CBD and The Skin – How CBD Can Help Common Skin Conditions

CBD has been trending for quite some time for its beneficial health effects. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid has already been FDA approved for epileptic seizures, and is being explored as an effective treatment for many common conditions.

Lesser-known about CBD is its benefits for the skin. Which has recently been spotlighted by the cannabinoids’ emergence onto mainstream beauty outlets. More, and more CBD beauty products are being found on the shelves, with their benefits being published by magazines, supported by influencers, and even better – backed up by science.

So, how is CBD beneficial for the skin and treating common irritations like eczema, rosacea and acne? Here we’ve put together an in-depth guide to CBD’s skin benefits, and what products you can use to help.

How does CBD work?

To understand how CBD helps common skin conditions, and the ways to use it for relief – you’ve got to understand how CBD works internally (and externally, too). CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a cannabinoid just like THC. Just like THC, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to allow its effects to be felt. The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a network of messengers that balances ‘homeostasis’ or the overall feeling (and appearance) of being well. Primarily, it’s CBD’s interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors that are most influential for CBD’s effects.

For skin condition sake, it’s important to note that the endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating inflammation, and pain. Which often cause, or arise from, common irritations of the skin. CBD also uniquely interacts with our body’s system of glands, and can influence free radicals that are present. Next, we’ll explore how CBD works internally, and externally, to provide soothing effects for some of the most prevalent skin issues.

CBD for Acne

Cbd And The Skin – How Cbd Can Help Common Skin Conditions

Speaking of CB1 and CB2 receptors…these receptors along with the consumption of CBD is showing to be helpful for treating one of the most prevalent skin irritation of all – acne. Acne is mostly caused by oil, or dead skin clogging hair follicles. In addition, it can arise from bacteria, excess oil secretion, and off-balanced production of hormones known as androgens.

It just so happens, that the sebaceous glands that produce oil, and hair follicles both contain CB1 and CB2 receptors. Meaning, when CBD is consumed its anti-inflammatory effects can go to work to de-clogging pores and reducing visible inflammation (known as pimples or zits). Even more, CBD can inhibit oil secretion as proven by a 2014 study. By preventing ‘sebum’ production, the oil and waxy matter is less apt to clog pores and produce acne.

CBD for Eczema

Eczema is an elusive condition that produces itchy, red, and inflamed patches of skin. While there’s no definitive answer to what the exact cause of the condition is, experts do know that eczema can be quite painful, and uncomfortable from the condition’s itchy side effects. Which is why three of CBD’s most prominent effects are being used to tame and address the skin irritation. The following CBD benefits are showing to be highly effective at minimizing eczema’s symptoms –

• Anti-itch
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory

More specifically and recently, the National Eczema Association, discovered Staphylococcus aureus colonization may be a cause that contributes to eczema flares. Which CBD treatments, are showing to manage and target efficiently. On the topic of itch, research also has proven CBD’s efficacy there. In another study, 8 out of 21 participants who applied a CBD infused cream twice a day for three weeks, saw a significant reduction in severe itching.

CBD for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is similar to eczema in the way that it produces rashes that are red, inflamed, painful, and overall irritating. However, unlike eczema medical experts are aware of one actual cause of the condition. That being keratinocyte proliferation. Keratinocytes are epidermic (skin) cells, that can go awry through proliferation.

Like we already mentioned, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining balance throughout the body and will interact with other systems to do so. Which is exactly how CBD is proving to help. A recent 2017 study published successful results that showed cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation. Essentially bringing the cells back into balancing, and addressing the thickening of skin that is common to psoriasis and occurs when keratinocyte balances are off-kilter.

How to Use CBD for Skin

Cbd And The Skin – How Cbd Can Help Common Skin Conditions

Because the benefits of CBD for the skin can be harnessed from the inside, and out, there’s a wide variety of CBD products you can try for skin-care benefits, and relief. Here’s a quick summary of the ways to consume, or apply CBD for soothing skin effects –

• Topicals – CBD infused creams, body oils, and salves are an ideal way to target problem areas with a more direct application. Many CBD topicals are made with additionally soothing ingredients, to amplify the combination’s efficacy. CBD topicals are also highly beneficial for targeted pain relief, in non-skin conditions like arthritis, too.
• Tinctures or Oils – To soothe from the inside out, tinctures or oils are an easy to consume option for CBD skin benefits. They’re taken sublingually, or orally, and can even be mixed into any food or drink, for an even more convenient delivery method.
• Smoking or Vaping – Smoking CBD flower may have lesser concentrations of CBD overall but can still be beneficial for harnessing its beneficial effects. CBD vapes, and concentrates are becoming more popular to inhale higher concentrations of the cannabinoid in a less complicated manner.

CBD – A Natural Skincare Alternative

After what we’ve learned today, it’s no wonder CBD is taking its place in an increasing amount of skincare and self care routines. The beneficial cannabinoid is anti-inflammatory, and soothing in its effects, for taming a plethora of common skin conditions.

Along with addressing everyday stresses, too. With the wide availability of CBD, come many cheap imitations or imposters – so, it’s best to go premium with your CBD product selection. From flower, to oils, to topicals, check out Greenz’s top-shelf and third-party tested CBD goods, for a safe and natural addition to your skincare lineup.