If you’re not familiar with cannabidiol (CBD), you’re more than likely confused as to what terpenes are and what they do. While terpenes play a big role in how your CBD products may interact with your mind and body, they’re not limited to just cannabidiol. In fact, terpenes are everywhere.

What Are Terpenes?

You can find terpenes in a wide variety of plants and are responsible for the aromatic profile you associate with many of the common scents you find in your everyday life. Whether it’s the lemony scent of citrus fruits, the refreshing pine smell of certain plant life, or the relaxing fragrance of many flowers such as lavender — you’ve certainly experienced terpenes before. 

Now, CBD, which comes from cannabis (or hemp), already has hundreds of naturally occurring terpenes found within its unique structure. However, many CBD companies add terpenes to their products for what is called the “Entourage Effect.”

What’s the Entourage Effect?

Hemp has many strains, each with its own composition of compounds and terpenes. It’s the reason why cannabis can have so many unique aromatic profiles, distinguishing each strain from the next. However, before diving into the ins and outs of the entourage effect, you need to know how cannabinoids and terpenes operate.

Cannabinoids

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound commonly found in hemp that is known as a cannabinoid. Contrary to what many may think, cannabinoids are already present in the human body, whether you’ve used cannabis or not. That’s primarily due to our endocannabinoid system, a relatively new discovery in the human body that helps promote homeostasis and maintains healthy functioning in many of our crucial organs. It’s a neurotransmission roadway that is improved by cannabinoids, which regulate the complex system within the body.

Terpenes

On the other hand, different terpenes interact with the body and brain as well, affecting various aspects in some fairly incredible ways. Certain terpenes may promote alertness, while others can have antibacterial properties. Some terpenes can even boost the effectiveness of other terpenes.

Together = The Entourage Effect

When terpenes and cannabinoids work together, it’s called the CBD entourage effect. As mentioned, cannabinoids work with the endocannabinoid system and their receptors, which may include the nervous system or immune system (along with others). Binding to these receptors, cannabinoids help the body regulate the amount of certain chemicals that should be produced (which is where homeostasis comes into play). 

Terpenes assist and enhance the effectiveness of cannabinoids by impacting how productive they are at regulating certain systems. It’s why certain terpenes can impact certain moods or bodily functions, as their interaction with the endocannabinoid system fluctuates based on the type of terpenes.

How Terpenes Can Impact Your CBD Experience

1. Chill You Out

Many CBD users are looking for a natural way to help with stress or promote a healthy sleep schedule. Well, luckily, there are relaxing CBD products to help soothe the mind and body with the help of incredible terpenes like Linalool, Limonene, and Beta-Caryophyllene. 

• Linalool is commonly found in lavender or birch bark, and has calming and relaxing effects.
• Limonene comes from lemon or orange rind and helps with anxiousness and stress relief.
• Beta-Caryophyllene is found in hops, cloves, cinnamon and black pepper and may help users elevate their mood and combat negative feelings (studies still pending). It’s also one of the only known terpenes that also acts as a cannabinoid. 

3. Relieve Discomfort

There are a ton of great CBD products that offer relief. Whether it’s helping with achy joints, fatigued muscles, or overall soreness — certain terpenes work alongside CBD for relaxing effects that may offer the relief you’re looking for. Be on the lookout for these terpenes. 

• Eucalyptol, which comes from eucalyptus (big surprise), has not only powerful antifungal properties but can also be used for bringing down swelling and relieving discomfort. 

• Myrcene is a common terpene in cannabis and has antibiotic and relief properties that make it a staple for many CBD products. While it does get the bulk of its effectiveness when combined with THC, it can do some serious work alongside other compounds as well. 

Linalool can not only give your immune system a boost but also help with achiness  and has sedative properties as well.

2. Elevate Your Mood

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up with your CBD oil or product, you’ll want to look for terpenes that help uplift your mood and mental clarity. Because terpenes have so many diverse functions, you’re going to see some pop up more than once on this list, such as beta-caryophyllene and limonene.

