CBD Face Mask: The Secret Ingredient for a Youthful Complexion

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a natural compound found in the hemp plant that may provide consumers with promising skincare benefits. When you use a CBD infused face mask, you may combat the agents that affect aging and acne while simultaneously boosting hydration.

 
Due to these qualities and more, CBD has become a highly sought after ingredient within the beauty industry. If you’re interested in learning about the benefits of CBD face masks but don’t know what you’re looking for, this is definitely a great place to start exploring.
 

What Is a CBD Face Mask?

CBD face masks are similar to other face masks on the market but have the added bonus of being infused with cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid shown to have many beneficial properties. It’s an awesome alternative to the harsh chemicals found in many skincare and beauty products. Also, its calming attributes make CBD masks a smart choice for all different skin types, specifically sensitive skin.

How It Works

For those unaware, cannabinoids that are made in plants are called phytocannabinoids while cannabinoids made in humans are called endocannabinoids. That’s right, your body continuously creates and destroys its own endocannabinoids in order to interact with special receptors.  This entire system is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and it helps many body parts, including our skin, to remain in balance. Surprisingly, cannabinoids from hemp (like CBD) are able to communicate and interact with the ECS and its receptors as well. Nature is so amazing that plant cannabinoids can also interact with our ECS, which is the basis of how CBD works in your body!

The ECS

The ECS helps balance your body in what is called homeostasis. Think about it like this. When you are running low on fuel, your body makes you hungry. When you are too hot, your body sweats to cool you down. These are all examples of homeostasis and how your body is always working to stay in perfect balance. 
The ECS helps to regulate mood, sleep, anxiety, stress, digestion, breathing, heart-rate, and many other processes. CBD can interact with your ECS to promote its overall functionality, allowing it to work in tip-top form. The ECS has receptors all over the body to interact with cannabinoids; there are even receptors on your skin!

Related Article: Maintaining Homeostasis in the Human Body [Can CBD Have an Impact?]

How is a CBD Face Mask Made?

Both sheet and spread-on masks are made with a blend of hydrating and beneficial ingredients. Sheet masks are face-shaped cloths that you lay carefully on your skin. Spread-on masks are usually clay or lotion based pasty substances that you spread on your face using your fingers.
 
An excellent way to determine if a CBD product is legitimate is to look for a certificate of analysis (COA) on the company’s website. This report tells you what cannabinoids a there are and how much of each is present in the face mask. A reputable company should have its CBD products tested and give their customers access to these reports for free.

Sheet Masks

CBD sheet masks are made from shaped pieces of cloth. Typically, they are cellulose or cotton – soaked in an array of hydrating ingredients and CBD oil. The first ingredient listed (A.K.A., the most prominent ingredient) on nearly every sheet mask will be water. The next ingredient will likely be butylene glycol. That is an organic alcohol that helps condition and moisturize the skin.

 
Different CBD masks may also have different blends of essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. These can be beneficial in many ways, but be sure to look at the packaging on the mask you choose in case you have any allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients.

 
For each CBD sheet mask, manufacturers add approximately five to ten milligrams of CBD to this cocktail of hydrating ingredients. The dry masks are folded into their packages, where they are doused in the beneficial concoction and heat-sealed for distribution.

When you remove your sheet mask from its packaging, it should be dripping wet. Always read the directions for information on the application and wear-time of the product.
 

Clay or Lotion Masks

Laying a piece of wet cloth on your face isn’t for everyone, which is where clay or lotion CBD masks come in handy. Like any other spread-on face mask, apply CBD masks using the fingers or a makeup spatula and then allow it to dry on the skin.

Since spread-on and sheet masks have different ingredients, each product delivers unique benefits. One of the benefits of a spread-on mask versus a sheet mask is exfoliation – a process that helps remove dead skin, which allows for deeper penetration of the beneficial ingredients in your mask.
 

How to Make Your Own CBD Face Mask

Most CBD masks on the market contain a dizzying list of chemicals that most people know nothing about. Additionally, they can be up to three times as expensive as traditional sheet masks! The best way to save money and know exactly what you’re putting on your face is to whip up a surprisingly simple CBD mask of your own at home.

For the best results, mix two tablespoons each of brown sugar (the exfoliator), lemon juice, and olive oil with five to ten milligrams of our CBD tincture in a blender for fifteen seconds. This will help remove larger chunks of sugar for a smoother application process.

Pour the mask into a small dish, and then use a makeup spatula or your fingers to apply it evenly across your face. Be sure to avoid your eyes, and rinse with water if contact occurs.

Leave on for five to ten minutes, then rinse with your normal face wash!  It’s simple, cost-effective, and uses ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Can CBD Face Masks Get Me High?

In short, no. CBD is often confused with THC, another cannabinoid. The main difference between the two is that THC produces an intoxicating or “high” effect, while CBD will not get you high at all. 

In fact, rubbing THC on your face should not get you “high” either. Keep in mind, there are different types of CBD, so it is important to read the ingredients for information about the potency and efficacy of your face mask.

