As someone who has always been interested in natural remedies for skin and hair care, I am passionate about the benefits of using vegetable oils to make cannabis-infused products.
Table of Contents
Cannabidiol, (CBD) is a natural chemical compound found in the cannabis plant as well as in hemp plants. It’s not psychoactive at all, which means it doesn’t give you a “high” like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is another compound found in cannabis.
Cannabidiol is commonly used in many health treatments including pain relief, anxiety management, and as a treatment for certain medical conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Olive has long been known for its moisturising properties, and when combined with the anti-inflammatory effects of Cannabidiol from cannabis, it can create a powerful combination for improving the health of your skin and hair.
One way to incorporate cannabidiol into your beauty routine is by macerating it into oil or creating a salve. This herbal infused oil can then be used as a base for various DIY cosmetics, such as lip balms, body lotions, and hair masks. Not only does this allow you to customise your products to your own preferences, but it also ensures that you know exactly what ingredients are going into them.
While the idea of using cannabis in beauty products may still be relatively new, the benefits of Cannabidiol are becoming increasingly well-known. Cannabidiol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ageing effects, making it a valuable addition to any skincare routine. By infusing cannabis into your beauty products, you can harness these benefits and create a natural, effective way to care for your skin and hair.
Cultural and Historical Perspectives
Olive Oil in Ancient Beauty Regimes
As far back as Ancient Greece, the oil from pressed Olives has been used for its nourishing and moisturising properties in beauty regimes. Women in Ancient Greece would use the oil to keep their skin soft and supple, as well as to condition their hair. The ancient Egyptians also used it in their beauty routines, and it was even found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
In addition to its moisturising properties, it’s also rich in antioxidants which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This makes it an excellent ingredient for anti-ageing skincare products.
The Influence of Olive Oil in Modern Skincare
Today, Olive oil is still a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products due to its numerous benefits. It is often used as a base for herb-infused oils which can be tailored to specific skin types and concerns.
The easiest way to make herb infused oils at home is by using the POT by NOIDS which can do so much more than just make cannabis oil. Simply choose any dry herbs, such as Lavender, Chamomile, Horsetail, Calendula or Cannabis, and infuse them using the POT by NOIDS.
The resulting DIY beauty oil can be used as a moisturiser for the face and body, or as a hair treatment. It can also make a brilliant oil for massage, especially when blended with other oils, depending on how much “slip”you want from your massage oil.
Using herb-infused oil for skincare can help to soothe and nourish the skin, as well as provide additional benefits from the herbs themselves. For example, Chamomile is known for being an anti-inflammatory agent, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
The Science Behind Olive Oil
As a cosmetologist, I have always been impressed by the benefits of Olive for skin and hair care and the variety of ways to use it. It’s a completely natural product that has been used for centuries to nourish and protect the skin and hair. In this section, I will delve into the science behind the oil and its effects on the skin and hair.
Composition and Quality of Olive Oil
The oil is composed of various Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s), including Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, and Palmitic Acid. These EFA’s are essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also contains vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin and hair from damage caused by free radicals. The vitamin E oil also gives the oil a good shelf life, but you should always store it in a dark bottle or cupboard to protect it from UV light as well.
The flavour quality of the oil is determined by its acidity level, which is measured as a percentage of Oleic Acid. Extra Virgin Olive oil has the lowest acidity level and is considered the highest quality from a flavour perspective. It is important to use a high-quality oil to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefits for your skin and hair. However, when you learn how to make skin care products yourself, you don’t always want to use the Extra Virgin grade.
You can also use the second pressing of the oil if are not so keen on the fruity aroma of the Extra Virgin grade. You can look at the chemical profile of the oil you use from your chosen supplier to find the right ratio of Omegas that are good for infusing your oil. In many cream and gel formulations, this fruitiness is not very noticeable at all, especially if you have included some essential oils.
Typical Olive Oil Essential Fatty Acid Profile
- C16:0 Palmitic Acid 7% to 20%
- C16:1 Palmitoleic Acid max 4%
- C18:0 Stearic Acid 0.5% to 5%
- C18:1 Oleic Acid (Omega-9) 55% to 85%
- C18:2 Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) 3.5% to 21%
- C18:3 Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) max 1%
Benefits of Omega-9
- You can see that typically, this double-bonded fatty acid, also referred to as Oleic Acid, constitutes a large percentage of the oil. This EFA is slowly and evenly absorbed by the skin.
