Introducing: Naturecan Beauty - CBD Skincare

You're probably already familiar with the benefits of taking CBD Oil as a dietary supplement, but did you know that it's also a useful and effective natural ingredient to look out for in your skincare? 

Despite discussing the many health benefits of CBD Oil on here over the past few years, it's only been fairly recently that I've properly started to explore some of the brands that are utilising this ingredient in their skincare products. One such brand is Naturecan, which has a whole range dedicated to just CBD-infused skincare on its website.

Why does CBD do in skincare?

Naturecan use carefully selected broad-spectrum CBD Oil that is grown and extracted in Oregon, USA to ensure their high-quality standards can be met. Their unique process uses whole-plant extraction to maximize the CBD concentration, whilst also filtering out any substances that aren't required. The final formulas are then tested for certified quality via a third-party lab. Needless to say, everything is vegan, GMO, and parabens-free, as well as containing no THC.

CBD Oil is an antioxidant-rich natural ingredient so it can help to fend off free radicals which cause premature skin ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles when it's added to skincare products. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so is ideal for sensitive skin and skin types that are prone to redness.

Always intrigued to try something new and to see what all the hype is about, I dived straight into a box of Naturecan Beauty products as soon as it arrived last month - here are my thoughts!

 

Naturecan Restore Hand Cream* (30ml, £18, link)

With 100mg of CBD and plenty of nourishing and soothing plant-based natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E, the Restore Hand Cream does what it says on the tube and is a must-try for anyone who has dry or cracked hands. The rich texture absorbs easily without any greasy feeling.

Naturecan Hydrate Moisturiser* (30ml, £25, link)

The perfect daily facial moisturiser for sensitive skin types, the Hydrate Moisturiser is packed full of antioxidants to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst Hyaluronic Acid and 100mg of CBD is included to boost the skin further. Aloe Vera and Squalane Oil also offer additional skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Glides on and makes a great base for makeup so I like to apply it in the mornings.

Naturecan Purify Clay Mask* (50ml, £30, link)

A high-quality purifying clay mask is an essential in my weekly skincare routine and this one from Naturecan ticks all the right boxes. Formulated with CosGreen Green Clay and Vanatrual Bentonite Clay to draw out impurities, this is a brilliant facial treatment for blemish-prone skin types. Unlike other clay masks which can leave the skin feeling dry and stripped, Naturecan has included Aloe Vera juice, CBD, and Hemp Seed Oil to help put the moisture back in for a smoother and more comfortable clear complexion result.

Naturecan Nourish Multi-Use Balm* (30ml, £20, link)

You guys know how much I love a multi-purpose beauty balm and I've been really impressed by this one! With a blend of 100mg CBD, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and Vitamin E, the Nourish Multi-Use Balm is a seriously intensive skin-loving product that repairs, protects and hydrates any dry skin areas that need some TLC. Apply it everywhere and anywhere!

Naturecan Care & Protect Lip Balm* (4.5g, £8, link)

Although you can use the Nourish Multi-Use Balm on dry chapped lips, if you'd prefer just a standalone lip balm as a cheaper option, Naturecan has got you covered with their Care & Protect Lip Balm. It has added Vitamin E and natural UV protection so you really can't go wrong.

Naturecan very kindly included a sample of their Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 3% which has a refreshing Spearmint flavour so it's more palatable when taken under the tongue. The tincture contains 240 drops and the recommended daily dosage is 10 drops, to start with, so if you're new to the world of CBD Oil, this is a good one to try out.

Shop the full range at uk.naturecan.com

Have you tried any CBD skincare?

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Tried & Tested: Infused Amphora Inhale 20% CBD Peace Cart & Vista Chrome Vape Pen review

 

If vaping isn't for you, then feel free to skip past this post, but I felt like I wanted to mention it on here as I've been using natural CBD-based vapes for a short while now to help with symptoms of stress and anxiety. 

Over the years, I've talked about using many different types of CBD products and I've tried lots of different formats, from edible gummies and teas to the now hugely mainstream CBD Oil drops. Check out my previous features on CBD here.

Vaping is a relatively new approach for me and before I properly get into this post, I just want to say that I don't use any nicotine-based vapes, I only use CBD ones. 

I was recently invited to try out an all-natural CBD vape from Infused Amphora and after doing some additional research, I was excited to give it a go.

