If Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born inspired you to commit to No-Shave November (it’s for a good cause, look it up), you might already be daydreaming about shaving it off and say good riddance to the crumbs receptacle. We’re here to help you with the moment you lose your furry mask. One of the many benefits of increased legalization of cannabis in the U.S. is the abundance of all the new cannabis-infused products available to incorporate into their skin-care routines. Yes guys, you too can practice self-care. One way to treat yourself is to use cannabis topicals for your shaving and post-shave skincare routine.
Know Before You Buy
For those new to cannabis beyond pipes, joints, and edibles, there’s a whole world of infused products to explore. Before we get to the goods, let’s break down how cannabis can benefit your skin. Most wellness products on the market feature CBD (Cannabidiol), a compound found in cannabis and hemp that is non-psychoactive—as in, it won’t get you high. You can purchase products that only contain CBD, but it often works best when combined with the other well-known cannabis compound, THC (the one that will get you high)—unfortunately, this is only possible in states where cannabis has been legalized either recreationally or medicinally.
If you’re not lucky enough to head to live in a legal cannabis state, hemp-derived CBD can be found in most health food stores throughout the country because hemp contains less than .3% THC. Hemp oil is said to benefit the skin by helping to remove dead skin cells and providing added moisture.
Winter means exposure to dry, cold air that can zap the life out of your skin. It’s a time to use heavier, creamy products and to never skimp on moisturizer. One of the benefits of cannabis-infused products is that CBD is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it reduces pain and swelling. But this quality comes in handy for your skin as well, i.e. less redness.
CBD Skincare Products 101
Don’t shave with a dirty face! Start by washing with the CBD Skincare Company’s exfoliating cleanser. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and boosts your skin’s natural renewal process, which makes shaving easier and less likely to result in ingrown hairs and redness. Think of it as starting with a clean slate.
Use a shaving cream that incorporates hemp oil with other moisturizing oils like olive or coconut. Dr. Bronner has been at the forefront of hemp skin-care products for decades, plus, lavender shave soap uses organic, fair trade ingredients. It’s important that you treat your cannabis topicals like any other product you put on your body, so read labels and make sure the hemp is meant for therapeutic usage, not for industrial purposes.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Always look for products that contain other soothing ingredients, like lavender and peppermint. CBD For Life makes a face cream that promises to hydrate skin and reduce dullness. It contains lavender, chamomile, and avocado and olive oils.
Read the Labels
Cannabis-infused and CBD products are exploding on the skincare market right now. Unfortunately, that also means people are making false claims and mislabeling products. A recent report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found widespread mislabeling of CBD products for sale online. As a consumer, this means you’ll need to do your homework to ensure that the companies are providing accurate, consistent, and up-to-date product test results, preferably conducted by a third-party.
Take a Deep Breath
Something else to keep in mind: Stress is a major cause for skin problems, particularly acne breakouts. Using cannabis is a healthier way to unwind than alcohol or opioids, and it’s increasingly being used as a treatment for anxiety. CBD products will make your body feel better without affecting your mind, so look for other ways to relax using CBD. From bath balms to tinctures, the possibilities for cannabis self-care are endless.
Come December 1st, if you’re ready to part ways with the lumberjack look, look no farther than cannabis topicals to help ease the transition back to a bare face. Your skin—and you!—will feel chill for better reasons than cold temperatures.
