What is CBD and what does it do for skin and wellbeing? Here’s what you need to know

CBD and what does it do for skin and wellbeing?

You’ve definitely heard of it (we assume that’s why you’re here), so what is CBD and what does it actually do? 

Seemingly endless social media users and shoppers alike have raved about the stuff, so you’re probably questioning whether or not it’s worth the hype.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a substance taken from the cannabis plant. Yes, you read that right, but don’t panic at the word “cannabis” – it’s not the same as THC, the stuff that gets you high, as CBD is not psychoactive. 

Here’s a little flavour of what you need to know about it, plus where you can get your hands on your first CBD skincare product...

What are the benefits of CBD?

Although there hasn’t been a great deal of medical research into it just yet, fans of CBD swear by it for helping to calm nerves and even relieve aches and pains. 

In terms of beauty benefits, studies have found that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with ‘angry’ skin conditions. It also has antioxidant benefits, and so is often used in skincare for fighting signs of free radical damage such as ageing and dullness.

Depending on the CBD product in question, it may be taken orally in dropper form, or applied topically to the skin as a cream or oil, for example. 

It goes without saying that it’s important to only buy CBD products from trusted brands and retailers, to ensure that you’re getting a product that’s effective and safe. 

Where to buy CBD  

If you’re new to the world of CBD, adding it into your skincare routine is a good way to test it out. Which is why you’ll be thrilled to learn that you can get a full size Dr Lipp CBD Calm Balm, which contains 50mg of CBD, in this month’s OK! Beauty Edit.

The contents are worth a whopping £90 in total, but new subscribers can pick up their first box for just £7.50 with the code 50FIRSTBOX. Considering the balm alone is usually priced at £10.99, this is a bargain if ever we did see one. 

This multipurpose balm promises a whole host of benefits: it can be used as a primer for dry skin, chapped lip soother, cuticle softener, lipstick base and more. As well as CBD, it also contains lanolin, an emollient that helps to keep skin feeling soft. 

Presenter and writer Katie Piper – who hand-picked the contents of this month’s beauty box – is a big fan of Dr Lipp’s Calm Balm. 

She says: “This is a true multi-tasker! It can be used on your lips as a balm, on sore and dry skin, or as a primer on the face. It only contains two ingredients and they’re 100 per cent natural and cruelty-free.” 

As well as your Calm Balm, you’ll also pick up five other beauty products from some brilliant brands like Benefit and First Aid Beauty. Each monthly box usually costs just £15, including P&P, for products that are worth a combined minimum value of £60.

Ok! Beauty Box Monthly Subscription What is CBD?

A subscription is totally flexible, so you can pause or cancel your membership whenever it suits you. As a subscriber you’ll also get your hands on a glossy beauty and lifestyle magazine every three months – for free, of course.

Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on yours before they’re gone for good…