Infused Amphora Inhale CBD in Peace (20% CBD, 0.3ml, £35, link)

Infused Amphora has a range of all-natural CBD Vapes as part of their Inhale CBD product line and each one features a different blend to help promote corresponding health benefits, e.g there's Peace, ZZZ, Inspire and Mend. 

What attracted me to this brand is that their vapes are made from only two natural ingredients; 20% CBD distillate sourced from 100% organically grown hemp and plant-sourced Terpenes for maximum benefit from the entourage effect. This is vastly different from the majority of vaping products on the market which usually contain a lot of additives, carrier oils, and questionable artificial ingredients. All of Infused Amphora's vapes are free from nicotine, pesticides, and THC free so you're getting a pure, natural, and vegan-friendly wellness product.

I decided to try the Peace vape cart which helps to take the edge of stress for a calm and tranquil feeling, and is described as an 'embrace of a warm hug'. It has a pleasant, non-bitter flavour with notes of sweet Wood, Peppercorn and Grapefruit and is incredibly smooth on the palate. 

Having used it daily for a few weeks now, I can say it definitely does help to promote a sense of calm and would suit those who have mild symptoms of anxiety and stress. If you find that you easily get upset or worried, give this a go and enjoy the rebalancing effect that CBD is so useful for.

Infused Amphora Vista Chrome Vape Pen* (£59, link)

Available in a range of colours, Infused Amphora's Vista Vape Pens are reusable and super sleek. The main features include a long-lasting smart 320 mAh battery and three power settings (2.8v, 3.2v and 3.6v) so you can choose your ideal vaping strength - these are shown by coloured lights on the LED indicator. Charging it is easy with the magnetic charging port that plugs into a USB adapter and with its fast click mechanism, using it is even easier.

These vape pens fit all of Amphora's cartridges and will fit most 510 thread carts as well which is the standard for the majority of mainstream vape pen devices. The carts fit neatly where the black part is (see first photo above) and I haven't had any issues with leaking or burnout which are more common with cheaper vape pens. As always, you get what you pay for!

Shop the full range at infusedamphora.com

Do you use CBD vapes?

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Foodie Friday: Relaxing Treats - 5 Delicious CBD Edibles You Should Try #AD

If you haven’t been paying attention to the CBD health craze, you may have missed the wealth of delicious CBD edibles that have flooded the market in recent years. These treats offer the health benefits of CBD, all while being delicious and nutritious. One of the most popular CBD edibles is CBD Gummies. The best thing about it is you can buy CBD gummies for sleep online as well as offline as per your suitability. But are you aware of other CBD edibles like chocolate, jam, and many more? If you’re looking for some interesting treats to try, here are some of the most delicious CBD edibles in the market.

1 - CBD chocolate

There are two approaches when it comes to making CBD chocolate. The boring approach is to use CBD isolates, which leads to a final product that tastes just like regular chocolate. You see, CBD in isolation takes the form of a flavourless white powder, which can be added to any recipe without altering the food’s flavour. Which is good if you don’t like the distinct earthly flavour of hemp, but if you are looking for interesting culinary experiences, buying this type of product will be pointless.

Luckily, there are manufacturers that choose to make chocolate bars using full-spectrum CBD, which often carries hemp biomass. Some go the extra mile and add decarboxylated hemp to the mix, further accentuating the taste of the plant within the mixture. The result is a CBD chocolate bar that tastes nothing like anything you’ve tasted before, creating flavours that you might fall in love with.

2 - CBD ice cream

Ice cream and CBD makes for an interesting combination and a great treat for relaxing on a hot summer day. Remember: CBD remains active when ingested. Meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy all the usual benefits of CBD, which includes a reduction in your overall levels of both stress and anxiety.

CBD ice cream can be bought from different stores, but it is also relatively easy to do yourself. And while homemade CBD chocolate isn’t always that flavorful, homemade CBD ice cream can be excellent.

3 - CBD jam

One of the advantages of infused jam is the wide variety of recipes you can use it with. CBD jam can be used as part of a sandwich, eaten with crackers, or even be used as an ice cream topping. The possibilities are endless.

4 - CBD cakes and brownies

Cake mixes containing CBD can be bought from different stores, or you can add your own CBD to a given mix. Just choose a mix that takes vegetable oil as part of the recipe, and when it comes time to use the oil, also add Cibdol’s CBD oil to the mix. The result will be an infused cake that can also taste quite unique, depending on how much CBD you use.