- It is excellent for your skin because it helps your skin retain moisture and slows down skin ageing. This EFA is great for reducing wrinkles and fine lines in skin care products that fight ageing.
- Omega-9 is great for soothing and moisturising sun-kissed skin. It works well in after-sun products to provide long-lasting hydration and relief from irritation.
- Your skin’s protective barrier is shielded against oxidative stress.
- Hair growth and thickness are boosted by activating the follicle with Omega-9 fatty acids. As a result, it can grow longer and stronger, less prone to breakage and split ends.
- With regular use, dandruff will become a distant memory thanks to its nourishing properties.
- Using an oil rich in Omega-6 in body lotions or massage oils can boost the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens and bacteria.
- In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also provides relief for sore joints and muscles by reducing stiffness and discomfort.
- Both cannabis-infused oils and terpene-rich cannabis work spectacularly well when paired together for maximum pain relief. When Omega-9 and cannabis are combined, they create a powerful synergy that can effectively relieve even severe discomfort.
Benefits of Omega-6
- Linoleic Acid, an essential fatty acid also known as Omega-6, hydrates and reduces inflammation of the skin. It absorbs easily without leaving any residue or stickiness.
- Omega-6 can improve your skin’s appearance, reducing puffiness and creating a smooth, radiant tone.
- It will improve your skin’s health and prevent fine lines and wrinkles from becoming deeply set.
- Omega-6 is important for healthy skin as it keeps it hydrated and moisturised, preventing dryness that causes irritation or flaking.
- It is effective in soothing acne breakouts and healing damaged skin cells, making the complexion smoother and more even. It will also reduce the possibility of future acne breakouts.
- With consistent use, it can effectively shrink enlarged pores, which is good for all skin types.
- Omega-6 encourages better hair growth for stronger hair less prone to breakages.
Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin
As an anti-inflammatory oil, Olive can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. It is also a natural moisturiser that can help to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness. In skin care products, it is often used as a base oil for its moisturising and nourishing properties. It can be used as a facial oil to help hydrate and protect the skin, or as a body oil to soothe and nourish dry skin.
When infused with cannabis to capture the Cannabidiol, Olive can provide additional benefits for the skin and hair. Cannabidiol has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and irritation, making it an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin. It can also help to regulate sebum production, which helps to prevent acne and oily skin.
Hydrating and Nourishing Properties
Being rich in EFA’s and antioxidants which help to hydrate and nourish the skin, it acts as a natural moisturiser, keeping the skin soft and supple. The oil penetrates deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration and slowing down Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
Anti-Ageing and Antioxidant Effects
Olive is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing. The oil contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays. Regular use of Olive can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.
Olive Oil for Specific Skin Conditions
Olive has been found to be effective in treating certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The oil is anti-inflammatory, which can help to reduce redness and irritation associated with these conditions. It also contains Oleocanthal, a compound that has been found to have antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating acne, as well as accelerating wound healing.
Olive Oil in Hair Care
Using Olive in your hair care routine can be a game changer. It is a natural, affordable and effective solution for managing dry and frizzy hair, enhancing scalp health and promoting hair growth. When used on the hair, Olive can help to nourish and protect the hair shaft, preventing breakage and split ends.
Managing Dry and Frizzy Hair
The oil from pressed olives is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that help to moisturise and nourish the hair. It can help to reduce frizz and prevent split ends, leaving the hair looking smooth and shiny. Scrunch a small amount on to the ends of your hair after washing and conditioning, and then comb it through to distribute it evenly.
Enhancing Scalp Health
A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Olive has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm an irritated scalp. It can also help to remove build-up and debris from the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. You can also massage a small amount into your scalp before washing your hair to help nourish and moisturise it.
Olive Oil as a Hair Mask
This oil can also be used as a hair mask to deeply nourish and condition the hair. Some people like to mix it with a little runny honey and then comb it through their hair leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing it out. This helps to restore moisture to dry and damaged hair, leaving it feeling soft and silky.
Using Olive Oil with Cannabis
How to Infuse Cannabis Using the POT by NOIDS
You will see loads of information on YouTube about how to decarboxylate your cannabis in the oven, or in a glass jar or mason jar in a crockpot or double boiler. This is a really inefficient way of processing your herbs. The temperatures on a crock pot are so variable, and you lose on average 30% of the cannabinoids like THC and CBD this way. After infusion, they say to strain the herbs and oil through cheesecloth – so messy and wasteful! There is a MUCH better, cleaner and more efficient way!