• Limonene can help elevate a user’s mood, relieve stress, and can help with the absorption of other terpenes as well.
• Pinene, which can come from pine needles, rosemary, and basil, has calming effects and can relieve bodily discomfort due to overworked muscles.
• Terpinolene can be found in nutmeg, lilacs, and even cumin — offering some incredibly awesome uplifting properties due to the entourage effect.

4. Give You Balance

As we’ve learned, CBD plays a major role in helping with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for the healthy regulation of many physiological and mental functions. So, some CBD users may be looking for something to help with overall balance — hitting many of the terpenes for uplifting the mood, managing stress, and even helping  relieve discomfort in the body. If you’re looking for a balanced formula, you’ll want to look for a combination that hits all the marks. 

• Nerol can be found in a wide range of products in the fragrance industry for the smell of roses. It has an interesting aroma, one that is both rosy and citrusy when extracted and isolated. It is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial with some pain relief and sedative properties.
• Humulene can be found in wood and hops and has an herbal aroma. It has both antibacterial and calming properties. 

The rest may be a combination of stress relief terpenes like linalool or beta-Caryophyllene — along with uplifting terpenes such as terpinolene, pinene, or limonene.

Get the CBD Experience You’re Looking For

If you’re taking advantage of all the benefits CBD has to offer; there’s probably a reason why it’s in your wellness routine. Taking the time to research what different CBD oils and products contain, along with the terpenes that could affect your experience, makes a difference. 

If you’re taking CBD first thing in the morning, you probably don’t want any terpenes with sedative effects. And if you’re taking CBD before bed, you’re not going to want uplifting terpenes that could keep you up. It’s all about finding the right product with the right combination of terpenes to fit your needs.

As hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) products continue to rise in popularity, it’s become increasingly confusing to understand these offerings’ various differences and nuances. When looking to add CBD to your skincare routine or help with skin issues, you may run into products labeled as “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil.” At first glance, you may say to yourself:

“Well, CBD derives from hemp, so don’t these products contain cannabidiol?” 

You may need to take a close look at the fine print to make the call. Hemp seed oil and CBD do both come from hemp or cannabis Sativa; however, they come from different parts of the plant. So, when shopping for a skincare product that contains CBD, the fact that it says hemp oil doesn’t make it 100% certain it will contain cannabidiol. 

CBD and hemp products are still technically in their infancy when it comes to nationwide cultivation and distribution, which can make the distinctions between the two difficult to unravel. 

We’re here to clear up any misconceptions or confusion surrounding the differences, similarities, and effectiveness of CBD Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil in your skincare products. 

What’s Hemp Seed Oil?

As we mentioned earlier, hemp seed oil and CBD come from different parts of the plant. Unsurprisingly, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds — and is extracted by pressing the seeds of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). It’s important to note that hemp seed oil does not contain CBD, cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, or terpenes. These are the primary ingredients and chemical compounds that react with our endocannabinoid system and provide CBD’s desired effect — but we’ll get into this more later on. 

So, why do people choose to try hemp seed oil in their lotions, soaps, washes, or other skincare products? 

What hemp seed oil does contain is a wide range of nutrients and fatty acids that can benefit your skin, but not necessarily in CBD’s therapeutic ways. It’s a wonderful hypoallergenic oil that can protect and deeply hydrate dry skin without clogging pores.

What About CBD?

While hemp seed oil only comes from the seeds, CBD extracts come from the entire plant (flowers and leaves), giving it a wider range of beneficial chemical compounds and ingredients. While CBD oil does contain trace amounts of THC, it’s not enough to produce any psychoactive effects. To be considered CBD oil, it must remain under 0.3% THC. 

As promised, let’s dive a little deeper into how CBD oil interacts with the body and skin to obtain desired effects like:

• • Promoting healthy immunity
• • Calming skin 
• • Supporting clear complexions 
• • Regulating oil production
• • Fighting breakouts or blemishes 

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a vital component of homeostasis and proper bodily functions. It’s a central regulatory system that impacts a diverse range of biological processes, including the brain, central nervous system, connective tissues, immune cells, organs, and glands. It’s even been named the bridge between the body and mind as it plays an essential role in promoting healthy receptors for proper functioning or adjustment. 

