Can I Rub CBD Oil On My Skin For Pain?
If you’re looking for safe skincare products, information on how CBD skincare works, and how certain skin conditions may benefit from CBD products, keep reading!
In this post, we’re showing you how CBD (cannabidiol) plays a role in your skin health and the different benefits you will reap from introducing CBD products to your skincare routine.
1. CBD May Help With Fighting Acne
Acne affects between 40 million and 50 million individuals in the United States.
It is a result of sebum, which is an oil produced by sebaceous glands. In excess it mixes with dirt and dead skin cells and leads to pores being clogged and bacteria can easily accumulate.
This ultimately leads to inflammation within the pores and skin, allowing acne formation.
To fight acne, it’s extremely important to keep your skin as clean as possible. It may also be in your interest to start utilizing CBD.
Yes, a cannabis compound on your skin might seem a bit far-fetched to some, but it is safe to use and is highly unlikely to have any severe side effects, like some medication might.
A recent study…
A study in 2014 showed that CBD behaves as a highly effective sebostatic agent. Sebaceous glands produce sebum which is good for your skin. But with excess sebum, your skin becomes acne-prone. CBD can help reduce and regulate sebum production. A sufficient level of sebum production is a critical factor in skin homeostasis, making CBD a great tool to consider for acne management.
2014, The Journal of Clinical Investigation
And with acne being characterized by redness and swelling, CBD may help even further due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
In summary, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it an ideal product to consider when trying to keep your skin clean and uninflamed to deter acne!
2. CBD May Help With Eczema
Eczema, often referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that baffles scientists.
There is little information/knowledge on what causes it and why. But what we know is that it affects both children and adults.
It is identified by dry, itchy, and red skin, plus there is no known cure for eczema.
That being said, one in 10 individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime, with prevalence peaking in early childhood.
For such individuals, finding relief for their condition is a top priority.
As alternative methods for treatment are being considered, CBD is drawing attention from scientists and skincare professionals on whether it may help with eczema.
A recent study…
A 2020 study was conducted to explore the effects of CBD in individuals with self-reported eczema. The initial results of the study seem encouraging. There were 20 (twenty) individuals who consented to participate and sixteen (16) completed an online questionnaire on eczema. Among these participants, 67% reported a decrease in itch and, 50% reported an improvement in their eczema by more than 60%.
2020, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
This study shows CBD’s potential, but it’s not a seal of approval that CBD is a cure for eczema. What CBD can do, is mitigate symptoms of eczema.
Hence helping you continue with your daily activities without feeling quite as uncomfortable and unpleasant. CBD has the potential to help improve your overall quality of life, little by little.
The most common medication prescribed for eczema currently is topical corticosteroids. The problem with this is you cannot use it on a long-term basis as it can lead to severe side effects.
Some of these side effects include a burning feeling of the skin, thinning of the skin, and a skin color change. All of which may backfire in your healing process!
Such side effects can be a huge drawback and make CBD an even more sought-after alternative because of CBD’s lack of severe side effects.
Something like a gentle CBD Healing Salve is a quality alternative, seeing as CBD has been shown to help mitigate negative symptoms of eczema.
3. CBD May Help With Wrinkles
Collagen and elastin are proteins found in the skin that are responsible for skin strength and structure. But they are affected by age and external factors like pollution.
It leads to a decline in production of natural collagen and elastin, leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. CBD has the potential to increase collagen production, hence helping to prevent wrinkles.
Wrinkles, Free Radicals, and Antioxidants
Another factor for skin damage and wrinkles is free radicals, which are the result of external variables.
Free radicals are essentially unstable atoms that get caught up in our cells, which can lead to oxidative stress and the breakdown of cells in our bodies over time. Antioxidants help fight against free radicals and oxidative stress, keeping our bodies clean on a cellular level.
Since CBD has antioxidant properties, it too can help stop the damage of free radicals on your body, keeping your skin cells clear and healthy.
As you age, sebaceous glands are also affected, generally less oil is being produced, leading to dryer skin. Even if you already have visible wrinkles, by utilizing CBD skincare products, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to better regulate the sebaceous glands and restore balance in your skin. With regular topical CBD use, your wrinkles may become less prominent and your skin may feel younger!
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help with wrinkles.
How does CBD affect inflammation?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system in your body responsible for regulating and maintaining balance for several biological processes like sleep and mood. The ECS has two principal receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors affect the brain and nervous system. CB2 receptors affect your immune system.
