Cannabis Skincare

Pandora, Eve, and Cannabis. One is said to be responsible for releasing evil into the world leaving us without hope, one is said to be of poor influence, and one is said to be the devil’s weed. Regardless of what you have heard about them, their beauty and influence are expansive. The modern world is pushing to rewire society’s outdated thinking in many realms and luckily cannabis is among them. Let’s open the box and consume that forbidden fruit, shall we?

“The research is here and it’s powerful. Cannabis is increasingly being used worldwide to create and treat a variety of dermatological conditions. Topical medical whole-plant cannabis contains cannabinoids and terpenes that have been demonstrating anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and anti-malignant properties.”

~ by Dr. Pepper Hernandez, ND, Ph.D., BCHP (Naturopath, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, Board Certified Holistic Practitioner)

I have first-hand experience with pain relief thanks to the antiinflammatory properties of cannabis, but using cannabis for antiaging? I’ll admit I have not tried it yet, but I am familiar with the results of utilizing natural skincare products over the past 20 years. There was a time, before my journey with cannabis when I doubted the legitimacy of CBD skincare products because it seemed “a road less traveled” and I was not willing to take the risk on my skin. Maybe when I was 20 or 30 years old, I could change a month or two of using products without results, but as I am approaching 50, that’s another story. When a product doesn’t work now, my fine lines start threatening to go deeper. Talk about releasing evil into the world!

A local business owner and skincare professional, Flora Goddess has heard all the woes of fine lines and wrinkles from her customers. She is a licensed esthetician in the Oklahoma City area and she also makes cannabis-infused skincare products.

When I asked about cannabis and skincare she exclaimed, “Botanicals are nature’s goodness!” “They have long been known for their healing and medicinal properties. I am currently using CBD cream to treat a client with acne. CBD has great antiseptic properties! So far, we are seeing great results. Her skin is clearer and so smooth. Cannabis is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants are extremely important for preventing cell and DNA damage from free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the fine lines and wrinkles on the face.”

Don’t forget the importance of wearing sunglasses, drinking water, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing stress – all integral parts of a healthy skincare routine.

Although cannabis cannot reduce the amount of potential stress one encounters, intentional cannabis usage for the purpose of relaxing the mind and body can help a consumer feel a sense of renewal and willingness to respond rather than react to situations. The keywords are “intentional cannabis usage” – high levels of THC can increase anxiety which undoubtedly intensifies the feelings of stress.

I would be in error if I didn’t mention Rick Simpson and his oils. In fact, I’m not certain where the world of cannabis would be without his influence. The discoveries made while he was trying to treat his own skin cancer have caught the attention of those seeking alternative treatments.

“According to Simpson's account, he whipped up a homemade extract, applied it directly to the cancerous moles, and covered them with a bandage. Four days later, he claimed, he removed the bandages, and the growths were gone.” (weedmaps.com/)

Since RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) can also be consumed, it’s worth noting that not all RSO is created equal, with variable THC ranges patients should seek professional advice before consuming. Simpson has shared his process publicly and has also tried to disassociate with suppliers that claim they offer Rick Simpson Oil.

I’m proud to say that a majority of the people I come into contact with on a daily basis have a spirit of wanting to help others. Many of those also have a personal reason for doing what they do, and Flora Goddess is no exception. Her mom is an “amputee due to melanoma.” “She has forever experienced phantom pain. This is sadly a condition that affects 60-80% of amputees. My mom describes the pain as tingling, throbbing, sharp pain - like pins and needles. She has found applying Flora Goddess cannabis lotion to her ‘stump’ helps provide her some relief. Since cannabis enters the body through the top layer of skin, she gets faster results.”

Flora Goddess also mentions, “I have a client who had a melanoma removed on her face. It was stage 4 and really bad. She went through infusion immunotherapy. As a result, she was left with knots causing her to ache in herlegs, arms, back, hips, and the bottom 1 of her feet. Wejust this week started her on my Flora Goddess topical cannabis lotion. She is also using Flora Goddess soapee and body oil. It is still too early to know for sure but she said today she has started to feel some relief. YAY!”

I am grateful that I’ve not had to experience skin cancer myself or with loved ones and the only immediate need for cannabis skincare has extended to burns, sores, or cracked feet.

Cannabis could be the vessel of health you have been searching for with its far-reaching benefits, but it has its limits. Incorporating western medicine may be necessary for the identification and treatment options of skin cancer. Considering the many ways cannabis can be used (i.e., consuming CBD oil for anxiety, topicals for pain, edibles for creative energy or sleep, anti-aging benefits of infused skincare products, and so much more) – this box is definitely worth opening.

Contact local businesses such as Flora Goddess for cannabis-infused skincare products and services near you.