Submitted by Dr. Arati Mishra on
Image by Julia Teichmann from http://Pixabay.com
By Dr. Manisha Singal
(Board certified internal medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer of Bridgepoint Hospital. She has been studying CBD for the last five years and is on the forefront of the cannabis movement.)
As a critical care physician, I spend my days caring for sick patients. I see a lot of suffering, but I also get a lot of satisfaction from using my medical training and scientific knowledge to help people. People are needlessly suffering from skin conditions that could be treated with the use of cannabidiol, better known as CBD. Skin conditions are not as dire as some of the trauma that I see in the hospital, but their itching, pain, and embarrassment can negatively affect your life.
And, it’s not just the itching and pain (both of which CBD is uniquely suited to combat). Skin conditions also cause secondary psychological trauma. If you have ever dealt with a serious outbreak of psoriasis in a highly visible area of your body, or some other skin condition, you know the humiliation of having someone step away from you in line at a coffee shop. It’s difficult for anybody to look in the mirror and feel happy and content when what they see is an angry red rash with flaking skin and scratch marks. I, myself, suffered from a severe skin condition that caused extreme pain and embarrassment until CBD gave me the ultimate relief I was seeking.
An important disclaimer: This does not replace the advice you should be getting from your own medical doctors. In addition, CBD should not replace any medical treatment you need or any medication you've been prescribed. My recommendations are general, so they will not apply to everyone. Readers should approach the use of CBD with the same common sense they would apply to any other health practice.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) oil is the result of the extraction of the flowers and leaves (both non-psychoactive components, containing no intoxicating THC chemicals) of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Essentially, CBD oil is a solution of concentrated solvent extract of these flowers and leaves that is dissolved in an edible oil such as sunflower, hemp, or olive oil, resulting in a safe and powerful blend.
Among the numerous benefits of CBD oil is its potential to relieve common skin complaints, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and signs of aging.
What to Look for When Purchasing CBD Oil
When purchasing CBD oil products to be used topically on the skin, there are few helpful hints to keep in mind.
Look for or request the product's COA (Certificate of Analysis) that determines product potency
Check labels for trace amounts of chemicals
Buy American because hemp sources are more reliable and contain fewer pesticide residue
CBD should come from flower and leaves, not stems and seeds. Look for label clues. If the label says, "hemp seed oil," try another product
Once you've purchased a CBD oil product, using it consistently is key to getting the most benefit for your money. Do not stop and start usage with CBD or any other supplement. By purchasing a reputable product and using it consistently, you can reap the tremendous benefits that CBD oil has to offer.
How to Include CBD Oil in Your Skincare Routine
CBD oil can be consumed orally or included in your skincare routine as a topical agent. Applied topically, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD oil protect the skin against damage from UV radiation, environmental pollutants, germs, allergens, and other damage-inducing elements. CBD oil's anti-inflammatory effects, coupled with its ability to reduce the skin's production of sebum, also make it a powerful way to combat acne.
The most frequent applications of CBD oil in skincare include its inclusion in:
Moisturizers
Cleansers
Soothing agents for sensitive skin
Oil control products for acne-prone skin
Anti-aging products
How to Use CBD Oil as a Topical Skincare Agent
One of the most effective methods of using CBD oil is to apply it directly to the affected part of your skin.
CBD oil can also be diluted in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Coconut oil is particularly used to improve the skin's hydration and reduce symptoms caused by dryness such as itching, redness, irritation, eczema, and psoriasis. Hemp seed oil complements the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD oil and protects your skin against damage by UV radiation, harmful chemicals in cosmetics, and other environmental pollutants.
Additionally, you can add in a small amount of essential oil(s) for deriving faster and better results. Match the healing properties of the essential oils to your condition to further help relieve symptoms.
You may experience mild irritation at the site of application. Hence, it is advisable to first do a patch test on the skin before applying CBD oil on the area.
For a patch test:
Wash a small area of the skin of your upper arm, preferably at the inner side of the elbow joint, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Apply a small amount of pure CBD oil.
If you are planning to use a mixture of CBD oil, carrier oil, and essential oil, test the same on a separate part of the skin and at a different time.
Cover the parts with a bandage. Leave it in place for about 24 hours. Make sure the bandage doesn't get wet.
If you develop redness, itching, burning, or irritation at the test sites, you can assume that your skin is sensitive to the oil. It is advisable to avoid applying CBD oil on the skin if the test patch exhibits these signs.
If you do not experience any unpleasant symptoms at the sites, you can safely apply the oil on the affected skin.
To use CBD oil for acne, apply it topically and leave it on for about 2 to 3 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Similarly, you can also apply CBD oil on any patches of the skin affected by eczema or psoriasis and receive relief from symptoms like itching and crusting. The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil provide relief from these symptoms and restore normal health of the skin.
Note that regular use is important for continued skin health, and you need to use CBD oil regularly for a few weeks to notice an improvement in your skin symptoms.
Oral Use of CBD Oil for Skincare
If you suffer from severe skin symptoms, it may be advisable to consume CBD oil orally than applying it directly to the affected parts of your skin.
You can consume 1 or 2 teaspoons of CBD oil once or twice a day. You can also include it in your cooking and add it to dishes. For example, CBD oil can be added to smoothies and soups or used as salad dressings.
Conclusion
CBD oil offers a safe and natural way to improve your skin health. It keeps your skin well hydrated and helps repair the damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, chemicals, and other damaging environmental agents.
CBD oil also possesses cleansing properties that help to remove impurities like dirt, dust, and germs on your skin, as well as to detoxify it. The topical application as well as oral intake of CBD oil has been found to be beneficial for detoxifying the skin and restoring your skin's natural glow.
https://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2848
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