CBD binds with CB2 receptors, positively influencing your overall immune system as well as immune responses, like inflammation.
A 2009 research review showed the potential use of cannabinoids as a new class of anti-inflammatory agents against several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Also, cannabinoids are becoming beneficial therapeutic agents in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. Therefore cannabinoids have exhibited the significant potential to be used as novel anti-inflammatory agents.
2009, Future Medical Chemistry
Of course aging is a natural process we can all welcome with open arms, however, that doesn’t mean you cannot use CBD to help with wrinkles and fine lines if you want to!
Because CBD has been shown to help with collagen production, regulating the sebaceous glands, and reducing inflammation, it has real potential for results like smoother, younger looking skin.
Despite CBD being shown to help with wrinkles, for optimal skin health we cannot stress the importance of trying to reduce stress, getting proper sleep, exercising, and nourishing your body healthily.
You’ll reap the biggest benefits of CBD for your skin if you are taking care of your overall health, too.
4. CBD May Help With Sensitive Skin
In surveys, approximately 50% of women and 40% of men may report having sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is characterized by inflammation, irritation, and adverse reactions to different chemicals, fragrances, soap, and even weather.
Some notable signs of sensitive skin include redness, rashes, dry patches/skin, breakouts, burning sensation from products like sunscreen, and UV rays response.
CBD has been shown to help take good care of sensitive skin. It has soothing properties that offer a calming effect, thereby helping to reduce discomfort and pain.
Also, due to such sensitivity, you might experience pain, inflammation, and damaged skin. CBD can be of great help as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
With the use of CBD topicals, your skin may be better protected from infections, inflammation and pain.
5. CBD May Help With Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that results from the immune system attacking its own healthy skin cells. It leads to new cells being developed at a faster rate and accumulation of dead skin cells.
Normal skin cells are can be shed and reproduced in 28-30 days.
But with psoriasis, it takes 2-4 days. So your skin cannot remove the old cells as fast as they are being developed. It is essentially the proliferation of epidermal cells/keratinocytes/skin cells which lead to psoriasis.
This build-up results in red and itchy patches on either the knees, elbow, or palms. It affects both children and adults.
The science on psoriasis is limited as it has no known cure, while genetics and environmental factors are possible triggers of this condition.
But how can CBD play a role in psoriasis relief?
Because psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, and CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it makes sense that regular use of topical CBD can help alleviate symptoms.
A 2007 study was conducted on CBD and other cannabinoids’ role in psoriasis, since it is an inflammatory disease. The results showed that the cannabinoids tested (CBD included) all inhibited keratinocyte proliferation. Therefore cannabinoids supported a potential role in the treatment of psoriasis.
2007, Journal of Dermatological Science
Another 2019 study on patients with psoriasis was conducted with encouraging results. Topical CBD-enriched ointment was administered or applied on the affected skin areas twice daily for a three months treatment. The results showed that this topical treatment with CBD significantly improved the skin and reduced psoriasis symptoms. This indicates that regular topical CBD use can be a safe and effective alternative to utilize in helping mitigate the negative effects of psoriasis.
2019, Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School
Psoriasis can have a major impact on the quality of life of those affected. Red, itchy, and swollen patches on the skin can lead to lower self-esteem and negatively affect confidence.
It can also lead to experiencing increased levels of depression and anxiety.
Although you can use CBD oil to combat anxiety, too, topical CBD is ideal for your psoriasis treatment.
It’s important to note, CBD isn’t a cure for the root cause of psoriasis, but it shows potential to help slow things down and at least help to alleviate symptoms.
Conclusion
It’s not hype, it’s health! The hype about CBD and skincare is warranted because of the many benefits of CBD for your skin. Various studies support the idea that CBD products can help offer relief with acne, eczema, wrinkles, sensitive skin, and psoriasis.
The rise in CBD’s popularity is a result of more people seeking an alternative to traditional medication, especially because of the nasty side effects some traditional pharmaceuticals present.
Should we have to trade one ailment for another? People are becoming more curious about natural products with less severe and fewer side effects, for good reason.
Although the research is limited, the little research available today looks promising for the CBD skincare industry.
But before you start using any CBD products, please seek the advice/counsel of your doctor or physician first. And as a beginner to CBD, it’s advisable to start with a small dosage of CBD.