There is a growing trend toward using CBD topicals for the skin. Manufacturers of such products claim that combining cannabidiol and traditional skin-friendly ingredients offers genuine benefits. Of course, further research is necessary to validate such claims, but the existing literature is exceedingly positive.
Various CBD topical products exist, and it seems as if the market is flourishing. You can choose between CBD cream, ointment, salve, lotion, and much more. The main difference between these products is their texture. Yet, in each case, there is a belief that a CBD topical offers numerous skin benefits, which we outline in his article.
CBD Topicals for Acne
Estimates vary but according to Yale Medicine, up to 85% of people aged 12 to 24 experience acne. It is mistakenly believed to be a teenage problem when over 12% of men and 25% of women aged 40+ continue to experience it.
Acne is a broad term for skin issues, including blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads. Although it is commonly found on the face, you can also get acne on the chest and back. It develops when hair follicles near the skin surface get clogged with dead skin cells, oils, and bacteria.
The oil comes from sebaceous glands connected to the follicles, which secrete sebum. This oily substance travels to the surface via the follicles. The production of excess sebum and skin cells leads to clogging and the formation of acne.
However, there is evidence that CBD can ensure sebocytes don’t create too much sebum. According to researchers, CBD could prove a promising therapeutic agent for treating acne.
CBD Topicals for Dry Skin
There is also research indicating that CBD could help reduce the effects of symptoms of skin conditions, such as itching and dryness. Cannabidiol affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in maintaining skin homeostasis, not to mention barrier formation and regeneration. Moreover, issues with the ECS could result in skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may reduce possible triggers for several skin issues.
If that isn’t enough, high-quality CBD topicals contain an array of traditional skin-friendly ingredients. These can include shea butter, aloe vera, and essential oils.
CBD Topicals for Pain
Another common reason to try a CBD topical product is to reduce surface pain. There is ample evidence that CBD cream could have a long-lasting therapeutic effect on inflammation and pain. By applying cannabidiol topically, you could theoretically tackle surface pain rapidly.
Several CBD topical products include additional ingredients such as menthol, capsaicin, and CBG to help with inflammation. Menthol, in particular, provides a soothing, cooling sensation that feels extremely pleasant on the skin.
Using CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are designed for their ease of use. It is simply a case of applying the product directly to the skin. If you’re using a product to help with pain, add the cream/lotion/ointment/salve to the affected area. You may need to reapply the product several times daily as the effects tend to wear off after a few hours.
When buying any CBD product, please ensure that a third-party lab tests it. Check the lab reports to ensure a reputable company completes the tests and that they are up to date. A lab report should provide information on the cannabinoid content. CBD products must come from hemp and contain a maximum of 0.3% THC. Otherwise, they are classified as marijuana products which are only legal in certain states.
You should also check the CBD content of a topical to ensure it contains enough of the cannabinoid. For instance, PureKana’s CBD Pain Relief Topical contains 2,000mg in a 100-gram container. Therefore, each gram has an impressive 20mg of cannabidiol.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of CBD Topicals for the Skin
High-quality CBD topicals contain many ingredients that help keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Once you add the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol to the mix, you could benefit from a reduction in pain as a symptom of numerous conditions. CBD topicals could also help reduce the appearance of acne and other skin issues such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