One of the easiest ways to infuse cannabis into any heat-tolerant oil (such as Olive) is by using the POT by NOIDS. This device allows for precise temperature control, which is crucial for infusing cannabis without destroying its beneficial compounds.
To infuse cannabis using the POT by NOIDS, start by decarboxylating your cannabis. There are two settings to choose from; THC and CBD. Select the CBD setting, add the cannabis to the glass beaker that comes with the PBN and let it get on with its job. There is a tightly fitting silicone lid, so there is no smell. This process involves heating the cannabis at a specific temperature to activate its cannabinoids like THCa and CBDa. Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, add some Olive oil (enough to cover the cannabis) and place it in the POT by NOIDS. Select the CBD oil infusion setting, and leave it alone to do its job.
When it has finished, fit the strainer attachment to the glass beaker and strain directly into a bottle or jar for storage. It is the most efficient filter I have ever used, so there are no bits, just perfectly CBD infused oil.
Benefits for Skin and Hair
Cannabis-infused oil has numerous benefits for both skin and hair. Cannabidiol, one of the main compounds found in cannabis, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe and protect the skin. It can also help regulate oil production, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
When used on the hair, cannabis-infused oil can help moisturise and strengthen the strands. It can also soothe the scalp and help reduce dandruff and other scalp conditions.
DIY Cannabis Infused Olive Oil Recipes
The first big change that you will notice is that most DIY beauty recipes call for a cup of oil and a teaspoon of something else. To make a professional formulation that you can make again time and again, make the change to using digital scales in grams. Weigh everything – solids and liquids. That way, you are always using the correct percentages, and it is so easy to scale up any formulation to make a larger batch.
I also recommend using the POT by NOIDS as it heats the cannabis to exactly the right temperature needed. The oil for making your weed oil recipe should not be overheated. The oil should stay below a certain temperature to ensure it is not damaged otherwise it will cause the oil go rancid. That is why the type of oil used should be heat tolerant. It’s not possible to make a herbal oil with cannabis successfully using oils like Rosehip, for example, because its benefits are destroyed by the heat.
Making your own cannabis-infused oil is easy and allows you to customize the strength and potency of the oil. You can also use your herb-infused oil to make skincare products. Here are two simple recipes to get you started:
Basic Cannabis Infused Olive Oil
- 7 grams of cannabis * (you don’t need to grind it first)
- Put this into the glass jar of the POT by NOIDS and put the silicone lid on tightly. This ensures it won’t stink the house out. Turn the PBN to the decarboxylate for CBD setting.
- When it has finished, cover the decarbed weed with your Olive oil, put the silicone lid back on and change the setting to the CBD oil infusion setting. Let it run until it is finished.
- You can take the glass jar out, but be careful because it will be hot. I tend to leave it in the machine to allow the oil to cool down a little. Replace the silicone top with the strainer attachment. Put your container bottle on the metal nozzle at the top and, being careful to hold it all tightly together, turn it upside down, so your bottle is now underneath the glass beaker. Squeeze the filter to strain the oil, and beautifully clear CBD oil will pour into your bottle. Squeeze the press hard to get every last drop of herbs from the oil out. It’s as easy as that!
* It is not necessary to make it with 7 grams, because if you are buying it rather than growing your own, that could be a bit expensive. This is just the amount I use. If you use less, the oil will just not be as potent in Cannabidiol – but it’ll still be a perfect oil for skin care.
Cannabidiol Salve
The main ingredient to make salves is the oil. You’ll find that many a recipe calls for oils like Sweet Almond oil or more commonly, solid Coconut oil. They are both good oils in their own way and they are both heat stable. But if you are using herb infused oil for the first time, I think the best oil to use when making a batch of cannabis infused oil is Olive.
Olive does not feel as greasy as solid Coconut and, as you have read above, is a fabulous oil for skincare and is marvellous for using on your feet as well. It’s easier to use a liquid carrier oil at room temperature, and as long as you keep the oil in a dark place, out of direct sunlight, the oil will last for 18 to 24 months.
- 15g Beeswax (*Check the price on Amazon)
- 8g Cocoa Butter (*Check the price on Amazon)
- Melt these two together in a double boiler, which protects them from burning. Then, turn the heat off and add
- 75g Cannabis-Infused Olive oil
- Stir thoroughly and remove from the double boiler. As soon as you see the sides of the mixture going opaque, add
- 2g Vitamin E (*Check the price on Amazon)
- Stir again and pour into jars while it still has a pourable consistency. This will make 100g of CBD balm.
