When skin problems crop up, how can CBD topicals help you regain skin health? First, we need to understand what causes the rash or skin condition. More often than not, skin conditions are caused by Inflammation. Skin conditions can come in many forms. Occasional rashes can appear that produce red itchy skin. More chronic conditions such as dermatitis (eczema), rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis can linger causing discomfort and they can be unsightly. Skin inflammation can be characterized as acute or chronic. CBD topicals for skin health also come in several forms: lotions, ointments, salves, creams and balms to name a few.
CBD topicals for rash
Using CBD topicals to help skin conditions has several benefits. It adds essential vitamins and fatty acids to the skin that help promote elasticity and ward off infection. Using CBD for rash is especially beneficial and here’s why.
It’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, and a rash is, in essence, an inflammation. Usually a rash presents as red, scaly, itchy patches on skin or scalp. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can relieve the intensity of the inflammation and soothe the itch. But it also interacts with the endocannabinoid system we all have in our bodies. This system promotes balance in the immune system. Rashes often occur because of a compromised immune system. CBD calms inflammation and helps to regulate the immune system, which is important in itself. In addition, the moisturizing effect on skin further enhances the healing properties of CBD topicals.
Finally, CBD has anti-itch and anti-drying properties. Scratching, as anyone who’s had a rash knows, can cause the rash to break open, ooze and expand. Plus, not itching constantly is a reward in itself. CBD topicals contain a variety of carrier oils and essential oils selected specifically for their moisturizing and healing properties. Dry skin can cause itching, and as I’ve noted, itching can spread the condition, so skin that is moist is a better environment for healing a rash than dry and itchy skin.
What conditions do CBD topicals help?
Common conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, poison ivy, hives or athletes foot respond well to CBD topicals. So does acne, rosacea, scaly dry skin, dermatitis and cold sores. Plus, the itching from bug bites also abates when you apply CBD.
Atopic dermatitis, which occurs most often in children, also responds well to CBD topicals. This itchy, dry rash is uncomfortable, and scratching it can make it worse. Doctors will most often prescribe a corticosteroid cream. Although it can relieve the symptoms, there are adverse side effects. Plus, when the treatment is completed, the rash often returns. That’s why CBD topicals for skin health in children is so much more practical. There are no known side effects from using CBD topicals. Plus, in addition to relieving inflammation, CBD topicals nourish and replenish the skin, relieving the dryness and subsequent scratching.
Shingles, a painful and debilitating condition, could be another candidate for CBD topicals. This blistery, painful rash, is caused by the same virus as chicken pox called the Varicella Zoster Virus. The blisters and rash associated with shingles are painful and there isn’t a cure. It attacks the nerve cells in your body, causing pain, itching and inflammation. The pain caused by shingles can be so debilitating people consider suicide.
Painkillers, which often have adverse side effects, tend to be ineffective because shingles damages the receptors that allow the painkillers to work. But, shingles don’t seem to affect the CBD receptors, also present in our bodies. So, in addition to relieving the inflammation, a major cause of the pain from shingles, CBD can provide relief from the pain and itching. Start by using it on a small area to see how your body responds. Gradually increase the area you use it on, proceeding slowly to let your body get used to the product.
How do CBD topicals work on the skin?
Although there are few published studies on using CBD topicals for skin health, dermatologists believe there may be a reason to use them. In fact, Dr. Nima Gharavi, dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at the Cedars-Sinai Cosmetic Dermatology Program, says “CBD may play a role in hydrating the skin and have anti-inflammatory effects, so using a product that contains CBD might help with treating dry skin or certain inflammatory skin disorders.”
By applying CBD rather than ingesting it, topicals go to work immediately hydrating the skin to relieve pain and itching. It also kick-starts CB receptors in the skin that help the endocannabinoid system in our bodies maintain balance.
Apply the topical to the affected area. Massage until it is fully absorbed to help it go to work faster. You can safely apply CBD as often as necessary because there have been no reported side effects associated with the products. Just be sure what you are buying. I know, I sound like a broken record, but not all CBD products are what they claim to be. Make sure you are getting a product that is infused with organic, high-quality CBD that doesn’t contain alcohol or other impurities. Reputable companies will clearly state what is in their products as well as provide evidence of the purity and whether the CBD has been tested by a third-party lab. Do your homework and help improve skin health with CBD topicals.