Plus, the best CBD skincare products for every skin type.

You’ve likely noticed that CBD — which stands for cannabidiol, a compound found in cannabis plants — has started to make its way into skincare, with the buzzy ingredient cropping up in everything from moisturizers to deodorant (yes, deodorant!). While once-niche CBD might be ubiquitous these days, chances are, you still have a lot of questions about it.

“Most CBD products are marketed for general relaxation purposes,” says DiAnne Davis, M.D., FAAD.. You’ve probably heard of CBD helping a wide variety of different ailments — it’s been touted to help relieve seizures, ease migraine pain, reduce anxiety, and more — so what’s it doing in your skincare? Dermatologists and our Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab scientists explain.

What does CBD do for your skin?

It’s a little murky. “While the FDA has approved a purified form of CBD as a prescription drug for two severe seizure disorders, there’s very limited data on the safety CBD as used in consumer products including cosmetics and foods,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. Some of the preliminary findings on CBD skincare benefits are:

It can reduce inflammation. “There has been some research to indicate that CBD can have positive effects on combatting skin inflammation, acne, eczema, tissue scarring and even melanoma,” says Aral. CBD also contains terpenes, which could be useful in skincare. “There is some research to indicate that [terpenes] can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits on skin,” says Aral.

It may relieve itchy skin. “Current research shows the most promise for cannabinoids in the treatment of itch,” Dr. Davis says. “All of this research is in the very early stages so there is not concrete evidence available yet for us to interpret.”

It may help treat psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other medical conditions of the skin, but more evidence is needed for these benefits: “Most of these benefits fall under a medical benefit and generalizing CBD as being ‘good for skin’ is premature,” says Aral.

Are there any side effects to CBD in skincare?

First and foremost, it can’t get you high. “CBD is a derivative of the marijuana plant,” Dr. Davis. “Marijuana contains THC, which produces the psychoactive effects.” Marijuana can contain 17–28% THC, while CBD contains much lower levels. “The CBD hemp extracts from reliable sources have THC levels less than 0.3%, which makes them non-intoxicating,” explains Aral.

“[The] FDA advises that consumers consult with their healthcare providers before they start using any products containing CBD, as it is questioning side effects that can result from long term use such as liver damage or interactions with other drugs that a person is taking,” Aral says. “These concerns include skincare products, as how much CBD is absorbed through the skin is not well established.”

Are CBD skincare products safe?

“While the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp extracts from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act, CBD products are still subject to the same laws and requirements as FDA-regulated products,” Aral explains. However, Dr. Davis says that “findings from CBD studies indicate that some products may not actually contain the amount of CBD listed on the package.”

Moreover, some products contained a good amount of THC, says Dr. Davis. While you cannot get high from applying a lotion or lip balm, this finding suggests it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting when you buy a product that contains CBD. As Aral noted, since there’s such limited data on CBD’s safety in consumer products like skincare, at this time, neither Dr. Davis nor the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend CBD skincare products.

How can I decode CBD claims?

There are so many CBD products out there that it can be confusing to sort through them all. If you do decide you want to give CBD skincare products a try, these are some of the most common terms you may find on a label, decoded by our experts (though keep in mind, these terms are not legally regulated):

“Full-spectrum” refers to extracts that contain mostly CBD, but also have minor cannabinoids (this can include THC). These are usually only present at 1% or less. If THC is present in this low amount, it will not alter the mind. These cannabinoids may even be important to include, since they’re believed to all work together.

“Broad-spectrum” means that THC has been removed to the lowest practical quantity. This is likely to make sure it can meet legal requirements across countries and states, as they vary greatly.

“Isolate” is the purified crystal precipitate form of CBD, an extremely pure version of CBD. Unlike most versions of CBD, an isolate does not contain any THC.

“Sustainably sourced” is a vague way to describe CBD (or any crop), according to Aral. “To understand if a crop is sustainable raised and harvested and extracted, the manufacturer needs to show that they have minimized energy and water use and waste generation, among other things,” she explains. “Therefore, without proper vetting of the manufacturing and distribution practices, it is unlikely that a lay consumer will be able to discern if one CBD extract is made more sustainably than another.” TLDR: Don’t buy into this claim.