5 - CBD beverages

CBD drinks and beverages are often sold alongside edibles, since they both share the same consumption method. And a good relaxing CBD drink is definitely a treat you should give yourself from time to time. CBD can be found in everything from soft drinks to tea and coffee. You can even find sparkly CBD water for sale, which makes for a great way to stay calm and hydrated during long hikes or runs.

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Health & Lifestyle: 4 Supplements To Get You Through Autumn

The change of seasons can often be a stressful and difficult time as we adapt mentally and physically to the colder weather and fewer daylight hours. So it's more important than ever to ensure that your body is getting everything that it needs, and these four supplements can help to make the seasonal transition go much more smoothly.

Disclaimer: I have personally tested out all of the supplements below and they are all suitable for vegans, but please see a GP first if you have any queries, are taking any medication or you have any underlying health problems.

Best All-Rounder: Feel Multivitamins (£11.95 per month, link)

If you have never taken any supplements before or you're simply looking for a 'bit of everything' so that you have all your health bases covered throughout Autumn and Winter, Feel Multivitamins are the one for you. Hailed as one of the 'cleanest' multivitamins available on the UK market, Feel has come up with a superb in-house formula that boasts 33 of the best ingredients in their highest bio-availability and absorption rates. 

This ensures that taking just two capsules a day will deliver all of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to perform at its best, plus some extra botanicals are included such as Reishi Mushrooms (for heart and brain health), Spirulina (for extra immunity support), Turmeric (for digestion) and Grape Seed extract (for heart health). These capsules are certified vegan-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free and free from all the main known allergens with no additives, fillers or bulking agents. 

In addition, Feel Multivitamins come packaged in a plastic-free biodegradable paper pouch and are delivered in a slim cardboard box every month direct to your door on a subscription basis - it doesn't get more convenient or sustainable than that!

Best for Women's Health (UTIs, BV, Thrush etc) & Boosting Gut Health: Kiki Health Body Biotics* (60 x 400mg, £27.95, link)

There's been a big focus on gut health over the past few years and rightly so, but did you know that by boosting your gut health, you're also helping to improve, treat and even eradicate many common women's health problems such as UTIs, thrush and BV (bacterial vaginosis)? That's because many beneficial bacteria strains that are often found in probiotic gut health supplements can provide antimicrobial support e.g Bacillus subtilis can inhibit the growth of Candida (AKA thrush) and Lactobacillus strains have proven to be able to help treat recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Kiki Health's bestselling Body Biotics is a unique blend of SBO (soil-based organisms) bacterial cultures and prebiotics with eight highly-effective friendly bacteria super-strains:- Bacillus Subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Lactococcus Lactis and Bifidobacterium Bifidum.

These strains are activated when ingested with water so it's recommended to take one capsule daily 30 minutes before a meal with a 250ml glass of water. You can then increase this to 2-3 capsules daily after a week to further maintain the benefits. Naturally free of gluten and wheat and made with a vegan-friendly hypromellose shell, the capsules don’t contain artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners or fillers. Body Biotics does not contain salt, sugar, yeast, chemical solvents or artificial additives and comes packaged in glass.

Best for Stress, Anxiety & Fibromyalgia: Zen Bears CBD Gummies* (30 gummies, £39.95, link)

Perhaps the cutest supplements that I've ever had the pleasure of trying out, Zen Bears have been voted the UK's best CBD gummies and it's easy to see why. Made with all-natural and vegan-friendly ingredients, the THC-free CBD used is sourced from an organic hemp farm in Oregon, USA and each gummy contains 20mg. 

CBD has been making waves in the health world for its positive benefits that can help alleviate mild anxiety, depression and stress symptoms, and mild-to-moderate pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia. In some countries, people have also cultivated a few cannabis plants of a particular strain to help relieve their anxiety and stress. It's believed that one of the best strains is the OG Ocean Grown classic. With no known side effects, it's been touted as a natural alternative to mainstream medications but do check with your GP first if you have any concerns before taking them.

It's been a crazy year so if your anxiety has gone through the roof, why not try these? They come in a mix of fruity flavours with a sweet coating and you can start on one a day to build up to a higher dose if required. There are no artificial ingredients and the jar is made of glass.

Best Budget Option for Gut Health & Weight Loss - Jolly Jelly (60 gummies, £9.99, link)

Many gut health supplements can be pretty expensive so if you're on a budget, I would recommend trying Jolly Jelly which cost around £10 for a month's supply. Made with 95% organic ingredients, these tasty tapioca based gummies contain a carefully chosen blend of beneficial superfoods, vitamins and probiotics such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Tumeric, Ginger, Beetroot extract, Pomegranate, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 and the popular strain of Lactobacillus Acidophilus. 