CBD also contains terpenes, the compound responsible for the aromatic and therapeutic properties of plants. Different terpenes can affect the body in different ways, especially when combined with CBD to achieve what is known as the entourage effect. 

Whether it’s supporting the immune system, lifting your mood, or even promoting sleep — terpenes combined with CBD are a great addition to your skincare routine, giving you incredible ingredients for healthy skin. 

What to Look Out For

As mentioned, when shopping around for skincare products that contain CBD, you should be aware that hemp seed oil doesn’t have the ingredient you’re looking for. It can be confusing when confronted by so many intermingling terms and phraseology, but taking a close look at your products’ ingredients can help spare you from a bad purchase. 

Here’s what to look out for:

Seed vs. Extract

When looking at skincare products, be on the lookout for where ingredients derive from. If it says aerial extracts, you’re more than likely getting cannabinoids. If it says seed, CBD is probably not in there. However, the best way to be certain is to ask the manufacturer or see if they can provide you with third-party lab results. A reliable CBD company will certainly have these. 

Product Type

Different skin care products achieve different results, which means it’s important to know exactly what it’s for before trying it out. CBD body oils are for your skin, but that doesn’t mean every CBD oil is a topical solution. There are certainly tinctures that should be administered orally, so make sure you’re purchasing the right product for the right purpose.

Concentration

• • Hemp seed oil doesn’t’ have any cannabinoids, so you don’t need to worry about the concentration. However, it’s important to look at the additional ingredients for synthetics, as these may have negative interactions with your skin.
• • CBD oil products will list their concentration, typically in mg (milligrams). The higher the number, the more concentrated the product is.

Don’t Be Fooled

There’s a lot of consumer confusion surrounding hemp seed oil and CBD oil, as there has been a wide range of underhanded marketing tactics deployed by some brands to fool customers. If you’re on the lookout for CBD-related skincare products, make sure to evaluate the product before purchasing to make sure it’s not hemp seed oil.

Yes, hemp seed oil contains a wide range of fatty acids that can be a great moisturizer for your skin. However, it doesn’t contain CBD’s desired endocannabinoid interactions, soothing effects, or relief properties. Hopefully, this article helped give you some much-needed guidance when looking for CBD skincare products.

Natural ingredients and plant-based skincare products are rising in popularity as more and more people discover that their usual oils and creams are filled with harmful chemicals. 

Natural solutions aren’t anything new. In fact, people have been relying on natural plant-based treatments for thousands of years. Whether it’s coconut oil, green tea, chamomile, or aloe vera — plant-based solutions are abundant. However, one option is getting its time in the spotlight: Cannabidiol (CBD). 

Products containing CBD are springing up in nearly every industry, and skincare is no exception. From skin softeners and moisturizers to topical pain relief, CBD has proven a wide range of benefits that make it a perfect candidate for your skin.

What is CBD?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that comes from cannabis. As a naturally occurring substance, CBD can promote health and wellness by issuing feelings of relaxation, calm, focus — along with physical effects like anti-inflammatory properties. While CBD does indeed come from cannabis, it doesn’t possess the intoxicating properties and psychoactive compounds that many may expect. Because CBD has very little THC, users will not feel a “high,” which is why it’s legal in all 50 states. 

If you’re looking for more information on the ins and outs of CBD, take a look at our CBD education materials.

How Can CBD Benefit Your Skincare Routine?

Whether it’s preventative or to help with existing issues, CBD can offer a wide range of benefits for your skincare routine.

Breakouts

Unfortunately, many of us struggle with breakouts. Whether it’s minor blemishes or chronic problems, breakouts can be a huge bummer — especially during our formative years. Too much dirt, oil, dead skin, or debris can clog up pores, which may lead to a buildup of bacteria, which eventually causes acne breakouts.

There are countless treatments floating around in the world of dermatology, and finding one that works best for your skin is a difficult process (especially if you want to use natural ingredients).

CBD may also slow down oil buildup, preventing buildup and pore blockage that may cause breakouts. It’s a great preventive measure to keep your skin free from excessive oil buildup.

Another incredible benefit that CBD has to offer are its skin calming effects. Many skin issues cause blemishes — which is where CBD skincare products come in to save the day.

What About Body Breakouts?

Breakouts on the body have the same basic principles and mechanisms as the face, so CBD will work the same way in fighting underlying issues or soothing upset skin. You can find a wide range of CBD infused body oils, salves, balms, and additional topical solutions to support healthy skin function.

Itchy Skin Conditions

Various skincare conditions can cause a lot of discomfort and itchiness. That’s why so many people seek out soothing and relieving products to help reduce their symptoms. CBD-containing skin cream may even reduce itchy skin by “turning off” signals that send the itchy sensation signals to the skin from the brain.

Skincare products containing CBD can also be coupled with skin-soothing ingredients found in a wide variety of lotions and oils for a combined effect in reducing itchy skin and providing relief.

Anti-Aging Properties

CBD also has antioxidant properties that keep skin safe from free radicals, which are unstable molecules released from UV rays, pollution, or other environmental influences. Our skin is resilient, but it’s also subject to structural aging over time. The more our skin has to interact with environmental stressors like UV rays or continuous pore-clogging, the faster visible signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots emerge.

CBD may help eliminate free radicals before they’re able to do your skin harm with antioxidant relief.

CBD Skin Care Products You Can Try

As we’ve mentioned, there are a ton of CBD products popping up in a wide range of industries — including skincare. Whether it’s oils, balms, salves, lotions or other topical variations, CBD can be a great addition to your skincare regimen.

Face oils are rich with omegas, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and CBD extract that help to soothe irritation, replenish the skin barrier, and protect from free radicals which results in bringing the skin back to it’s optimal function. CBD face oils are a great way to restore balance, revitalize and maintain a healthy skin barrier, encouraging a healthy, youthful glow.

Body oils are rich with antioxidants, botanicals, and CBD extract that softens, relieves, hydrates, and improves skin texture. CBD body oils are a great way to keep your skin balanced and happy.

Body lotions offer hydration, nourishment, and relief for our skin. CBD body lotions give you the incredible benefits that CBD has to offer while also taking advantage of hemp seed oil, botanicals, and additional natural ingredients that support optimal skin function.

Salves are perfect for soothing discomfort in joints or fatigued muscles. With buttery textures and luscious aromatic profiles, you can find CBD salves filled with organic blends of herbs and oils to offer your body the relief it deserves.

Roll-ons are a simple and easy way to apply essential oils to your skin, that combine the benefits of CBD and aromatherapy. Used for their medicinal benefits or to balance your mood  CBD roll-ons are a great way to get your dose of cannabidiol, herbs, and essential oils on the go.

Is CBD Right For Your Skin?

If you’re looking to try out something new on your skin, CBD can be a great way to find the relief and nourishment you’re searching for. Whether it’s to prevent future breakouts, or help with a wide range of skin problems — CBD may be a sound solution for some.

It should be noted that CBD is still in its infancy, and while its use isn’t going to be dangerous for most individuals, you should be wary of companies telling you that it’s a miracle treatment. CBD has a ton of incredible benefits for our body and mind, but it’s no cure. It’s simply another extraordinary ingredient that can benefit countless individuals looking for a new way to manage their skincare issues.

The 2018 Farm Bill has opened up new doors for cannabis cultivators and CBD manufacturers nationwide, which means more products and incredible benefits for all. Whether you’re looking for CBD-infused goods for wellness or just want to try out something new — having all of the knowledge you need to make an informed decision is crucial. With so many new goods circulating the CBD marketplace, it can be difficult to decipher which option is best for you.

You may have come across CBD products like:

• Vaporizers
• Edibles
• Beverages
• Oils
• Skincare
• Lotions
• And more

One of the most popular forms of CBD products is oils. If you were to peruse your local CBD shop, these products are everywhere. We’re going to dive a little deeper into what you should know about CBD oils so that you can get the best possible results.

CBD Oil 101

What is CBD Oil?

Of all the forms CBD can come in, CBD oil tops the chart when it comes to potency. By extracting oils from flowers and stalks of a hemp plant — cultivators can harness some incredible CBD goodness. CBD oil is full of cannabinoids, fatty acids, nutrients, proteins, and essential vitamins that can positively benefit your endocannabinoid system.

