Skin conditions are one of the most common health complaints among the entire global population. The World Health Organisation estimates that 900 million people around the world at all times require treatment, with five conditions being responsible for up to 80% of cases. This calls for novel approaches to provide new and cost-effective ways of providing relief and promoting healing.
Introducing nature’s medicine
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It has been shown to have a variety of potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antianxiety properties. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential application of CBD for the treatment of skin conditions, and a growing number of studies are being conducted.
Clinical research into CBD (and other medical cannabis oil options) has shown it may be effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, and dermatitis. One study found that CBD cream was useful in potentially reducing the severity of acne lesions in patients with moderate to severe acne. Another study found that CBD oil may reduce the symptoms of eczema.
Facial creams are big business, with an estimated £3.1 billion market size in the UK in 2022. The global CBD skincare market is valued at £1.02 billion in 2023 with predictions that the market could grow to £6.9 billion by 2030. This kind of increase is only possible due to the scientific research that has propelled companies into looking into new solutions for these problematic skin conditions.
How does CBD cream work?
One of the ways CBD creams, balms, and lotions are understood to work is by targeting the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors that play a role in regulating a variety of bodily functions, including inflammation, pain, and immunity.
CBD can interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which may help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and suppress the growth of bacteria and fungi. CBD also interacts with vanilloid receptors, g-coupling protein receptors as well as GABA receptors which are found on the surface of the skin.
Are there any side effects?
CBD cream is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects. However, in a minority of cases, some people may experience mild side effects, such as dry mouth, fatigue, and nausea with some reporting diarrhoea, though this is a minority.
More research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and delivery method for CBD for each condition, but it is looking like a very promising treatment for many skin conditions without any toxicity.
If you are considering starting a new treatment option like CBD, you should first speak to your doctor before any decision is made. In the UK, Only certain doctors are registered to prescribe medicinal cannabis products, and they will be able to best guide you towards the correct dosage and product type for your specific issue.
Acne vulgaris and rosacea
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It is caused by a combination of factors, including excess sebum production, inflammation, and bacterial growth.
With regard to acne, CBD may help to reduce inflammation and sebum production, which are two factors that contribute to skin condition. A study in 2014 found that CBD cream was effective in reducing the severity of acne lesions in patients with moderate to severe acne. The participants of the study applied CBD cream twice daily for 8 weeks, and they reported a significant reduction in the number and size of their acne lesions.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and itchiness. It is a common diagnosis that impacts people of all ages, but it is most common in children. CBD has shown the potential to help to reduce inflammation and itchiness, which can lead to improved quality of life.
One study found that CBD cream was possibly effective in reducing the itchiness and inflammation associated with eczema. The study participants applied CBD cream twice daily for 4 weeks, and they saw a significant improvement in their symptoms. Another study showed a 40% reduction of symptoms over a 12-week exposure to CBD cream solution.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and scaling. It is a condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most common in adults. CBD has been shown to possibly help to reduce inflammation and scaling, which are two common symptoms of psoriasis, which can help improve quality of life significantly.
One study found that CBD cream ma be effective in reducing the severity of psoriasis plaques. When participants applied CBD cream twice daily for 12 weeks, and they saw a significant reduction in the size and severity of their psoriasis plaques.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most impactful on children. It is caused by an allergic reaction to the skin resulting in soreness, redness, itching, swelling, and pain. Reduction in these symptoms may be helped by CBD. It has also shown the potential in helping to repair the skin and reduce itching.
The anti-itching benefits, skin-repairing qualities, and the fact that CBD treatment seems to come with little to no side effects make it a promising treatment option that could work well with the usually prescribed steroidal medications.
Conclusion
So, there we have it. CBD cream is a potential treatment option for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, and dermatitis. Clinical research into the appliction of CBD has found it to offer certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to reduce the severity of some of these skin conditions when applied topically.
Although more research is required before we can make any definitive claims about the effectiveness of CBD for skin conditions, its potential to help reduce inflammation, itching, and soreness could be a promising new option for those living with these challenging conditions. It is important that you always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatments and look into all possible side-effects.
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