Jolly Jelly can help to boost your overall gut health, whilst also helping to maintain a healthy weight (some people find that Apple Cider Vinegar helps them to lose weight) and a healthy metabolism. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may find these much easier to digest than other gut health-related supplements and the Apple Cider Vinegar content can help with bloating and sugar cravings too (plus they're more palatable if you find you can't tolerate drinking ACV!).

Which supplements are you currently taking?

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Health & Lifestyle: 5 Products To Help You Fall Asleep Faster #BestSleepEver

Following on from last month's sleep-focussed post (read here) where three wellness experts shared their top tips for getting a better night's sleep, I've decided to round up some of my go-to bedside products that I use when I'm struggling to count those elusive sheep.

Disclaimer: Please see a GP if you're having sleep problems - below are just the products that I have been using to help my own sleep issues, but they may not all work for you.

 Spritz On Bedlinen - Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist* (45ml, £15, link)

Pillow mists are something that used to be quite obscure many years ago but thankfully they are readily available these days thanks to growing consumer demand for natural sleep aids. I've tried a lot of different brands and one of my favourites that I frequently go back to when I'm having sleep problems is Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist. Packaged in their signature dark blue glass bottle, the mist is composed of a relaxing blend of Organic Lavender, Vetiver and Mandarin essential oils - all well known for their soothing properties. Simply spritz over pillows and bedlinen before you want to sleep and let the tranquil fragrance work its magic as you nod off.

Take A Bath - MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion* (100ml, £25, link)

Taking a warm bath is often mentioned in many sleep hygiene routines, and I have personally always found baths to be wonderfully relaxing, especially if you've had a particularly busy or stressful day. Baths can significantly help you to unwind and they're great for relieving aches and pains such as sore muscles from exercise. Try MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion which is a bath oil that I often recommend to anyone who isn't keen on the traditional lavender scents. Instead, this Bath Potion is more of a herbal blend with Peppermint, Fennel, Sweet Birch and Yarrow that's both invigorating (it helps to clear and refresh the mind) and calming at the same time thanks to the physical benefits that it brings to the body. It's also ideal to use when you're feeling run down as it clears up blocked sinuses a treat - just make sure to not use too much - it's strong stuff!

Treat Your Hands - Balm Balm Lavender Hand Balm* (60ml, £12.50, link)

Hands feeling dry due to frequent washing and using hand sanitiser all day? Give them some TLC with this ultra-rich Balm Balm Lavender Hand Balm. The perfect pot of hydrating goodness to keep on your bedside table, it has a seriously nourishing formula thanks to a blend of Shea Butter, Sunflower, Beeswax, Jojoba and Calendula oils. With added Lavender essential oil, it fits in neatly as an extra pampering step that you can do before bedtime to get you in the right frame of mind for sleep.

Try A Rollerball - Seascape Island Apothecary Soothe Oil* (8ml, £10, link)

Temple balms and oils are another handy product to have nearby when you're struggling to sleep and I sometimes re-apply them to my pulse points if I wake up in the middle of the night to help me to get back to sleep. Lots of different brands offer them and Seascape Island Apothecary Soothe Oil is definitely one to try if you want something that's instantly comforting and relaxing as it has Lavender, Bitter Orange and Mandarin Orange essential oils in a convenient rollerball. Swipe it on, breathe it in and relax.

Unwind With CBD - Naturopathica CBD+ Unwind* (30 capsules, £39.99, link)

CBD is fast becoming the go-to supplement for those who are feeling stressed and anxious, and I've written about my personal experiences with the positive benefits of taking CBD Oil in previous features on this blog. If you're not a fan of the taste of pure CBD Oil, there are lots of other ways to try it including teas, lozenges and more traditional capsules. The CBD+ Unwind capsules from wellness brand Naturopathica have been particularly useful to me, and I've been taking them for the past month to help with the heightened sense of anxiety I've been having due to the current pandemic situation. This range has been formulated to work with the body's endocannabinoid system so it contains 5mg of full-spectrum CBD to be the most effective, and the Unwind blend also includes B1, Magnesium, L-Theanine and Chamomile to further support healthy sleeping patterns.

Do you have problems sleeping?

