The budding frontier of cannabis in skin care

from sage June/Jul/Aug 2022

Education For The Healthy Mind

Leaping Bunny

Products using this logo have certified to the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (a consortium of eight animal protection groups) that “they do not conduct or commission animal tests, and do not use any ingredient or formulation that is tested on animals.”

Peta

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also certifies companies who pledge that “they and their suppliers do not conduct, commission, or pay for, or allow any tests on animals for their ingredients, formulations, or finished products anywhere in the world …”

Certclean

The CertClean certification means the product is “free from ingredients that may pose risk to our hormonal, reproductive, and/or neurological systems, like talcum powder, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, and hundreds more …”

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive compound extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD is used in a myriad of beauty products, such as soaps, tissue repair serum, lotions, and lip balms. The global CBD skincare market is expected to reach US$1.7 billion by 2025.

Along with antiaging benefits, preliminary studies have found potential benefits of CBD in the treatment of acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, skin cancer, and fibrotic skin diseases.

In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 86 percent of dermatologists surveyed believed that cannabinoids have medical benefits beyond treating pain and nausea. But, at this early stage, some are advising caution. The American Academy of Dermatology says we still need to know more about proper dosages, how CBD interacts with other medications, and the possible side effects of applying CBD to the skin.

INFUSED WITH EMPOWERMENT AND SELF-LOVE

Edwards was inspired to found Pura when, while pregnant with her first child, she became sensitive to conventional beauty products. She created her own line of plant-based, eco-friendly, nontoxic, and synthetic-free products, infused with a strong culture of empowerment and self-love.

Edwards uses essential oils in many of her products. “They really amplify a formula if done in a conscious way and in small doses,” explains Edwards. Essential oils are often used to uplift mind, body, and spirit. Although research is not definitive on its role in some areas of health and well-being, some studies show that aromatherapy may help improve mood, decrease anxiety, assist with sleep, and ease pain.

Edwards, who views Health Canada certification as an intense process, but essential, also certifies her products through Leaping Bunny, PETA, and CertClean.

Staying Safe In The Sun

When you’re choosing a sunscreen, scan the active ingredients on the label. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are considered safe and natural sunscreen ingredients. One caveat, though: even if these natural ingredients are the only ones listed, the nonactive ingredients could be synthetic and potentially harmful to your health or the health of the environment.

Coulter suggests checking the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database (ewg.org/skindeep) to see how your sunscreen—and other products—stacks up.

• Helps support gastrointestinal health