CBD Topicals: Applying CBD To The Skin | DrK CBD

Most likely, you've consumed CBD oil drops. You might even have CBD in the morning with your coffee. Have you, however, applied it to your skin? Many people laud the calming effects of CBD topicals, despite the dearth of human trials. Learn everything you need to know about them here, including how to use them, the differences between Nano Cream and balms, and their advantages.

The presence of the molecule in a wide range of goods increases as the CBD market grows. It can be found in beverages, foods, supplements, pet treats, and even lubricants. The cosmetics sector has also begun to be dominated by cannabidiol.

Numerous skincare products that aim to hydrate and calm the skin now list CBD as an ingredient. But what do CBD topicals actually do? How do they operate? Let's investigate.

What Are Topicals With CBD?

Topicals are cosmetic and skincare items designed to be applied topically. Topical CBD products use the benefits of this non-psychoactive molecule to nourish our largest organ, the skin, and possibly even enhance its appearance.

Many CBD skin care products claim to lessen skin redness, soothe dryness, and enhance overall skin appearance. Current studies on CBD topicals are examining how they relate to specific dermatological conditions, and some businesses have been successful in getting medical device status for their goods.

Various CBD Skincare Items

There are numerous varieties of CBD skincare products on the market. While some formulations contain cannabidiol as the main component, others combine the molecule with a variety of other medicinal plants. CBD topicals include, for instance:

• Oils: Cannabinoid is suspended in carriers like hemp seed oil and olive oil by CBD oils. Oils can be used in a variety of ways, including topically and orally. While some oils only contain CBD, others contain a full-spectrum extract that also includes terpenes and other cannabis phytochemicals.

• Creams: CBD Face Cream have heavier, thicker ingredients that form a firm barrier to moisturise the skin.

• Lotions: Compared to creams, lotions contain more water. They aid in retaining moisture in the skin all day long and are lighter and non-greasy.

• Balms don't contain water, in contrast to creams and lotions. They arrive as an oil that has solidified and melted into the skin.

The Function of CBD Skincare

So, exactly how do each of these products function? The cannabinoid is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream when CBD flowers are vaped or taken orally in the form of a drop of oil. How does topical CBD impact the body, though? And does it even get into the bloodstream?

It turns out that topical CBD induces some intriguing changes in the skin's natural barrier and that very small doses can pass through it to reach the bloodstream.

The Skin's Endocannabinoid System

It's likely that you are familiar with the endocannabinoid system if you have been using CBD for some time (ECS). You're about to learn about one of the most fascinating systems in the human body if you've never heard of this fascinating network.

A collection of receptors, signalling molecules, and enzymes make up the ECS. These elements can be found in the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and skin, among other parts of the body.

The ECS must play a significant role in it is present throughout the body. Yes! Because it assists in maintaining the balance of numerous other systems, researchers have dubbed the ECS our universal regulator. It stops them from going into overdrive or sluggishness.

Additionally, the ECS controls the skin. In a paper they published, a group of international researchers claimed that the system maintains balance in the skin and has control over the following processes:

• Proliferation: Certain cells reproduce quickly. Skin conditions like psoriasis can develop when proliferation spirals out of control.

• Differentiation is the method by which cells change from one type to another in order to carry out a particular function.

• Immune proficiency: The ECS Is Crucial To The Skin's Inflammatory Response.

According to the research team, "The disruption of this delicate balance might facilitate the development of multiple pathological conditions and diseases of the skin." They also discussed the crucial role the ECS plays in maintaining overall skin health. They mention that ECS dysfunction may contribute to conditions like acne, psoriasis, and allergic dermatitis.

When the endocannabinoid system malfunctions, a number of factors may contribute to the body's departure from homeostasis (biological balance). The effects of introducing external cannabinoids, such as CBD, to affect this system and restore equilibrium are still being investigated by ongoing research.

Take a look at the different cell types in our largest organ that have cannabinoid receptors to illustrate the significance of the ECS in the skin:

• Mast cells: Act as the body's first line of defence against pathogens and assist in keeping the immune system in balance.

• Keratinocytes: Guard against UV radiation as well as microbial, viral, and parasitic invasion.

• Melanocytes: Make melanin, a protective pigment that darkens the skin.

• Sebocytes are highly specialised cells that secrete sebum, an emollient that hydrates and protects the skin.

The Skin's Reaction to CBD

Cannabinoids enter the skin after topical application due to the law of diffusion, which describes how a substance moves from one area of high concentration to another of low concentration.