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Health & Lifestyle: CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg review for Mild Anxiety & Natural Pain Relief

CBD Oil is one of the most popular ways to treat a wide range of health problems, including mild anxiety symptoms, and it's been proven to be an effective natural pain reliever that many people can benefit from. But what exactly is CBD Oil?

I've personally used CBD Oil for a few years now since it became commonplace in many health food stores and online shops, and it's something that I feel has helped to reduce some of the milder symptoms of anxiety that I experience day-to-day. It's not a cure-all for severe anxiety though, but rather something that I see as a useful supplement to take alongside other recommendations such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and CBT sessions (Cognitive Behavioural Therapies). As always, I want to point out that I'm not a GP and can only speak from personal experience, so please seek professional medical advice if you have any health concerns.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD stands for 'cannabidiol' which is one of the many cannabinoid compounds that are found in the Cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are also found naturally within the human body and we have chemical receptors all over as part of our own endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate lots of different bodily functions related to mood, memory and how we feel pain. The human endocannabinoid system is usually quite good at regulating itself as we naturally produce our own endocannabinoids, however, sometimes things go out of balance which is where CBD based supplements can help.

Will It Make Me Feel High?

No, CBD Oil is extracted from the Cannabis plant so that it contains less than 0.2% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the illegal psychoactive element that makes you feel high when you smoke or ingest Cannabis in its whole form. Hence why you can purchase CBD Oil from a retailer in the UK, but you can't purchase actual Cannabis for consumption as the latter is illegal unless prescribed by a GP for strictly medical purposes.

Who Can Use CBD Oil?

The numerous benefits of CBD Oil are constantly being researched into, but it's been generally proven to be beneficial to anyone who has mild symptoms of mood disorders such as Anxiety and Depression, and pain-related issues such as Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. As I mentioned earlier, please take advice from a GP if you have any concerns about taking CBD Oil or want further information about any potential impact on current medications that you take.

If you're interested in trying out CBD Oil, I feel that it's important to note that there are a lot of unscrupulous CBD retailers out there selling fake or inferior products, unfortunately, so I highly recommend doing some research to ensure that you're purchasing a high-quality product that's safe to consume. Check out reviews from actual customers online and have a look at the shop's social media pages for further comments - if there are lots of people complaining, avoid that shop and buy elsewhere! In the interests of transparency, I was sent a sample of CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg to trial over the past month, who are reputable sellers in the CBD market.

CBDshopy is an established online retailer who offers a huge range of CBD products, many of which are their affordable own-brand products that have been formulated to the highest standards with ingredients that are non-GMO, organic, vegan-friendly and ISO certified. All the products that they sell have also been tested by an independent third party and you can read the lab test reports on their website here. 

In addition, CBDshopy are developing their Instagram page (follow them here) to be a reliable and trusted source of CBD related education based around mental and physical health, wellness and the latest CBD news and updates.

My Thoughts on CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg*

CBDshopy's own-brand CBD Oil comes packaged in a typical small glass bottle with a dropper pipette and looks and feels like a high-quality product from the offset. This full-spectrum oil features 500mg of CBD (Cannabidiol) which includes high levels of Terpenes, Phytocannabinoids and essential oils that are found naturally in the buds of the Cannabis plant. I would always recommend trying out a full-spectrum CBD Oil like this to anyone who is new to using CBD products as I feel they offer the most benefits and 'bang for your buck'. 

How Do I Use It?

Take 1/2 dropper under the tongue twice a day. It's important to try and keep the oil in your mouth for as long as possible to increase the bioavailability of the CBD. What sets this oil apart from others that I've used in the past is the natural Peppermint flavouring which helps to somewhat mask the strong, bitter and earthy flavour of CBD Oil. Again, a flavoured oil is going to be more palatable to those who perhaps haven't used CBD Oil before and it makes it much easier to tolerate when holding it in your mouth for longer!

Like all supplements, you'll need to take it on a regular basis for at least 3-4 weeks before you start seeing any results. After this period, I found that I felt a bit more relaxed and less anxious about certain things that were bothering me, and some of the chronic pain that I get in my lower back had significantly dissipated. Side effects with CBD Oil are incredibly rare and I always prefer turning to a natural product like this before taking any unnecessary over-the-counter pain killers.

CBDshopy CBD Oil Peppermint 500mg* (£27.95, buy here) - Use BEAUTYWOLF5 to get 5% off your first order

Have you tried using CBD Oil?

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