CBD oil in Australia is the cold-pressed oil from the seeds of organic female hemp plant flowers. It is high in omega and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which makes it a nourishing oil for culinary purposes as well as skin care products and spa applications, such as massage oil. It’s also rich in monounsaturated fats, omega 3, and omega 6 and bountiful in vitamins like E and K which are antioxidants that can assist in preventing skin aging. We recommend buying from a retailer that farms their hemp sustainably, organic, and without pesticides to ensure your skin and hair gets a product that’s free from contaminants. Note that hemp oil is entirely separate from CBD oil as it doesn’t contain cannabinoids that can act on the CB1 or CB2 receptors and release endocannabinoids. Instead, it is largely used for nutrition and dietary benefits for its nutrients. Buying CBD in Australia is currently difficult due to it being a regulated substance. But it was legalised in 2021 which is a promising new development for those interested in improving their health with cannabidiol.

What is CBD oil?

There are two types of CBD oil. Full-spectrum CBD oil is raw and unrefined. It typically is a light to darker green. This oil contains some of the natural fragrance of hemp known as terpenes due to its unrefined state but does not have any cannabinoid content, such as CBD or THC. This oil is available for purchase at many major retail and big-box stores. You can find it at your local Coles or Woolworths in Australia. When purchasing this product, it is best to purchase it from retailers who store the oil in refrigerated cases. It helps keep the fats in the oil pure and prevents them from degrading. Purchase and use this oil before the expiration date printed on the bottle. Don’t purchase unrefined CBD oil that does not have an expiration date printed on the bottle.

This form of CBD oil is the preferred form for culinary applications and is very heat- and environmentally sensitive. Unrefined CBD oil should never be heated for cooking applications, such as frying or baking, and should be kept in a dark container and a cool environment. Typically, the best place to store fresh, unrefined CBD oil is in a dark container and the refrigerator until it is ready for use in recipes. It can be added directly to foods like salad to provide a healthy fat boost. CBD oil can be mixed through food into individual meals. Also, it can be added to items like desserts, like brownies. The range of culinary options it offers is huge. Pasta, baking mixes, a salad dressing, and many more choices.

How is CBD oil used?

Unrefined CBD oil is a very delicate oil and requires special handling when used in culinary applications and for skin care or spa due to the possibility of rancidity. Rancid oil will smell “off” or stale and not have the fresh “grassy” fragrance of stable oil. The flavor of unrefined CBD oil should be light, nutty, and slightly grassy with no unpleasant fragrances. Unrefined CBD oil, when used for skin, hair, or spa applications, has a shorter shelf life than many other oils. It is suggested to pair with antioxidants, such as rosemary or thyme antioxidants, to protect the oil from rancidity to extend its shelf life. In massage and topical recipes that contain CBD oil, rosemary antioxidant is the preferred antioxidant. You should treat unrefined CBD oil the way that you would treat any fine culinary luxury or precious herb—with great care that will extend the life of the oil.

Cold-pressed or refined oil is a bit different. This oil will have a clear or very light color and is neutral to slightly fragrant. It does not contain any cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC which are filtered out when the plant is grown. The seeds of hemp usually contain less of these compounds than buds and leaves. Because it is refined, it has a longer shelf life than unrefined oil if kept in the same optimal conditions as you would keep the unrefined oil. It should be noted that refined CBD oil is not used in culinary applications. Refined CBD oil is not typically sold in retail or big-box stores but can be purchased online from shops specializing in manufacturing oils for the cosmetic or craft industry. Typically, refined oil is used in mass-consumer products, such as lotion and soap, due to the extended shelf life, whereas unrefined oil will be found in more artisan products. The refined CBD oil has many of the same properties as unrefined oil, including being one of the few oils for skin and hair with the lowest comedogenic ratings. Use refined CBD oil within one to two years from the date of purchase for the best results in any application. It is also recommended that refined CBD oil is paired with an antioxidant, such as rosemary, to prevent rancidity in a spa and topical products.

Can CBD help with acne?

CBD oil is very effective for skincare as a moisturizer and to prevent the build-up of sebaceous oil. It helps to balance the skin’s natural oil content which can assist with acne. Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 9% of the population of Australia and is a growing concern for many. It is believed to be caused by several factors including genetics, bacteria, inflammation, and the overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily secretion produced by glands in the skin. Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil can help to balance sebum levels due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce sebum production. It's often used to treat acne issues where they start. A study on monkeys in Australia by Melbourne University showed that CBD oil regulated sebum glands that secrete excessive sebum from causing acne. It may prove to be an all-natural and organic alternative to intense and powerful “pro-acne” drugs like Accutane. It can help to prevent inflammatory cytokines that irritate the skin.

Another study had similar results and concluded that CBD oil, thanks to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, is an effective and safe way to treat acne. Although these results are promising, studies on people are still needed to see the effects of CBD oil on acne too. Investigating CBD in clinical settings can help us to understand its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to prevent the overproduction of sebum. These have beneficial effects on acne problems that may end up assisting millions worldwide who suffer from this frustrating and often very visible ailment.

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