If you, like us, appreciate a good mind-blowing fact, then here's a humdinger: Did you know that THC—the main psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana—is actually an antioxidant? It's also an anti-inflammatory (though, given weed's reputation to dull pain, that might seem more obvious). What this also means is that the cannabis plant has major topical benefits as well.
In other words, get ready, because it's time to give your skin a contact high.
While smoking (no matter the substance) is not good for your complexion, and has been shown to advance aging, THC actually does quite the opposite when appliedon the skin. As an antioxidant, it can combat wrinkles and fine lines, and scientists and dermatologists are currently studying the ways that it could combat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. There are ways, if you are a Washington or Colorado resident, to create a THC-heavy oil (or buy it, of course). But because we are based in New York, and because 48 out of 50 states don't have access to marijuana, we decided to sub in hemp oil, the legal by-product of cannabis. Hemp oil has trace levels of THC that are just enough to offer an antioxidant effect, and are heavy in omegas, which are essential for moisturizing dull skin.
It's a great, natural addition to throw into your skincare rotation, but for those times you'd like to hunker down at home and give your visage a little extra TLC, consider yourself covered: We concocted a cannabis facial that gave our own tired, dry skin a new lease on life. We decided to supplement the omegas found in the hemp oil with another hefty dose from creamy avocado; to kill toxins and brighten up skin, we tossed in amino acid-packed, vitamin-heavy spirulina, and amazing superfood sea algae. Finally, we had to throw in a little bit of patchouli, natch—not just for the novelty factor, but also because the stereotypically hippie-loved oil actually does a number on both acne and sagging skin.
-1 ripe avocado
-1/4 cup hemp oil (or marijuana oil, where legal)
-2 tsp spirulina powder
-several drops patchouli oil (optional)
-a large makeup brush that you don't mind getting gross (optional)
What we used:
Nutiva Organic Hemp Oil, $12; vitacost.com
Earthrise Spirulina Natural Powder, $9; vitacost.com
Sunshine Spa Patchouli Oil, $6; iherb.com
Our price breakdown*: 1 avocado ($1) + 1/4 cup hemp oil ($1.50) + 2 tsp spirulina powder ($0.80) + approx. 1/8 tsp patchouli oil ($0.60) = $3.90
*When using hemp oil
Cut open the avocado, remove the pit, and spoon the flesh into the blender. Add the remaining ingredients.
Blend until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and resembles Nickelodeon-grade slime.
Remove the goo(d stuff) from the blender and put into a small dish. Set aside.
To prep your skin for maximum nutrient and moisture absorption, open up your pores with a steam treatment. Pull your hair back and have a towel at the ready. Heat a pot of water on the stove until near-boiling, pour it into a heatproof bowl, and set the bowl in front of you. (For a real spa-like treatment, add a few drops of essential oil, like eucalyptus, lavender, or patchouli.) Put your face over the bowl, and the towel over both your head and the bowl. Sit for about 10 minutes.
Huzzah! It's mask time! You can use your hands, but a word to the wise: Our lives were transformed for the better when we recently learned just how much easier—and cleaner—it is to use an old and/or cheap makeup brush to apply a mask.Anyway, sweep it liberally all over your face, taking care to avoid getting too close to the eye area.
Let the mask sit for at least 15-20 minutes while you chill out and thumb through the latest issue of ELLE.
Wash it all off, store any extra mask in the fridge, and go forth with your newly blissed-out complexion. (And you needn't worry about a quick comedown, because this glow will last for days).
Photos by Katie Friedman
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