Different Spectrums of CBD 

Whether you buy a mask or make your own you will notice there are three different types of CBD to select from. CBD products will either be full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate formulations. Many agree that full spectrum is best but each type has its own advantages depending on what you’re looking for. Full-spectrum CBD does contain a tiny amount of THC – 0.3% or less. This amount of THC is not enough to get you high, but it does boost the benefits of the CBD.

When all of the compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, work together, they create a synergistic benefit called the “entourage effect.” However, some people prefer to avoid THC altogether. In that case, broad-spectrum CBD is a better option because it has zero THC while still containing other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant. You can even take it a step further and use CBD isolate. As the name implies, this form of CBD isolates cannabidiol and removes all other compounds, giving consumers the purest form of the product available on the market.

The main reason some consumers go out of their way to avoid trace amounts of THC is drug testing. If a CBD product is ingested, it will enter your bloodstream, meaning any compounds in the product have the potential of showing up on a drug test. When using topical CBD, such as a face mask or lotion, the compound should not reach your bloodstream. So, no matter what type of CBD face mask you choose to try out, you shouldn’t be afraid of accidentally getting high

Are CBD Face Masks Legal?

Yes! The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized CBD products as long as they contain 0.3% or less THC. CBD is not FDA approved yet, so it is up to each state to decide how they regulate it. All of our products meet the federal regulation of containing 0.3% THC or less, meaning that we can ship to you no matter where you live!

What Are the Benefits of CBD Face Masks?

The benefits of topical CBD are still being discovered, but here are a few of the main reasons why people everywhere are buzzing about the products:

Acne

Experts have only recently begun studying CBD’s anti-acne properties, but the results thus far are interesting and positive.

• When sebum, a mixture of lipids released by glands on and around our faces, is overproduced, it tends to clog our pores. This leads to a build-up of acne-causing bacteria and dead skin cells. This imbalance is not natural and leads to acne. A CBD face mask (used only as directed) may help reduce this overproduction by promoting your skin’s overall homeostasis and reducing sebum.
• CBD is being studied for its ability to reduce redness and puffiness of the skin. Because it is gentle and natural, CBD has calming properties that can aid in soothing the skin, which may help with overall acne control and irritated skin.

Hydration

Research continues to show that CBD may naturally promote hydration, so applying it to the skin with a mix of other hydrating agents (such as water and butylene glycol) can result in immediate, concentrated moisturization. After one use, you should see and feel that your skin is “glowing” a bit. After multiple uses, you should begin to see more dramatic hydrating results lasting for days between mask applications.
 

Anti-Wrinkle

Research suggests that CBD may counteract signs of aging caused by free radicals in the skin because of its antioxidant properties. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attach to and damage the skin, especially the exposed and sensitive skin on our faces. The antioxidants in CBD oil can play a role in your skin’s natural detox process, helping it flush out some harmful toxins that find their way onto our bodies throughout the day.
 

Headaches

Believe it or not, CBD face masks may help relieve discomfort in the face and head region due to their ability to help reduce tension and swelling. This is yet another example of how CBD can help you avoid the harsh and often unknown chemicals in over-the-counter and prescription medications. 

Are There Any Side Effects When Using a CBD Face Mask?

Just as you would with any other face mask or skincare product, it is important to read the ingredients and directions before applying. Thus far, there are little to no known side effects caused by using CBD topically. Still, you may have a specific allergy or sensitivity to another compound in the topical. When using CBD masks, the most common side effect that occurs is a slight irritation that usually has to do with the other ingredients – like certain essential oils.

 
Since the explosion of CBD skincare, many brands have produced either cheap or fake CBD products. These types of products are more likely to cause a bad reaction. Again, always look for a COA on the company’s website to be sure of what is in their products. Another way to decide if a face mask is worth buying is to check out the reviews. Reviews from other consumers provide a wealth of information, including how effective the product is. Just remember to keep bias in mind as you read other’s comments.

 
If you are uncertain whether a CBD face mask is right for you, consult with your dermatologist before use

CBD Face Mask Alternatives

If sitting around waiting for a face mask to do its thing doesn’t sound like your vibe, there are other ways to apply CBD to your face to get some of those benefits we’ve been discussing.

CBD Lotion

While we do make a CBD body lotion, it’s not recommended for facial use. Instead, we recommend adding your desired amount of our CBD tincture, which is approved for facial use, to your favorite face lotion at home. Similar to the homemade spread-on mask, this saves you money, uses something you already have in the house, and is a great way to try out CBD lotion without committing to an entire bottle of it. You can use CBD face lotion every day if you choose, but three to four times a week should be enough for you to start seeing and feeling results.

CBD Oil

If you’re into no-nonsense skincare, you can apply our CBD oil straight to your face. Just be careful that you aren’t slathering too much on. You really only need a couple of drops (about five to ten milligrams).

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article helped you learn about CBD face masks’ benefits and answered any questions that you may have had. The important takeaways are that like most natural body lotions, they are legal and are being shown to promote healthier skin all around. Don’t forget to thoroughly read the ingredients and directions on the packaging of any CBD mask you choose. And for much lower risk and lower cost experience, try making one at home and let us know how it goes!

Read Next: Is Lotion Bad for the Skin? 12 Surprising Ways Lotion Can Cause Damage