5 skin conditions a CBD topical can help with.
Many people who use CBD daily do so for its properties that can affect one’s internal wellness, such as some type of widespread pain caused by a condition, digestive discomfort, or mood-related issues. But more studies are showing us that transdermal CBD administration offers unique effects that can be just as valuable. Transdermal CBD refers to the application of CBD to the skin. Topical CBD products are becoming a fast-growing submarket within the hemp industry, and many of them focus on pain. Now, we’re now seeing that cannabinoids may also play a role in skin wellness, which offers yet another reason to invest in some type of a topical cannabidiol product.
Topical CBD: How it Works
To appreciate what CBD may be able to do for our skin when applied topically, we must understand the mechanisms at work. And to do that, we need to discuss the endocannabinoid system. Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system, which is mainly a complex series of cannabinoid receptors located strategically throughout the body. Discovered in the 1990s, this system plays a role in managing homeostasis throughout the entire bodily system, by holistically balancing out the various bodily functions and processes that are carried out in an effort to maintain maximum wellbeing. Each cannabinoid receptor is tasked with regulating a particular bodily process. For instance, cannabinoid receptors in the frontal lobe of the brain are tasked with regulating cognitive function by strengthening neural pathways and balancing energy homeostasis. Meanwhile, cannabinoid receptors exist all throughout the tissue of the skin, within its many layers. Cannabinoid receptors can only properly regulate these functions if they receive cannabinoids. The body is capable of making cannabinoids on its own, but the large majority of us have endocannabinoid systems that require supplemental cannabinoid intake. Meanwhile, the hemp plant boasts hundreds of cannabinoids, with cannabidiol, or CBD, being the dominant and most intensively studied one of all. We now know that CBD absorbs efficiently through the skin’s layers, and binds with the skin’s cannabinoid receptors in a timely and highly efficient and thorough manner. This means that it’s likely the best option to apply cannabidiol directly to affected skin if you wish to use CBD to treat a skin-related ailment.
Five Common Skin Conditions CBD May Be Able to Help with
We’re going to go over the five most common skin conditions that may be aided with the help of cannabinoids like CBD.
#1: Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of the skin to become highly inflamed, and eventually flake off as the top layer of skin cells dies away quickly. Accompanying the inflammation is itching, redness and overall discomfort. Eczema tends to be intermittent in terms of its symptoms, activating during “flare ups” caused by anything from drastic weather changes to hormonal changes. Studies have shown us that applying CBD directly to the inflamed areas during an eczema flare up may reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces the symptoms drastically. The symptoms of eczema are the direct result of inflammation, and applying a natural anti-inflammatory like CBD, as shown in the study, may be a fantastic option.
#2: Psoriasis
Psoriasis is remarkably similar to eczema in terms of its symptoms and cause, also being an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, flaky patches to develop on the skin, and also being intensified as a result of flare ups. However, psoriasis can be more severe as the skin becomes scaly in appearance. Further, psoriasis tends to be more widespread, and less easy to manage via conventional methods, while taking over larger portions of the exterior body. Psoriasis is commonly linked to issues with the immune system, being an autoimmune response that indicates that the immune system is attacking healthy skin cells. The same study cited above also demonstrates that CBD topicals may be equally useful for those who are dealing with psoriasis. Again, it points to the fact that cannabidiol has powerful anti-inflammatory activity. It’s important to point out that this anti-inflammatory activity likely comes from the regulatory effects of cannabinoids on cannabinoid receptors, which, among other things, may regulate the inflammatory process as it extends to different areas of the body.
#3: Inflammatory Rosacea
Another fairly common inflammatory skin condition is rosacea, which largely affects middle-aged women. Rosacea typically appears on the face, in the form of large red patches that may or may not be textured. The skin tends to become irritated, and many who have rosacea are prone to developing acne due to the high level of inflammation in an area of the skin that commonly breaks out. It’s important to note that rosacea is not a cosmetic issue but one that indicates inflammation within the body, and thus cannot be treated via cosmetic means. Once again, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may be particularly useful for rosacea sufferers. CBD is uniquely gentle on the skin, and many who have rosacea also have sensitive skin of the facial area. Therefore, it’s absolutely worth exploring if you are looking for a non-irritating option to manage the symptoms.
#4: Acne
Many do underestimate the role that inflammation plays in acne. But, the red and swollen appearance of pimples are the result of inflammation, which occurs when a pore of the skin essentially becomes infected. It’s this inflammation that keeps the area looking red and textured, even after the infection itself is resolved. Inflammation can also keep the redness lingering for a long time. Given the link between acne and inflammation, and CBD’s noted anti-inflammatory properties, it may be used as an acne treatment according to some findings. Applying CBD to the face may help regulate oil production as well, which is a major acne trigger, and can become excessive due to stress or hormonal changes. Because cannabinoids regulate skin functions, it’s not surprising that cannabidiol may play a role in various mechanisms that lead to acne.
#5: Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a condition in which hair follicles become inflamed, leading to a series of red bumps. Folliculitis can occur anywhere that hair grows on the body and can lead to itching and overall discomfort. Typically, the condition is caused by abrasions between the follicles and clothing, or a razor. Again, it’s the anti-inflammatory properties in CBD that seem to make it potentially useful for this condition. The follicles, being inflamed, may be able to be treated by regular CBD application. This may be especially helpful if additional changes are made, like switching to a higher-quality razor, or wearing fewer abrasive fabrics.
Using CBD for Skin Conditions
CBD topicals can be used daily, and several times each day if desired. We do recommend that before buying a particular topical formula, that you look at the list of ingredients. Some people have sensitivities to objectively harmless ingredients commonly found in formulas and may therefore experience a negative reaction. This may lead them to think that the CBD doesn’t work, but in reality, it has nothing to do with the CBD at all. CBD topicals come in a wide range of milligram strengths, so choose one that is high enough to meet your needs based on the severity of your symptoms. Further, make sure that you choose your CBD from a company that offers third-party lab reports indicating that the CBD has been tested by an unbiased party. Finally, you should always speak to your dermatologist prior to starting a CBD routine for the skin.
Muscle MX Topical CBD Solutions
Muscle MX carries a wide range of high-quality, lab-tested CBD. While we may largely market our products toward athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the reality is that the cannabinoids in our formulas have strong potential to regulate inflammation with the skin’s many layers. Not only do we use the finest hemp extract we can possibly create, but we also use natural ingredients that are known for soothing and reducing irritation, along with botanicals that are noted for their anti-inflammatory properties. Choose from a wide range of formulas, as we have something for every type of need.
Keep Your Skin Looking as Nice as Possible with the Help of Cannabidiol
Topical CBD is a unique type of hemp product that can be used for a wide range of localized issues. If you’re dealing with some sort of dermatological problem, you may find that a daily application of hemp can help you find some relief. Speak to your dermatologist about incorporating cannabidiol into your treatment plan.
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