Eczema is the absolute worst! Curse those red, itchy skin patches that wreck your appearance, ruin your day, and leave you feeling like shaking your fists in frustration.
Studies show more than 30 million Americans complain of atopic dermatitis symptoms and related inflammatory skin conditions each year. That’s a lot of people just like you, so take heart because you’re not facing eczema skin problems alone.
Now, are you ready for some good news? CBD oil for eczema with the power of cannabis plant medicine may help you break free from the scratch-and-itch cycle with safe, natural ingredients. Even better, a growing body of scientific research supports the therapeutic effects of hemp-derived CBD for treating eczematous dermatitis (i.e., the inflamed, red, scaly, and itchy flareups brought on by this demon incarnate).
Join us for today’s CBD 101 skincare guide and discover soothing eczema relief that might just be a few drops away. We’ll explore what makes hemp oil options like CBD a perfect choice for perfect skin and learn how it works to tame the itch, soothe the flares, and zap the redness away. Let’s jump right in and see how CBD oil for eczema may be the key to unlocking calm, beautifully clear skin that helps you look and feel like the superstar you are! 🤩
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a medicinal compound derived from a type of cannabis plant called industrial hemp.
CBD is classified as a cannabinoid. It interacts with the human endocannabinoid system to relieve eczema symptoms and other everyday wellness concerns.
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CBD is safe and won’t cause withdrawal side effects like topical steroid creams if you ever decide to stop using it.
Best of all, CBD has no psychoactive effects, unlike another, more infamous cannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis plants that causes the high associated with marijuana. CBD can never make you feel that way, no matter how much you apply to the skin or take internally.
Is CBD oil good for eczema?
Let’s put it this way: If your skin could talk during an eczema flareup, it would say, “Slather that soothing CBD miracle goo on me, puh-lease. I’m flakier than a croissant caught in a snowblower!” True story—and it wouldn’t be wrong.
All jokes aside, cannabidiol (CBD) is fast becoming a wonder compound for people suffering from inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis (A.K.A, the bad word eczema), and the newest clinical studies support its natural skin health benefits.
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Benefits of CBD oil for eczema
CBD is a triple threat to atopic eczema that hits back at the symptoms in three powerful ways. According to research, cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive ingredient in CBD oil derived from hemp plants, interacts with special receptors on your skin to reduce inflammation, redness, itchiness, and swelling. It also helps restore hydration and soothes dry, flaky, irritated skin.
Let’s take a deep dive into the benefits of CBD for eczema through the lens of science.
1. Skin inflammation and redness
Studies show that CBD skin products work their anti-inflammatory magic on receptor sites called TRPV-1, which sense heat and pain. TRPV-1 receptors are activated when eczema flares up, releasing pro-inflammatory neuropeptides that cause redness, itchiness, and swelling.
Topical CBD creams and oil tinctures are effective treatment options for troublesome skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. CBD molecules flip the switch on TRPV-1 receptors, turning off the reactions that lead to inflamed skin. Applying CBD inhibits inflammation and stimulates TRPV-1 receptors to release tissue-repairing anti-inflammatory compounds. As a result, those red, puffy, tender eczema patches lose their fiery edge, paving the way for smoother, more harmonious skin you can feel good about.
2. Itchiness and burning
Oof, that chronic itch of eczema will seriously drive a person up the wall, especially during a wicked flareup where the itchiness is accompanied by dry, cracked skin or mild burning. TRPV-1 receptors are responsible for those prickly, heated sensations that make you want to scratch until you scream. CBD to the rescue! After a good rubdown with topical CBD oil, research shows TRPV-1 receptor sites become desensitized. Furthermore, the longer CBD oil maintains contact with your skin, the better it works to turn off these receptors.
In one clinical trial, eczema patients using topical moisturizing products containing the cannabinoid CBD reported an average 86% reduction in subjective pruritus (itch factor). This means that CBD’s antipruritic effect can help stop the burning and itch, so you no longer feel compelled to scratch like a banshee.
3. Dryness and cracking
Emollients are a cornerstone for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis treatments because they help moisturize the skin, restoring balance to the epidermal barrier and allowing it to heal.
CBD ointment, cream, balm, lotion, and oil tinctures are promising treatment options because they nourish dry, cracked, and inflamed skin problems caused by eczematous disorders.
Key Takeaway
CBD is a triple threat against eczema, reducing inflammation and redness, soothing itchiness and burning, and moisturizing dry, cracked skin.
What’s the best CBD for eczema?
To find the best CBD product for eczema, it’s essential to know what kind of hemp extract it’s made with: full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate.
All three hemp extracts are effective because they contain the active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD). However, their cannabinoid profiles — the unique combination of other cannabinoids and medicinal compounds present in the extract — set them apart. Some research suggests these differences can influence how CBD works. For example, hemp extracts rich with cannabinoids and other naturally occurring plant medicines may lead to more effective CBD due to a natural phenomenon called the entourage effect.
