CBD has taken over the beauty and skincare industry. It’s a common ingredient in lotions, salves, creams, and other products. 

Manufacturers claim you can use a topical CBD product to treat skin disease, irritation, pain, acne, and more. 

I’ve been struggling with acne since adolescence, and back pain in recent years, so I decided to try CBD topicals. I tried different kinds of CBD products, and I read what the scientific studies have to say. Here’s everything you should know about CBD topicals and whether they can help you.

 

Quick Summary

• CBD topicals are creams, lotions, gels, balms, and other skin products that contain CBD.
• CBD topicals can help alleviate pain, soothe dry and irritated skin, reduce scars, and more.
• CBD topicals are safe to use and very rarely produce side effects.

 

What are CBD Topicals?

CBD topicals are cosmetic and skincare products that contain CBD oil. These products are applied straight to the skin. 

Hemp seed oil is commonly used as an ingredient in skin lotions and creams. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help manage skin conditions such as inflammatory diseases. 

CBD topicals can relieve pain, fight acne, are anti-aging, and have other benefits. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors on the skin and provides long-term relief from painful joints and inflammatory skin diseases.

What Are The Uses and Benefits of CBD Topicals?

The endocannabinoid system ensures there’s internal balance in the body and the normal working of the skin. But, a disturbance of this system leads to skin conditions. One way to fight this and maintain good skin function is to supplement with topical CBD products.

Current research shows CBD can help with a wide range of skin conditions. Here’s an overview of all the ways CBD provides skin care benefits and pain relief.

 

CBD Skin Care Benefits 

Skin is our largest organ, so we have to take proper care of it. Also, it’s usually easy to notice when there’s something wrong with our skin. Common skin conditions include peeling, itchiness, and acne. 

CBD skin care can help with these and help you have healthy skin. CBD stimulates specific receptors on the skin; inflammation can be prevented and significantly reduced, thus allowing for skin health and healing.

The following are some of the CBD skin care benefits:

Fights Acne

Acne is a common skin ailment for many people. Some struggle with acne occasionally, while it’s a daily issue for others. 

Acne happens due to various factors, but most commonly, it happens because of sebum production. We need sebum to protect our skin, but when it mixes with dead skin, pollutants, and dirt, it clogs the pores. Clogged pores become acne.

CBD skin care products can regulate sebum production and prevent or stop the inflammatory process. Moreover, many CBD creams have vitamins and CBD oil, and carrier oils such as shea butter, argan, coconut, and others, which have health benefits and are anti-inflammatory. 

Reduces Psoriasis and Eczema

CBD is anti-inflammatory, so it can reduce triggers that lead to eczema and psoriasis. 

CBD creams are also helpful for people with sensitive skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can use a CBD cream to relieve redness and itchiness from an allergic reaction.

Anti-Aging

The older we get, the more free radicals destroy the skin. That’s why people turn to anti-aging creams to keep the skin supple and youthful looking.

CBD creams are also anti-aging. Wrinkles, scars, and fine lines all make the skin look aged. Moreover, you’ll age prematurely if you’re regularly exposed to the sun without adequate protection.

CBD creams can’t reverse scars or sun damage, but they can reduce the visual appearance of scars and wrinkles.

 

CBD For Pain Relief

One of the most common uses of CBD is for pain relief. CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it can help treat muscle, joint, and back pain. 

Here are all the ways in which CBD can relieve pain:

Headache Pain

Cooling cannabis gel can help soothe migraines and headaches. You can apply CBD oil or other topicals on the temples and massage to relieve headaches. 

Arthritis Pain

CBD can help reduce the inflammation that triggers arthritis pain. One study found that CBD has a long-lasting therapeutic effect on arthritis pain. This means you should use cream with cannabis plant extract long-term to notice results.

Currently, a drug called Sativex is approved for use in Canada and can ease arthritis pain over five weeks of use. Sativex is used as a spray. More research is needed to know how CBD creams treat arthritis pain, but it’s probable that you should use creams for several weeks to notice results.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that causes discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the feet and hands. 

