Cannabinoids are the molecular compounds, well-known as CBD, which provide a myriad of health benefits and treat various ailments. Initially reserved for holistic medicine, CBD has become more and more popular in the mainstream healthcare industry.
Tinctures, CBD oils, CBD salves and CBD lotions have received praise for their healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in skincare, however, many have questioned CBD skin absorption? Is there any real evidence that topical CBD treatments work?
Let’s take a deep dive into this highly touted skin remedy and see if there is any substance behind the claim.
How Skin Deep Are Cannabinoids?
People often assume that CBD applied to the skin will pass through into the bloodstream. Well, the answer is yes and no. This is because it depends on what type of CBD is being used, what the potency of it is, and what your goal is with the treatment. There are two main application methods and each differs in their delivery of CBD.
Topical CBD Treatments
These types of cannabinoids are usually found in skin care such as creams and CBD lotions. They are massaged into the upper-most layer (epidermis) of the skin and as such, do not reach your bloodstream at all.Their efficacy is a result of the CBD linking to cannabinoid receptors in the pores of the skin.
Research also shows that CBD is able to penetrate the skin’s usual resistance barrier, which accounts for how effective it is. The skin is usually quite resilient and cannabinoids, due to their unique properties, are able to overcome this resistance.
The topical cannabinoids found in CBD creams and lotions, as well as roll-on applications, have shown to improve a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Sensitive skin
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
Transdermal CBD Skin Absorption
When you are looking at a transdermal application, research in mice has shown that CBD can be delivered into the bloodstream, as a specially formulated gel can penetrate the skin’s upper barrier.
There is still a lot more research required in this field, but it bodes well for specific gel formulations such as pain relief sports massage gel, and arthritis lotion, where a deeper level of CBD treatment is required.
This type of formulation is more complex than adding CBD to a cream based lotion, to ensure the correct delivery. With the on-going research and studies, it does suggest that CBD delivery into the bloodstream via transdermal gel, will be a better method, as opposed to sublingual, as it will be less harsh on the digestive system.
How Do Cannabinoids Work on the Skin?
Research has been done around how cannabinoids work on the skin and more specifically it has been discovered that we have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which helps to regulate every function in our body. It is similar to the circulatory system or the endocrine system.
The ECS in our bodies contains cannabinoid receptors, many of which are in the skin. These receptor sites are what CBD will bind to in order to assist with various bodily functions such as neurotransmitter levels, apoptosis and homeostasis.
Basically, humans are primed to use CBD. Cannabinoid receptors will ensure that the CBD is used in the most effective, efficient way for treating whatever ailment you have. It corrects any imbalances within the body, which is why it is so effective on a wide variety of skin conditions.
Skin Health and CBD
CBD skin treatments show potential in their therapeutic benefits. Dermatology journals and studies have shown there is potential for CBD to treat various dermatological conditions, mainly due to the way CBD interacts with our Endocannabinoid System.
One particular study looked at the effect of CBD on sebaceous gland function and it was shown that there was a reduction in sebocyte proliferation due to the activation of the cannabinoid receptor channels. This is excellent news for acne sufferers, as the CBD will reduce the overproduction of sebum that is one of the contributing factors to acne.
CBD has been used for many years to treat pain and inflammation attributed to arthritis, sunburn, bug bites and psoriasis. In the case of psoriasis, which is an auto-immune disorder, CBD works by regulating skin pathogenesis, thereby conferring balance to the hyperactive cells.
Another popular use for CBD lotions and CBD salves is eczema. This itchy, red irritated skin condition is largely caused by excessive dryness and a compromised skin barrier that is highly sensitive. CBD, once again, by connecting to those ECS receptor sites and targeting the skin’s dermal cellular level, re-establishes balance, providing a calming, soothing relief for sufferers.
Different Types of CBD Oils
You need to read the labels of products to know what strength or type of CBD oil is present in your skincare. There are three main versions you can find:
- CBD Isolate – This is the pure form of CBD with no added terpenes or flavonoids.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD – The broad-spectrum is the version that has no active THC, or where THC levels are so low that they are not detectable.
- Full-Spectrum CBD – This is the entire hemp plant, including the trace amounts of THC and other compounds like antioxidants and Cannabigerol (CBG).
So, as you can see CBD is a great ingredient that really does penetrate the skin and has been known to work wonders for many people who suffer with various painful, uncomfortable skin conditions. The way that CBD works in absorbing into the skin is so interesting and is far beyond what any other product can offer.
When combined with other effective ingredients made for whatever skin condition you are trying to treat, you can have yourself a very powerful remedy that fights inflammation, free radical damage, and dryness, as well as working deeper to provide pain relief to muscles, joints, and ligaments.
Get CBD Topicals Here
Taking CBD has its potential benefits to your skin. Now that you’ve read about CBD skin absorption, take a look at our CBD Topicals to get an even better understanding of what you’ll need to help your skin.
Here at SMPLSTC, our innovative line of CBD topicals may provide the remedy you’ve been looking for, for all your skincare needs. Take a look at our shop and find the best topical for you.