Nearly everyone that cooks or eats knows the versatility, flavor, and health benefits that olive oil can bring to cooking. But did you know that it has countless uses around the house to preserve finishes, fix squeaks, and even enhance your beauty routine?

No need to use your most expensive olive oil; opt instead for a bargain brand for household uses. To make it even more useful, keep some oil in a spray bottle.

In the Kitchen

Protect Wooden Cutting Boards, Salad Bowls, and Utensils

After hand-washing wooden kitchen pieces, give them a light coating of olive oil to nourish the wood and prevent cracking and discoloration. Let the oil sit on the wood for about five minutes and then buff with a soft cloth.

Stop Sticking

When you’re preparing a recipe, coat measuring cups and spoons with a bit of olive oil and they will release sticky foods like honey, peanut butter, and mustard easily.

Shine Stainless Steel

Put a dab of olive oil on a soft cloth and rub stainless steel appliances, pots, and sinks to prevent streaks, water spots, tarnish, and corrosion. Finish by buffing with a soft cloth.

Slow Tarnish

Olive oil won’t stop silver from tarnishing but it will keep it shiny longer. Just a dab of oil on a soft cloth rubbed over polished silver will slow the oxidation that brings on tarnish.

Remove Sticky Labels

Saturate paper labels with a drop or more of olive oil and let it remain on the label for at least 15 minutes. The label will peel off easily and the plastic, glass, or wooden item can be hand-washed to remove any remaining residue.

In the Bedroom and Bath

• Keep Pearls Lustrous

Pearls can become dull from make-up and soil but many cleaners are too harsh to use on the delicate finish. Bring back the luster with a bit of olive oil on a soft cloth that is rubbed over each pearl. Buff dry with a soft cloth.

• Remove Tight Rings

Have a ring that just won’t budge from your finger? Coat your finger in olive oil and use a soft cloth to get a grip on the ring and slowly work it off your finger.

• Unstick a Zipper

Dip a cotton swab in some olive oil and rub it over the teeth of the zipper. Work slowly and gently ease the zipper pull up or down.

• Shine Shoes and Boots

Bring back the shine to patent leather, rubber, and natural leather shoes with a bit of olive oil on a soft cloth. Don’t use on suede or any napped surface! Buff with a clean cloth.

• Protect Razor Blades

Razor blades are expensive. To help them last longer and prevent dulling rust, wipe down dry razor blades with a cotton ball or swab dipped in olive oil. Allow the blades to dry before using them.

• Soften Cuticles and Moisturize Skin

Olive oil is an ideal natural lubricant for rough cuticles and dry skin. You can even add a bit to your warm bath to soften skin while you bathe.

• Control Frizz

Comb a bit of olive oil through dry hair to tame flyaways. You can also rub it on your hands to run through your hair to control frizz. Both your hair and hands will look better.

• Remove Makeup

Dabs of olive oil will remove heavy makeup without any drying chemicals and leave your skin feeling soft. It is particularly good for removing mascara because it also moisturizes dry lashes.

• Remove Tough Stains From Hair and Skin

Olive oil will ease the pain of removing sticky substances like paint and gum from hair. Simply coat the area well and slowly work out the sticky mess with a tissue. For tough stains on skin, like hair dye, car grease, tar, permanent marker ink, and oil paint, mix a few drops of oil and one teaspoon of sugar to create a gentle but effective scrub.

Around the House

• Silence Squeaky Hinges

A few drops or a quick spritz of olive oil will silence squeaky hinges on doors, cabinets, appliances, or car doors.

• Remove Water Rings and Scratches

Bring back the beautiful look of wood by using a bit of slightly warm olive oil to cover small scratches and water rings. Apply the oil with a soft cloth and then buff with a dry cloth. Make a good furniture polish to use weekly by mixing one-fourth cup olive oil, four tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, and two teaspoons lemon juice. Place it in a spray bottle and give it a good shake before each use. Store in the refrigerator.

• Condition Leather Surfaces

Leather furniture, gloves, and baseball mitts will become soft and supple after buffing with a few drops of olive oil and a soft cloth.

In the Garden

• Prevent Mosquitoes

Pour a little olive oil into rain barrels. It will float on the top and prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

• Protect Garden Tools

Olive oil will protect wooden tool handles from drying out and splitting. Coat metal tools to prevent rust, prevent dirt and snow from sticking and keep the moving parts of pliers and clippers operating smoothly. Don’t forget to protect wooden outdoor furniture!

