital all rolled into one operation. It’s your first line of defense when you cut yourself, get an ingrown hair, or destroy your feet with a pair of five-inch heels. Your immune system is kicking in to protect and repair hurt areas with increased blood flow and white blood cells. This causes area to swell up, but it’s for a good cause. A certain level of inflammation ensures bacteria is kept under control and cells are hard at work to heal the area. However, there is such a thing as too much inflammation. The root of excruciating chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, excess inflammation can also cause damage to tissue, cells, and your skin.

CBD and THC have both been shown to help with inflammation. These cannabinoids stop your body from over-firing inflammatory substances, balance blood flow, and have antibacterial properties. They also help with cell regeneration. There’s evidence that both compounds may reduce pain while healing damage.

Now, onto another form of inflammation that causes great strife in human populations—zits. A pimple is your body’s response to trapped bacteria. Zits are how your body deals with bacteria that’s become hermetically sealed in your pores—whether it’s from excess oil production or dead skin cells.

While popping said pimple can be deeply therapeutic, it never solves the root problem: the bacteria getting entombed. Whether it’s overactive sebaceous glands that create an oil imbalance (remember, not all oil is bad, particularly when it comes to your products) or dead skin creating a fossilized layer on your face, poking and prodding a zit can actually worsen inflammation and spread the bacteria to other pores for more mounds, more bumps, more pus.

Delicious.

CBD has been theorized to be the next wunderkind in skincare because it tackles zits at every level. Not only is it hemp a non comedogenic oil (meaning it won’t trap oil, skin, or bacterial juices in your pores), but CBD is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory meaning it can help speed up that healing process. In one study in the U.K., CBD was found to kill drug-resistant bacteria.

As mentioned earlier, CBD also regulates white blood cell count by fighting the infection, calming your body’s alarm system while regulating blood flow. This can help bring your skin, and zits (in theory), to a more balanced homeostasis. A study in 2007 from the Journal of Dermatological Science showed CBD and cannabinoids can help treat psoriasis. Read: it has the potential to balance your skin.

Both are good for your skin but hemp seed is used for its deeply moisturizing abilities. CBD is the active compound in cannabis that fights inflammation, bacteria, and cell turnover. Hemp seed oil is already used in products throughout Europe and the U.S., and is akin to a common carrier oil like rosehip. If the brand doesn’t list CBD, phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol, or full-spectrum hemp (which are all indications of CBD in legal chemical terms) on their packaging, you’re just buying hemp seed, which has no active CBD.

Like with all active compounds, you need enough of it to work. Ever try taking an eighth of an Advil? Dr. Caroline Hartridge, an osteopath and founder of Dr. Hartridge’s Healthcare Solutions, notes that 200-mg per ounce of product is effective for pain and anti-inflammatory effects. Lower doses are still powerful for cellular repair among a host of other benefits but if you're seeing lower than 25-mg per ounce, or the company is hesitant to share levels, be wary.

Before you get dazzled by CBD, make sure the other ingredients are OK for your skin. Perfumes, additives, and thickeners may trigger allergic reactions or be the key ingredient that helps your skin.    

Chemicals are chemicals are chemicals. The battle between isolate and full-spectrum CBD are valid as isolates are difficult to trace, but, if your beauty company is transparent about where the CBD comes from, isolate might be better for your face. Full-spectrum is like a wine crop: Each vintage varies. CBD’s terpenes or essential oils can vary from crop to crop. While that’s okay for food, for your face, you may want something that’s more consistent.

Whether you’re slapping it on your face or ingesting it orally, evidence points to CBD helping with inflammation, oil production, and restoring moisture balance.

One study showed that ingested CBD helped normalize oil production, leaving acne sufferers with better skin as pores wouldn’t get blocked. If you’re looking for a topical, make sure it has a high dose. If you’re looking for an oral CBD, make sure you’re not allergic to anything in the tincture.  

Shop Clinical Grade CBD @beautyecology and online www.evoqbeauty.com

**Thank you for this great resource and editorial by Nice Paper