Beauty is a state of being that is aesthetically pleasing to the senses, especially to the sense of sight. It is, after all, a subjective judgement based on criteria that compose one's definition of beauty. The term "beautiful" can also serve as a barometer/indicator of health and vitality. When a person radiates a healthy glow, when their skin is soft, smooth and supple and without blemish or inflammation, they may appear young (or younger) and beautiful.

While we may take our external casing for granted, many people would be surprised to learn that skin is actually the body's largest vital organ. Knowing that may cause a person to feel suddenly vulnerable. After all, you're walking around with an organ exposed to the world. For the average human, that skin organ consists of approximately two billion cells and commands a surface area of just around two square meters. It's important to know how to nourish and protect the casing that shields us from dangers not visible to the naked eye and elevates us as "beautiful" in the "eyes of the beholder."

Our skin is our first line of protection against bacteria and infection. But the elements (sun, wind, humidity, dry air) and toxins in our environment (air pollution, allergens, and chemical agents) all take their toll on our three main layers of skin shield: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Our skin is not only impacted by what we are exposed to in our environment, but also by our behaviors and lifestyle, and what we put into our bodies. If we experience a lot of stress, don't get adequate sleep, or smoke or drink, we can accelerate our skin's natural aging process. Stress wreaks havoc with the body's cortisol levels, disrupts the entire hormonal system, and can lead to skin issues like acne or psoriasis. When sleep is inadequate, skin does not have time to heal and rejuvenate. The use of alcohol destroys vitamin A in the body. Furthermore, alcohol acts as a diuretic, and causes dehydration, which can contribute to dry skin. Smoking destroys vitamin C in the body and damages skin's elasticity. When the skin is deprived of nutrients and oxygen, harmful free radicals damage the collagen and elastic fibers that maintain our skin's strength, flexibility and integrity.

A balanced diet with high-quality, nutritious food is essential to skin health, tone, and elasticity. Foods rich in nutrients help nourish and maintain body systems to keep you in a state of optimal health. In addition to observing a healthy diet, other ways to ensure good skin health include drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and keeping your skin cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized with quality skincare products. Moisturizing creams, cleansers, toners, and hand creams are just some of the "beauty basics" that should be part of every person's skin health regimen.

Skin care products infused with CBD are becoming more available and popular. In December of 2018, a Farm Bill was signed into law that removed hemp, defined as cannabis with extremely low concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), from being classified as the controlled substance marijuana. With government restrictions lifted on the cultivation of hemp crops, and with a substantial growth potential for agricultural farmers, the subsequent creation of a broad range of hemp-based products containing premium organic CBD oil ensued. Consequently, CBD skincare products have exploded onto the consumer shelves.

CBD has numerous attributes that make it an ideal component for beauty and skincare products. It is naturally antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which may render it helpful for conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Where there is inflammation, dryness, and free radical damage, there is a topical CBD product to help mitigate issues and restore balance. Tamás Bíró, professor and chair of the Department of Immunology at University of Debrecen in Hungary and the director of applied research at Phytecs, points to CBD's anti-inflammatory effects as well as cell model research that shows it inhibits sebum production and can normalize overactive sebaceous gland cells.¹  This can help in the control of acne.

Skin care products, like Power Flower's CBD-infused Facial Toner erases signs of aging by hydrating, balancing your skin's natural pH, tightening pores and restoring elasticity. Power Flower's CBD-infused AM-PM Moisturizing Cream keeps skin looking young and supple by detoxifying, nourishing, hydrating, softening and smoothing skin into radiance. Hands receive special treatment with Power Flower's CBD Hand Cream that protects against harsh agents, natural elements and overwork while nourishing skin with botanical extracts.

Whatever relief your skin needs, there's a CBD product that can deliver appropriate therapeutic impact and restore balance and wellbeing to the basal, spiny, granular, lucidum and corneum layers of epidermis that is your skin suit. Strengthen your skin barrier and keep moisture in and viruses, fungi and bacteria out. There is definitely more to beauty than meets the eye, and oh how deep it goes, from the top of your head, to the tip of your toes.                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                 ________

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[1] "What Does CBD in Skin Care Actually Do?; Karen Iorio Adelson; "The Strategist"; New York Magazine; May 15, 2020