• Invigorate Plants

Ferns and palms will be lush if you add two tablespoons of oil to the base of the plant about once per month.

Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.

Find Your Facial Cleanser

The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients. 

For everyday cleansing, here’s what to look for: 

What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean Exactly?

This term frequently appears on product labels and is used by skin-care experts but not always defined in simple, clear language. Here’s a quick explanation: If a product claims to be non-comedogenic it means that it shouldn’t clog pores or trigger acne — either by occluding the skin, blocking glands or irritating the hair follicle. The claim is not regulated by the F.D.A., however, and many companies do their own internal tests to determine whether a product should be considered comedogenic or not. (Some common known comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil and cocoa butter.) Typically, the fewer ingredients a product has, the easier it is to determine if it will cause any reactions. 

How to Use Toner

For many, the word “toner” brings to mind stinging astringents from the ’80s. “The original was an alcohol-based product that was used to dry up oily skin and remove any leftover dirt following cleansing. Today’s formulas, however, have evolved. Think of them as supplements — these thin liquids deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion. Consider toner to be optional: “It can be a good way to add in specific ingredients that you may not have in your other products or add another layer of skin-replenishment.” If you have the time and inclination, here are some hero ingredients to look for: 

• Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.
• Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, seal in dewiness and plump skin to subtly treat fine lines.
• Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.

What is Toner?

“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and pass it over your face. But,  “You end up losing a lot of product.”

Tip: “Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Just pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it on.” Or if you prefer, you can pull apart a cotton pad “so it’s not so thick before putting toner on it. Most formulas can be used morning and night, but you might want to use those with exfoliating acids only at night or every other day. 

1. Facial Spring

A facial spring (or R.E.M Spring, as it is also popularly known as) is basically a metal spring coiled between two rubber handles. It effectively removes the tiniest and finest of white hair from your chin, upper lip, forehead, cheeks or under your jaw.

Start off by thoroughly cleansing your face to prevent any breakouts. Then, bend your facial spring until it’s in the shape of an upside-down U. Now, gently roll it over the area from which you want to remove the white facial hair. The spring grabs on to individual strands of hair and yanks them out by the roots. The prickling pain you feel when using this tool is similar to threading and something you get used to after a few uses.

Perhaps the best part of using a facial spring to remove white facial hair is that it is easy, convenient, cheap, and precise enough to remove every last strand.

2. Threading

Threading is probably the most common method of removing facial hair. In this method, a length of thread is twisted between the thumbs and forefingers and is glided against the skin to remove white facial hair. Since it only cuts off the hair shaft at the surface of your skin instead of pulling it out from the root, the results it gives are temporary and the white hair can grow back within a couple of weeks. It also quite a painful method of facial hair removal.

3. Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a method of exfoliation and facial hair removal that is used to get rid of dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and facial hair. In this method, an aesthetician uses a 10-inch scalpel that curves into a sharp point in gentle upwards motion on your skin to remove unwanted hair. Not only is this a painless way to remove white facial hair, it also leaves your skin looking smoother and glowing.

4. Electrolysis Treatment

A permanent method of hair removal could be the best option for ladies who have thick white facial hair. One of these treatments that you can get done by a dermatologist or trained cosmetologist is electrolysis. In this method, a fine probe that is attached to an electrolysis device into a hair follicle that then shoots a current of chemical or heat energy into it to kill it. The unwanted hair is then removed with the help of tweezers. You will need to undergo multiple sessions of electrolysis to fully remove the white hair from your face and it may work out a bit expensive for you, but the long term results are truly worth it.

Laser hair removal is considered to be one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures around the world. In this method, beams of highly concentrated light are directed at the hair follicles that are absorbed by the pigment present in them, thereby destroying the hair. Though laser hair removal is usually not very effective on blonde, red, gray, and white hair, there is progress being made in this technology to cater to light hair needs. You can consult your dermatologist before undergoing this treatment.

No matter which of these white facial hair removal methods you go for, there are a few precautions you need to be mindful of to prevent any adverse reaction from occurring on your skin.

• It is imperative that you keep your skin clean and well moisturized before you undergo any facial hair removal treatment to make it less painful.
• Thoroughly cleanse your face before and after each hair removal treatment to prevent breakouts and infections.
• No matter what method you opt for, make sure you do it at regular intervals to ensure that the white facial hair growth reduces over time.

The beauty industry is abuzz with “super ingredients” that claim to work miracles on your skin – like peptides. Peptides have been dubbed as one of the critical breakthroughs in skin care.

What is all this fuss about? Is it really something worth your attention, or is it just another beauty fad? After you finish reading this the article, you will understand why the beauty industry is obsessed with peptides. Let’s get started.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are chains of amino acids and building blocks of proteins in your body. When amino acids combine in various formations, they create a variety of peptides. And when peptides are formed in a certain way, they create specific proteins.

If you are wondering why this information is important, read on.

Proteins are the most basic building blocks of your skin, organs, and tissues. And collagen is one of the most important proteins in your body. About 75%-80% of your skin is made up of collagen protein.

That’s why when your collagen production is optimal, your skin looks beautiful. And this is where peptides can help you – by boosting your collagen production. Let’s explore this in detail.

What Do Peptides Do For Your Skin?

With age, the collagen production declines. As a result, your skin sags and loses its elasticity, and you get wrinkles. Incorporating peptides into your skin care routine can help to a great extent. You can use both topical and oral peptides (which we’ve discussed later). Here’s how peptides help your aging skin:

1. They Have An Anti-Wrinkle Effect On Your Skin

In a double-blind clinical study, researchers studied 20 women between the ages of 40 and 62 years. They were given a formula containing 3% collagen-like peptide and 1% booster molecule. They applied the gel on their eye area for four weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in the surface as well as the depth of wrinkles.

2. They Help Reduce Erythema

Erythema or redness of the skin may occur due to a variety of reasons, including infection, inflammation, or increased blood flow in your superficial capillaries. A six- month study on 20 subjects found that both Carnosine (a dipeptide molecule) and N- acetylcarnosine (related to the dipeptide Carnosine) can help reduce erythema when applied to the skin. The researchers also found that these two peptides had antioxidant properties .

3. It Improves Skin Firmness And Elasticity

In two separate studies, each examining the anti-wrinkle and anti-sagging effects of Trifluoroacetyl-tripeptide-2, it was found that this peptide improved skin firmness and elasticity and reduced skin sagging.

4. They Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects

According to a study, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 has anti-inflammatory effects on your skin. It suggests that this peptide reduces the secretion of IL-6, thus decreasing inflammation after UVB exposure. A blend of palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide also improves the extracellular matrix structure (a network of extracellular macromolecules including glycoproteins, enzymes, and collagen that supports the cells.

There are about hundreds of peptides out there. However, only a few are used for skin care. Here’s a breakdown.

ACNE

The increase in oil secretion due to the use of masks in the summer months, especially in oily skin, can lead to clogging of the pores on the skin, resulting in acne and acne formation.

“This case was published in the American Academy of Dermatology, with a study of 83 healthcare professionals, and gave rise to a concept that entered the medical literature: Maskne. “Maskne has taken its place in the medical literature as a type of acne seen in healthcare workers who have to wear masks for a long time or people who have to work outside the home for long hours.”

WHAT TO DO?

• Always change your mask during the day.
• When you reach home from outside, wash your face with a cleanser suitable for your skin structure.
• When choosing sunscreen or moisturizer, choose water-based products.
• Once a week peeling will help to keep the pores on your skin open and prevent acne formation. The temperature increase on the face caused by the

ROZASEA

Mask can trigger the rosacea disease, which is known as ‘rosacea’ among the people, and increases with heat. As a result, widespread redness, increased vascularity and acne may develop in rosacea patients.

WHAT TO DO?

• Do not go out as much as possible during hot hours. Choose cool places.
• Avoid bitter and spicy foods and acidic beverages. Minimize tea, coffee and alcohol consumption.

CISTS

Perspiration, which increases with the effect of the mask, can block the sweat glands and cause sweat gland cysts. These cysts can sometimes be in the form of transparent water sacs and sometimes in the form of milia cysts known as rash among the people.

WHAT TO DO?

• Use a cleanser suitable for your skin structure twice a day to avoid clogging the pores due to perspiration.
• Always change your mask moistened by sweat.
• Even if you do not have the opportunity to wash your face when you sweat, removing the sweat with a water-soaked napkin will prevent sweat from clogging your pores.