One study found that CBD oil can reduce pain in people with this condition.

Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that causes pain and stiffening in the jaw.

A study found that people who used CBD products had significant improvement in this condition and less pain.

What Are The Different CBD Topical Products?

These are the different CBD topical products:

• Sticks — Usually in the form of CBD balm sticks. The balm lets you moisturize the skin whenever you have a skin condition. For example, you can use a CBD stick for chapped cheeks, lips, and dry skin and treat skin diseases that need fast relief.
• Roll-ons and gels — CBD Roll-ons are usually in the form of gels. They are convenient if you need to cover a large area of skin. You can use them over sore muscles to reduce pain. Gels become liquid when you apply them to the skin and usually have alcohol to dry quickly.
• Spray — Has CBD and other ingredients mixed with aerosols. It’s easy to administer and can be used for difficult-to-reach areas.
• Salve — Are usually thick and greasy. Salves contain essential oils, paraffin, and petrolatum. They can get into the pores effectively to treat inflammation.
• Cream — Usually contains CBD oil. This is a combination of oil and water. CBD creams soothe inflammation. 
• Lotion — Contain alcohol and a moisturizing ingredient. Lotions usually evaporate quickly and are easy to apply on large skin areas. Lotions are good for wet skin types and oily skin.
• Oil — Contains CBD and other botanical ingredients. It’s thicker than a lotion and doesn’t absorb as quickly. It’s best for dry skin.

 

How to Use Topical CBD Products?

How to use topical CBD products depends on the particular product you’re using. 

However, here are some general tips on using topical CBD:

• Determine the inflamed skin area and apply topical CBD here for best results. Some topical CBD is made for specific skin areas, such as face lotions or lip balms, and should be applied accordingly. 
• Check your skin is clean before applying topical CBD. It’s best to wash the skin with warm water and soap and then thoroughly dry it.
• Start with a small dose of topical CBD product to check for side effects. Then increase as needed. Massage in the product to activate blood flow and ease tension and reapply if needed.
• Wash your hands after using the product, and make sure not to touch your eyes.

Also, you should always check the label of the topical CBD product. You’ll find instructions on how to use the product there. Follow the instructions for the best results.

Finally, you should talk with your healthcare professional before using topical CBD, especially if you’re using drugs or dietary supplements.

 

Are CBD Topicals Safe?

Yes, CBD topicals are safe. CBD products very rarely cause side effects, and if they happen, they are mild in most cases. 

The most common side effects of topical CBD are skin redness, rashes, irritation, or mild burns.

The topical application of CBD products is an effective way to treat skin conditions. Topical CBD contains ingredients such as lavender oil, vitamins, and essential oils, which are safe to use and provide therapeutic benefits.

 

Should You Use Topical CBD Products?

Topical CBD products have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe and treat skin conditions. Topical CBD can help with issues such as pain, itchiness, redness, eczema, and psoriasis and even provide skin care benefits, such as anti-aging, moisturizing, and more.

Make sure to buy topical CBD from a reputable store, and consult your healthcare provider before using the product. 

Get your topical CBD from Keoni CBD and enjoy all the numerous skin benefits it provides.

 

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927–942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927–942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411

Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. La Clinica terapeutica, 170(2), e93–e99. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2019.2116

Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 20(6), 936–948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.818

Blake, D. R., Robson, P., Ho, M., Jubb, R. W., & McCabe, C. S. (2005). Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology, 45(1), 50–52. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kei183 

Xu, D. H., Cullen, B. D., Tang, M., & Fang, Y. (2020). The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology, 21(5), 390–402. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201020666191202111534 

TMJ disorders: Causes, symptoms, and relief. (2017, May 31). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317706 

Nitecka-Buchta, A., Nowak-Wachol, A., Wachol, K., Walczyńska-Dragon, K., Olczyk, P., Batoryna, O., Kempa, W., & Baron, S. (2019). Myorelaxant Effect of Transdermal Cannabidiol Application in Patients with TMD: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial. Journal of clinical medicine, 8(11), 1886. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8111886

Geneva. (2018). CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Fortieth Meeting. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf