Treat Yo’self with Topicals!
If you’re like me, you’re making an effort to transition smoothly and quickly away from 2017 and into this new year. Each of us needs to be her most confident, healthy, and powerful self in order to thrive in 2018. Whatever your resolutions, however big your projects or long your ‘To Do’ lists, we all need to make time for self-love and well-being. Let’s focus on best practices as we ascend to goddess status!
I’m here to offer some ideas for upgrades to the usual self-care routine, all thanks to the benefits of cannabis. Skin dry and cracked? Muscles or joints aching? Post-workout soreness? Stress or anxiety from the workplace or current events? Here are some impressive topical products that will give you a healthful glow, inside and out, this winter season:
Lavender Epsom Mineral Soak by Om Edibles + Medicinals
What’s more relaxing and restorative than a long, hot, bubbly bath? Using this cannabis Epsom salt soak, of course! This product is often recommended for athletes or those suffering from muscle or joint pain, but really it’s for anyone seeking deep relaxation and/or relief from a number of other ailments. While this medicated bath has zero psychoactive effects, it works wonders for aches, discomfort, pains and even depression and anxiety. The ingredients of this particular product include organic, therapeutic and pharmacological grade components and the heavenly aroma of lavender elevates the hydrotherapy experience. Whether you’re new to cannabis or you’ve been enjoying its benefits for a while now, this experience will prove time and again the powerful physical and emotional healing effects of CBD and other cannabinoids. After soaking in the tub with some music playing and a book or magazine to read, I felt the benefits of this particular product without a doubt; I was thoroughly relaxed, with my entire body feeling the effects – from deep inside my muscles and joints to the softness and hydration of my skin everywhere. And I cannot leave out the exciting fact that I slept like a peaceful baby after my evening cannabis bath! It is incredible to feel and understand how these infused salts deliver cannabinoids to my nerve endings and through my skin’s surface into the systems working throughout my body; these hardworking and all-natural components of the cannabis plant serve as tools for my body to use to reach its optimal functioning levels. Trust me, adding this salt soak to your bathtime ritual is the upgrade you didn’t even know you so desperately needed!
Lion Balm by Om Edibles + Medicinals
Brought to you by the same trustworthy, all-female run collective that developed the above bath soak, Lion Balm is another effective healing product your body will love. This salve is a winter wonder that alleviates dry and cracked skin, as well as relieves aches, pains and irritations deeper under the surface (not for open wounds). Consider this an upgraded Tiger Balm, medicated with cannabis and essential oils, that combines natural ingredients to soothe soreness and inflammation. I keep a tub of Lion Balm on my nightstand for use before sleep or even sometimes when I wake up and feel sore or stiff from a particularly tough workout or strain. It also clears up skin issues like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis!
I also have gotten in the habit of carrying the travel size stick in my purse or carry-on bag so I have on-the-go access to apply to dry skin (airplane atmosphere really sucks the moisture out of everything!) or an achey joint or cramped muscle (when will these airlines give us the leg room we need?). And another huge plus: the pleasant yet subtle aroma of this salve will allow you to happily replace your Icy Hot and other chemical laden drugstore creams. Hooray!
But enough about me, give it a try yourself if you haven’t already!
Cannabis Eye and Lip Cream by Little Green Bee
I am loving this brand of medicated topical oils, serums and balms! Not only is the packaging adorable, but the ingredients and results are as hardworking as their namesake. You will be feeling like a Queen Bee after the effects of this eye and lip cream prove the power of cannabis extracts, essential oils and natural antioxidants. Apply a small amount around your eyes (external use only) after cleansing your face -I suggest morning and before bed – and allow it to absorb into your skin before adding your usual moisturizer and/or makeup.
High CBD Facial Serum by Little Green Bee
As someone with naturally oily skin, I was wary of the recent focus on oils in skincare. Adding oil to my oil? Um, no thanks, I’m trying to avoid looking shiny and greasy. But as I read more and tested various products, I started to understand the benefits of natural and organic oils — for dry, combination and oily complexions. This particular serum sits atop my list! It is lightweight, absorbs quickly and fully, and moisturizes and brightens. Ingredients include jojoba, apricot kernel oil, argan, hazelnut and pure CO2 extracted cannabis oil, all of which combine to offer your face and neck areas a major and noticeable boost. The CBD is anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for puffy skin!
Medicated Massage Oil by Little Green Bee
This oil is non-psychoactive (like the bath soak) and highly concentrated with cannabinoids THC and THCA to provide ultimate healing and pain relief. I suggest this product especially for those with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, which tend to flare up with the dryness these winter months. This oil can also be used for localized aches and pains; gently massaging the oil onto problem areas will stimulate blood flow and soothe or treat the symptoms. I put it on my temples when I have a headache or on my tummy when I have cramps… It’s a lifesaver!