Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance found in marijuana plants. There are various CBD health benefits such as treating and alleviating skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
For those who want to try unconventional skin treatment options, there are a lot of CBD skincare products that are now available. These have numerous skin benefits due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that can be hard to treat. While it is more prevalent in adolescents, it can still occur at any age.
Symptoms
Signs of acne vary from person to person. Here are some common indications:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Small tender bumps that may appear red
- Pimples
- Painful lumps that are filled with pus
- Painful lumps under the skin
Common spots where acne occurs: face, upper back, chest and shoulders
Causes
Acne is caused by excess sebum, clogged hair follicles, bacteria and inflammation. Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in androgens during puberty can cause sebaceous glands to swell and produce more sebum. This commonly leads to acne breakouts. In midlife, women can also experience this as they go through hormonal changes. Stress and a high-carbohydrate diet are other factors that can worsen acne problems. Certain drugs that contain corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium may also trigger acne.
Does CBD improve skin acne?
Research suggests that CBD oil can help reduce acne by altering sebum production. CBD controls the overproduction of sebum by working on sebocytes, the cells that produce the oily substance. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, cytokines are suppressed. Cytokines are signaling proteins involved in inflammatory reactions. By blocking the activation of these proinflammatory cytokines, breakouts can be prevented.
There are several doses of CBD oil and this CBD Collection can help you figure out how much CBD works best for your skin. The purest version of CBD is CBD isolate. Due to its purity, it is the most appropriate form of CBD for the face as it does not clog pores.
To maximize CBD skin benefits, mix CBD oil with a carrier oil before application. Some examples of carrier oils are shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil and olive oil. Choose the one that already works well with your skin to better gauge CBD’s effects. Another option is to take the oil orally by putting a few drops under your tongue. However, topical application would yield better results due to its targeted approach.
Since acne is also caused by bacteria, you can try a balancing micellar cleansing toner infused with CBD to remove skin impurities and reducing bumps.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition usually seen in children, but it can affect adults as well. Individuals with this skin condition suffer from skin patches that are inflamed, cracked, itchy and rough. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis which is a chronic immune condition that can be accompanied by hay fever or asthma.
Symptoms
Typical signs of eczema include:
- Scaly skin
- Red or brownish-gray patches
- Intense itching
- Fluid-filled bumps
- Crusted sores
Causes
Eczema is thought to be caused by environmental and genetic factors. If one’s parents have the condition, they are more likely to develop it as well, commonly in their early years. Certain foods may trigger flare-ups such as eggs, dairy products, nuts and soy products. Extreme temperatures brought by very cold or very hot weather, sweating from exercise and high or low humidity can also trigger eczema. Other environmental factors that cause eczema include allergens (pollen, dust mites and mold), microbes (bacteria, viruses and fungi) and irritants (detergents, soaps, disinfectants). Stress and hormonal changes are known to worsen this skin condition.
Treatment
Although not widely studied, there is evidence that CBD can help people with eczema. Try topical CBD products like the Invigorate: Natural Salve which is made from organically grown hemp extract. It is blended with natural ingredients to maximize its healing effects for eczema.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disease that causes the skin to have flaky, itchy, red patches. These patches are commonly found on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Individuals with this condition complain of soreness. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for treating this chronic disease as it tends to have a cyclical nature in which flare-ups can come and go for weeks or months at a time.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary. Some of the common signs are:
- Dry and flaky skin
- Itching or burning sensation on affected areas
- Swollen and stiff joints
- Red patches which may appear with silvery scales
Causes
Based on available studies, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that is commonly linked to other non-communicable diseases like heart disease, anxiety, depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this skin condition, the skin regenerates abnormally at an increased rate causing a rapid buildup of skin cells. This then appears as scaling on the skin’s surface.
How to alleviate psoriasis symptoms using CBD
Since there is still no cure for psoriasis, the next best thing is to try alleviating its symptoms. Lotions are great for the dry patches caused by psoriasis. CBD products have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help skin irritations.
Before applying products to your skin, it is imperative to clean it so that the surface is free of dirt that can be barriers slowing down the absorption process. We recommend using a CBD-infused face and body cleanser to maximize the therapeutic effects of CBD. After cleansing your skin, apply lotion to help relieve dryness. Examples of good CBD-infused lotions are this CBD body lotion from High Falls Hemp or this CBD hand and body lotion.
For treating specific areas, you may also try a CBD Relief Stick that provides localized relief. Its soothing benefits paired with the cooling sensation of menthol helps with soreness and itchiness.
Note: Consult your physician before trying any new products.