There is another post here to make a cannabis-infused balm.
Comparing Olive Oil to Other Oils
As a carrier oil, Olive has been used for centuries due to its numerous benefits for skin and hair. However, there are other oils available that are also popular for their moisturising and nourishing properties. In this section, I will compare Olive to other oils commonly used in DIY cosmetics and explain why Olive is a great choice.
Olive Oil Versus Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another popular carrier oil that is often used in DIY cosmetics. While it has many benefits, it is not as versatile as Olive because it is solid at room-temperature, making it difficult to use in some applications. Olive, on the other hand, is liquid at room-temperature, making it easier to mix with other ingredients and apply to the skin and hair.
Benefits Of Other Carrier Oils
Any oil that is going to be cannabis-infused needs to be heat tolerant. That means that it can safely be heated to the temperature needed without damaging the oil. Not all oils are heat tolerant, such as Rosehip, Chia, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage oil and even Hemp Seed Oil. The therapeutic benefits of the oils themselves would be destroyed by the heating process, which means they will be loaded with free radicals, which damage and age you.
While there are many carrier oils available, Olive stands out for its unique properties. Compared to some carrier oils, Olive is rich in antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and EFA’s. These nutrients help to nourish and protect the skin and hair. It contains polyphenols that prevent skin aging and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and offers some degree of UV protection.
Avocado Oil: (INCI: Persea Gratissima Oil) This oil is rich in Omega-9 which makes it very heat stable, and it is a wonderful emollient. It has a good range of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, and it sinks into the skin, leaving it feeling very soft and hydrated. It’s an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin types as well as mature skin. (*Check the price on Amazon)
Sweet Almond Oil: (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) Always thought of as the classic massage oil, it is so much more than that. It has very soothing properties for dry or irritated skin. A good mix of Omega_9 and Omega-6, it has a lightweight feel and is easily absorbed into the skin. (*Check the price on Amazon)
Jojoba Oil: (INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) Jojoba is actually a wax that is liquid at room temperature, and has a similar chemical structure to the sebum that naturally occurs in our skin. This is why it is so widely used as a facial oil, and on acneic skin, it acts like a solvent in a way, and dissolves the sebum in blocked pores which leads to blackheads. (*Check the price on Amazon)
Sunflower Oil: (INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil) Another oil more commonly thought of as a cooking oil, Sunflower has a very light texture and is easily absorbed by dry and chapped skin with no greasy after-feel. It promotes good skin hydration and is an excellent oil to use for herbal macerations. (*Check the price on Amazon)
Grapeseed Oil: (INCI: Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil) This is an excellent oil for massage as it has a great slip, even though it feels light on the skin. It tightens and tones the skin with a gentle astringent effect that is useful for mature skin. (*Check the price on Amazon)
Calendula Oil: (INCI: Calendula Officinalis Oil) This is an interesting option because this is already an infused oil. The flowers of the dried plant are infused, usually in Sunflower oil or Jojoba oil for stability. Instead of buying it made by a company, you can make herb-infused oil yourself with the PBN.
Once you have decarbed your cannabis, add the dried flowers to the glass beaker and pour oil of your choice on top. Choose the infusion setting, and after you have strained it, you will get a Calendula and Cannabis oil. This combination with Olive is brilliant if you have cracked heels on your feet or suffer from chilblains. The Cannabidiol in the cannabis will also reduce the inflammation. (*Check the price on Amazon)
Synergistic Effects with Other Natural Oils
When combined with other natural oils, like any of the ones above, Olive can enhance their benefits and create a synergistic effect. When infused with cannabis for Cannabidiol, the high Oleic Acid content of Olive can help to increase the absorption of the Cannabidiol into the skin. Similarly, when combined with essential oils, Olive can help to deliver the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils to the skin and hair.
Conclusion
Using Olive oil infused with cannabis for skin and hair care can be a great addition to your DIY cosmetics routine. Through my research and personal experience, I have found that this natural remedy can provide numerous benefits for both skin and hair.
One of the key benefits of using this cannabis infusion is its ability to moisturise and nourish the skin and hair. The fatty acids in Olive help to lock in moisture and keep the skin and hair hydrated, while the Cannabidiol in cannabis can help to soothe and calm any inflammation or irritation.
Another benefit of using this natural remedy is its potential to promote hair growth. The antioxidants in Olive help to protect the hair from damage and promote healthy hair growth, while the Cannabidiol in cannabis can help to improve blood circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.
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