Let’s quickly break down the main differences between the three types of hemp extracts:
Full spectrum CBD
The best CBD eczema treatment regimen is made with full spectrum CBD extract. These extracts are minimally processed and offer the richest combination of medicinal cannabis compounds.
Full spectrum CBD products for eczema include a complete cannabinoid profile featuring essential “minor” cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Additionally, full spectrum CBD oil products also have powerful antioxidants like terpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which help repair damaged skin cells and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process.
Broad spectrum CBD
Coming in close second is THC-free broad spectrum CBD extract. Broad spectrum therapeutic alternatives for eczema offer many of the same cannabinoids as full spectrum varieties. However, they have up to 50% fewer secondary medicinal compounds like cannabinoids and antioxidants due to the additional processing required to remove the psychoactive compound THC.
Pure CBD isolate
Isolate CBD products for eczema are radically purified. These pharmaceutical-grade hemp products are over 95% pure CBD and contain no other cannabinoids or secondary medicinal compounds. CBD isolate eczema products have no psychoactive components, so they’re perfect for people avoiding THC.
Key Takeaway
The best CBD eczema treatment is made with full spectrum CBD extract because it offers a complete cannabinoid profile for maximum benefit.
Choosing the right eczema CBD product
CBD is a remarkably versatile compound that blends into almost anything! This unique quality allows for a range of CBD products, offering a personalized approach to eczema skincare based on your unique needs!
Let’s take a look at the five most popular types of cannabidiol CBD products used for treating eczema:
Tincture oil
CBD oil tinctures for eczema might be the safest bet for people with sensitive skin or allergies because they use minimal ingredients.
Cannabiva brand topical CBD oil products for eczema have just two natural ingredients: Organic CBD extract and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil derived from organic coconuts. The fewer ingredients in your cannabis topical, the better if you’re prone to skin irritations and allergic reactions.
You may safely use CBD oil for eczema on face, hands, and body. Apply CBD oil tinctures to affected areas to promote targeted relief and boost skin hydration.
Cream
Rich moisturizing properties are the claim to fame for CBD creams. These topical treatments for eczema contain a balance of emollients and other nourishing ingredients to help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. CBD creams are best for combination to dry skin.
Body lotion
CBD body lotions are usually lightweight and easily absorbed in the skin. They’re suitable for all-over application on the body, including the hands, feet, elbows — and anywhere in between. CBD eczema body lotions are suitable for all skin types.
Ointment
CBD ointment offers deep moisture barrier hydration for intense relief from severe dryness and stubborn eczema patches that need an extra touch of TLC. Ointments with CBD are powerful skin protectors. They contain potent emollients to help soothe even the most persistent flare-ups.
Gel
CBD gel products for eczema are ideal for people who prefer a light, non-greasy formula on areas prone to oiliness. They’re especially perfect for daytime use in hot and humid climates because they offer cooling relief and dry quickly.
Key Takeaway
CBD’s versatility offers a range of options for a personalized eczema treatment approach that’s right for you.
Using CBD products for eczema safely
Always perform a patch test anytime you add a new product to your eczema skincare regimen. This is especially important if your sensitive skin gets irritated easily or you have experienced allergic reactions to a skincare product.
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Here’s what to do when first beginning a new CBD topical for eczema:
Choose the right spot to test
The inner forearm or underside of the wrist is the perfect spot for beta-testing your shiny new CBD for eczema product. These spots are generally more sensitive than other body areas and less visible, making them ideal for a first-time patch test.
Gently clean the area
Use mild soap and lukewarm water to cleanse the spot where you will test your topical CBD product. This removes dirt, oil, or other products that might interfere with the test. Then, pat the area with a clean towel until it’s fully dry.
Apply a small amount of topical product
Dab a little CBD oil or other cannabis topical onto the patch test area. One or two drops of oil or a pea size of cream or lotion is ideal. The key here is to use a minimal amount of product to see if you experience an adverse reaction.
Cover the area for 24 hours
Protect the area with a small bandage or piece of medical tape and leave on for 24 hours. Covering the testing spot will keep the topical CBD from getting washed off when showering and reduce interference from other environmental factors, making the results more reliable.
Interpret the results of the test
It’s generally safe to use the topical CBD product on larger areas of the body if you see no signs of irritation or allergic reaction after 24-48 hours. Do not use the product if you notice redness, itching, swelling, or other symptoms of skin irritation.
Key Takeaway
Always perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area when adding cannabis topicals to your skin care regimen. Use a tiny amount and wait 24-48 hours to make sure your skin tolerates it.
Frequently Asked Questions
See answers to our most frequently asked questions about using CBD oil for eczema, whether you’re curious about how it works, the best application methods, safety considerations, and more.