What Else is in CBD Oil?

CBD oils take advantage of carrier oils or base oils that help dilute the cannabidiol — allowing for easier absorption into the body. Typically, these carrier oils consist of:

• • MCT oil
• • Coconut oil
• • Vegetable glycerine base
• • Hemp seed oil 

CBD Oil Pros and Cons

Pros: CBD Oil

• High Potency and Purity: Typically, CBD oil utilizes C02 extraction for a more potent and purer product — so you’re getting what you’re paying for.
• Versatile: It’s extremely versatile, and manufacturers can use it for a wide range of products like capsules and vape additives (when thinning agents are added)
• Low Volatility: CBD oil suspends in an inert oil, which means it’s unaffected after digestion.

*Note: Do not vape CBD oil that does not say vape juice, e-liquid, or e-juice on the label — ask your CBD manufacturer to be sure. 

Cons: CBD Oil 

• Strong Taste: If unflavored, full spectrum oil may be too earthy or grassy in flavor for some.
• It may interact with certain prescription medications.

How Much Should You Take?

Figuring out the right dose of CBD takes a little experimentation, but we always recommend sticking with the dosage recommended on the bottle and make adjustments from there. However, everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system, so there’s not necessarily a “one size fits all” dosage. Luckily, both CBD oils come in simple droppers, giving individuals the ability to choose exactly how much they want to take at any given time. Start low and go slow.

Storing Your CBD Oils

If you’ve spent your hard-earned money on CBD oils, you’ll want to keep them fresh so that you can enjoy their benefits for as long as possible. So, what’s the best way to store your CBD products?

Well, there are a few elemental enemies of cannabinoids and CBD-related products. Taking every precaution to avoid or reduce these will keep your oils potent and effective.

• Avoid direct light
• Keep them away from heat
• Restrict air exposure

These three elements are public enemy #1 when it comes to CBD shelf life. Learn more about how to properly store CBD oils and related products with our storage guide.

Now You Know

Hopefully, you’re a little more informed now than you were yesterday regarding CBD oils. It can be difficult to choose the right CBD-infused product for you, especially if you’re new to the cannabidiol world. The recent interest in CBD has caused a surge of new CBD companies, products, and exciting new trends.

Next time you’re sifting through your local CBD shop or perusing the internet for a CBD product that works for you — you’ll be an expert in CBD oils.

If you’re one of the many people discovering the incredible benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), you’re more than likely looking for the best way to get your daily dose. With so many incredible options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out how much CBD is right for you, whether you’re taking advantage of CBD:

• CBD Oil Tinctures 
• Capsules
• Vapables
• Flower
• Topicals
• Aromatherapy
• Beverage 
• Edibles

Everyone is different when it comes to CBD dosing. Each individual’s endocannabinoid system is wholly unique, so it may take a bit of experimentation to find the perfect balance. We recommend starting at a low dose and working your way up if necessary — some people find a small dose works wonders, while others need a much higher dose to experience the desired effect. With consistent, daily use over time, your endocannabinoid system becomes more sensitive and receptive, which results in greater beneficial effects.

Why Are You Using CBD?

The best place to start when determining what dosage of CBD fits your lifestyle is why you’re taking it in the first place. Maybe you’re just curious about the hype or heard incredible things from friends and family. Perhaps you’re looking for a natural way to relieve feelings of anxiousness or stress, soothe bodily discomfort or maybe you’re looking for a new addition to your skincare routine. 

Starting here will help you navigate your CBD journey. Figure out what your CBD is for — and it will guide you towards the products that are right for you. If you’re looking for a way to ease stress or reduce irritability, then oils, edibles, or CBD drinks may be the perfect solution. 

However, some individuals are looking for a way to soothe achy muscles or joints, calm skin, or help fight breakouts. That’s where topicals like CBD body lotions, face oils, salves or a tincture regimen are perfect for the job. 

CBD has many beneficial uses, and certain products containing strain-specific terpenes may be more productive to your goals. If you’re wondering “what in the world are terpenes,” — they play an important role in the CBD entourage effect. This is a synergistic relationship between terpenes and cannabis extracts like CBD. We’ve actually written in-depth on this already, so if you’re interested in learning more, take a look at how the entourage effect works.

So, once you’ve determined the why, you’ll be better equipped to understand which type of CBD product works for you and how much of it.

Discovering Your Dose

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for from CBD products, it’s time to figure out the right dose. Now, each person will have a varying amount of success depending on what type of CBD product they use, how much, and their lifestyle. 

No matter what type of CBD consumption method you’re trying out, it’s always better to start with a low dose to gauge how your body responds. Every trusted CBD manufacturer will put a recommended serving size on the product, which should give you a good idea of how much may be right for you. If you’re unsure, start small and work your way up. 

Can You Take Too Much CBD?

CBD is exceptionally well tolerated by the human body and there are no known instances of anyone overdosing, but the definition of “too much” CBD will vary from person to person. The most commonly reported negative effects of taking too much CBD are sleepiness, nausea and dry mouth.  You should confirm with your doctor that CBD is safe for you before you begin taking it as it’s possible that there could be an interaction with certain prescribed medications. 

Which CBD Products to Try

With nearly endless possibilities, CBD has found its way into a diverse range of products. Below are some of the most popular ways to consume CBD for your daily dose of non-intoxicating cannabis. 

CBD Oil Tinctures and Capsules are a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of CBD. Taken orally on a daily basis, CBD oil tinctures and capsules can provide amazing benefits for overall health and wellness. From blends that boost happiness and mental clarity to formulas for rest and relaxation or general holistic health, CBD tinctures come with a graduated dropper for easy consumption. CBD Tincture Oils can be a perfect solution for anyone looking to get just the right amount every time. These formulas deliver the most effective, consistent results over time but you must allow them to build up in the body to start noticing results. Because everyone is different when it comes to CBD, this can take the average user anywhere from 1 week to 30 days. Taking your oil consistently each day is key. Ingesting the oil sublingually allows for optimal absorption into the bloodstream to deliver whole body wellness from the inside.

CBD Edibles and Beverages are an easy and tasty way to enjoy the benefits of CBD. CBD chocolate is a delicious treat with a boost of wellness in every bite. CBD Beverages, like BLNCD Sparkling Waters, are a great functional alternative to sugar-filled beverages and a refreshing way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. However, edibles and beverages typically take longer to notice the effects because the CBD will be processed by the digestive system. These consumption methods offer increased flexibility when it comes to consumption but are best incorporated into your daily routine once you’ve had a chance to build up CBD in your system with an oil tincture or capsule regimen.

Topicals like lotions, salves, roll-ons, body and face oils all work to tackle specific issues with skincare or bodily discomfort. You can often find these bundled together in CBD sets that give you products packed with the incredible benefits. Topical products are a great option when you need quick relief from dry skin, irritation or muscle aches and soreness. Topically, CBD makes a lot of sense as it delivers antioxidants to the skin, helps regulate oil production and works to combat inflammation. Topical products can be applied directly to affected areas, such as sore muscles, achy joints, and irritated areas. Designed to repair, restore, and alleviate discomfort, CBD topicals are great for daily or as-needed use.

Vape Oil and Smokable Hemp Flower are methods to consume CBD through inhalation. When the vapor or smoke enters your lungs, its CBD contents are quickly absorbed into your system, offering increased bioavailability and allows you to feel the effects of CBD much faster than other methods of consumption. The effects you feel from inhalation are immediate but will also dissipate the fastest. Not every setting is vape or smoke friendly, but these can be convenient methods to consume CBD when you’re on the go or need fast relief from the stressors of life.

Lastly, Be Wary of Some CBD Sources

While the big boom in the CBD industry is a special time for cannabis, with new products and companies expanding left and right, some may take advantage of consumers. Some manufacturers may not be trustworthy, offering “miracle cures,” potentially harmful additives, or undertaking unhealthy hemp growing practices. 

Do your research to find a trusted company, with transparent lab results, for purchasing reliable and healthy CBD solutions.