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Happy Tuesday, everyone! Hope your week has gotten off to a great start! We’re getting a bit of “cabin fever,” but got outside for a bit over the the weekend, while staying safe and distanced from others, so that helped. Grateful we both remain safe for the time being, and hope you all are also.
If you’ve followed us for a while, you probably already know that I’m one of “those” people who doesn’t like to feel “altered.” I don’t even like to take OTC meds, if that tells you how paranoid I am…lol. BUT, I know so many people who have experienced benefits from safely using cannabis in accordance with their healthcare providers’ instructions. By the time cannabidiol (CBD) became legal in our area, I had done enough research to feel comfortable trying it out.
When Derma E, a brand I’ve trusted for a long time, came out with some CBD products, I was ecstatic. I could’t wait to get these products on my skin! They sent me their +CBD Relief Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Cleanser, Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Serum, and Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Moisturizer to try out- read on to find out more!
*IMPORTANT: SEE DISCLAIMER BELOW
I’ve gotten numerous benefits physically from using CBD oil- combined with yoga, I haven’t had to use meds for sciatica or arthritis and joint pain in over a year. While I avoid activities I would do just as if I’ve been drinking alcohol, I don’t feel impaired or “high” when using CBD, as it’s hemp-derived (cannabis sativa) and doesn’t contain the THC (less than 0.3%) that’s in marijuana (cannabis indica).
So, now that I know CBD works for my aches and pains, does it really work in skincare products? I tend to be skeptical about almost everything. Being skeptical is one of the reasons we started this website- I was so tired of consumers being misled about ingredients through clever marketing, or even outright scams.
Research has shown that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory benefits when applied topically to the skin. For example, acne is an inflammatory condition, so CBD is a suitable ingredient to address that inflammation. Additionally, CBD has antioxidant properties, which can help lessen free-radical damage and the visible effects of aging (Begoun, 2020).
Having suffered from acne as a teen, and even now, I’m always on the lookout for new products to address the issues I have. As a result of using retinoids, my skin is also sensitive. So, I have inflammatory issues not only from acne itself, but from sensitivity. My personal experience after delving into CBD skincare products over the past year has, surprisingly, been quite positive. At first, I thought for sure it was a gimmick, and that any results would be psychological or from other ingredients.
I will go ahead and say right now that I have NOT noticed the same results with CBD isolates as I have with full spectrum cannabidiol. Much speculation is that this is because of an “entourage” effect of cannabinoids. However, skincare is a bit different from ingesting CBD. To ensure you’re getting the full benefits, make make sure you read the ingredient list. Hemp seed oil is NOT the same as CBD. There is NO cannabidiol in hemp seeds, but they DO have some great nutrients, so hemp seed oil is wonderful addition when combined with CBD . Look for “CBD” or “cannabidiol,” especially the words “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum” on the ingredients list of any products you may be considering. With Derma E, the products contain broad spectrum CBD combined with other fantastic ingredients for enhanced results.
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Cleanser
The brand’s Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Cleanser is sulfate and fragrance-free, and contains 250 mg of broad spectrum CBD. So, the formula helps to gently lift away impurities while without over-drying. The addition of hemp seed oil along with the full spectrum CBD provides added moisture. Further, the brand’s unique Calming Complex with Pycnogenol, aloe vera, Vitamins A, C, and E help nourish and condition the skin.
The cleanser is housed in a convenient and sanitary pump so it can be easily used at your sink or even in the shower. Pump bottles are my fave for cleansers, as I can use them in a hurry with just one hand when I’m running late… lol. The cleanser itself has kind of a pearly appearance, and there’s no discernible scent. Since it’s sulfate-free, it doesn’t really lather, but there are a few suds.
While this cleanser alone won’t get the job done if you’ve got on a face full of makeup or sunscreen, it’s an excellent second or third step in a multi-step cleansing routine. I also find that this works great as a single step cleanser in mornings when I’m not having to remove makeup. My skin is left hydrated and soft, without feeling tight or stripped, and it doesn’t aggravate my sensitive skin!
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Serum
Derma E’s fragrance-free Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Serum is fast-absorbing, and formulated with broad spectrum CBD and phytocannabinoids to help soothe uncomfortable dry skin while reducing the appearance of redness and inflammation. The serum contains a whopping 500 mg of CBD, which is the same amount that’s in the $125 Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum, but retails for right around $23!
The CBD is enhanced with hemp seed oil, which contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, to promote a healthy, hydrated skin barrier. Powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant Pycnogenol helps reduce redness, and aloe vera soothes and calms skin. When perusing the ingredient list, I also noticed retinyl palmitate, the most gentle retinoid, along with ascorbyl palmitate- Vitamin C. So, the formula has some great anti-aging ingredients without the irritation that often goes along with these types of actives.
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Serum comes in a pump bottle that’s easy to use and prevents exposure to air. The formula is a similar consistency to a light, whipped lotion, and smooths on easily without any stickiness. The serum is quite hydrating, so in the Louisiana summer humidity, this will likely be enough moisture for me without having to layer anything over it except sun protection. If it’s not hydrating enough, no worries- it layers easily with other products.
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Moisturizer
Like the serum, Derma E’s Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Moisturizer also contains 500 mg of CBD! Phytocannabinoids provide potent anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidant protection to help calm and soothe. Hemp seed oil protects and hydrates the skin barrier. Pycnogenol helps address redness, and aloe vera provides extra soothing properties.
Not only does the moisturizer contain excellent anti-inflammatory ingredients, but like the serum, it also packs a decent punch with anti-aging, too! Vitamins C and E, along with retinyl palmitate, a gentle reinoid, help address the visible signs of aging. There’s no obvious scent, so if you’re sensitive to fragrances, you don’t have anything to worry about.
The one negative with the product is the jar packaging. I prefer packaging that doesn’t require repeatedly dipping fingers into the product, or constant exposure to air and contaminants. With the price being just around $20, though, the jar isn’t a deal-breaker. I simply transferred some into a travel bottle- but would love for brands to move away from using so many jars.
The texture is kind of like yogurt- rich, yet light at the same time, if that makes sense…lol! I have oily skin, and this doesn’t feel overly heavy or like it’s “suffocating” my skin. During the warmer months, I think this is going to make a perfect night cream after being outside all day due to the soothing properties.
Over all, I’ve been very pleased with the Derma E Skin De-Stress Calming CBD products. This comes as no surprise, though, considering I haven’t found any that I dislike. As we’re all different, some products aren’t right for my skin type, which is why I appreciate the variety of ingredients and product lines the brand offers. They do a great job with the formulations, and I really love how calm my skin has felt over the past couple weeks!
Derma E +CBD Relief Skin De-Stress products are available at Ulta, Ulta.com, and DermaE.com.
*CBD in the manner in which I’ve been using it has NOT been evaluated by the FDA. All opinions expressed in this post are my own, based on my own experiences. As with all substances, make sure to purchase from a reputable vendor that is transparent with supply/sourcing, as well as certificate of analysis (COA) and/or ingredient disclosure. Also, despite federal legislation, each state and local level jurisdictions have their own laws and requirements. Make sure to note your area’s cannabis laws prior to using or obtaining any CBD products.
Source:
Begoun, P. (2020). CBD Oil’s Benefits for Skin: Can it Help with Acne, Anti-Aging, & Other Skin Issues? Paula’s Choice Skincare. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from www.paulaschoice.com.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