CBD does not, however, simply sail past the skin and into the bloodstream. The cannabinoid must first deal with a number of layers, including:

The epidermis, which has five layers, is the main line of defence between the body and the outside world.

The dermis is a layer of connective tissue that lies beneath the epidermis. It is made of collagen and elastic tissue and has glands, nerve endings, capillaries, and hair follicles. CBD will enter the bloodstream if it gets here.

When CBD is applied to the skin's outer layer, cells like keratinocytes come into contact with it. CBD indirectly affects the ECS even though it doesn't readily bind to endocannabinoid receptors. By inhibiting the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids like anandamide, for instance, it is able to preserve them.

The role of CBD in maintaining healthy skin is still being investigated, particularly in relation to wound healing, itch, acne, and even the regulation of hair growth.

Can Cannabidiol Applied Topically Enter The Bloodstream?

The bloodstream is accessed by CBD when it is ingested or inhaled. Cannabidiol (CBD) may soothe the skin when applied topically, but can it also cross our bodies' defences and enter the bloodstream?

Depending on their distinct properties, topical substances enter the blood in various ways through the skin. Drugs that are hydrophilic (love water) can enter the epidermis through the spaces between cells and travel to the capillaries in the dermis below.

CBD and other lipophilic (fat-loving) substances are drawn to the cells themselves. Before reaching deeper layers of the skin, many CBD molecules applied to the skin are metabolised by cells.

However, some CBD molecules pass from one cell to the next and into the dermis, while others might enter through sweat glands or hair follicles. CBD can access capillaries and enter systemic circulation once it has reached the dermis.

The molecular mass of topical medications is one factor in their selection. Usually, the top candidates range from 100 to 500 daltons (Da). Given that CBD has a mass of 314.5 Da, it can enter the bloodstream.

However, don't anticipate experiencing anything close to the same effects as when ingesting CBD drops or inhaling them. Much of the cannabinoid ends up binding to receptors in the top layers of the skin as it passes through, where it is then metabolised.

The amount of CBD that enters the bloodstream can also be increased by choosing where you apply it to your skin. The following regions allow for higher levels of molecule absorption than the palms of the hands and soles of the feet do:

• Forearm
• Trunk
• Head
• Neck
• Exfoliated or inflamed areas

What Advantages Do CBD Skin Care Products Offer?

At this time, the majority of CBD's skincare product advantages are anecdotal. However, ongoing studies aim to fully understand how these products function and what benefits they offer.

A 2020 study examined the immediate and long-term effects of CBD Face Cream on volunteers. Although the findings of this study have not yet been published, they will shed light on how CBD affects skin hydration.

Topical CBD may be an effective treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, according to preclinical research. Future human trials are required to see how these results hold up to the scrutiny of carefully planned studies.

Numerous personal experiences suggest that topical CBD has the following advantages so far:

• Soothing
• Helps sensitive and red skin
• Skin relief for rough, chapped skin
• Helps with imperfections
• Anti-ageing: Maintains youthful, supple skin

What Negative Effects Might Topical CBD Have?

Side effects are rare when using CBD topicals. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some people may develop contact dermatitis after using CBD Facial Cream, but this reaction can occur after using any topical.

Small amounts of topically applied CBD may cause side effects similar to those from the oral application because it can enter the bloodstream.

These include, though they're unlikely:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in appetite and weight

How Do Medications And Topical CBD Cream Interact?

CBD is likely to interfere with prescription drugs if it enters the bloodstream. A group of liver enzymes known as CYP450 metabolises about 60% of drugs available on the market. According to research, CBD inhibits the activity of these catabolic molecules, which allows for the accumulation of high doses of a given drug in the body and the potential for toxicity.

Drug interactions are unlikely because topical CBD only results in very small amounts of cannabinoids entering the blood. However, if you're currently taking medication, you should always speak to your doctor before taking any form of CBD.

How Can CBD Be Used In Skin Care?

To get the most out of your CBD topicals, look over the straightforward steps listed below.

Determine The Best Places To Apply Your CBD Topicals

First things first: choose a location for it. The majority of products, like hand creams, lip balms, and anti-ageing face lotions, are advertised for a specific area of the body. Take another look at the skin's most permeable regions in the areas mentioned above if you want to maximise absorption.

Purge The Area

Clean the area thoroughly before applying your topical. To get rid of any dirt and microbes, use a washcloth. When you use your product on clean skin, you'll get the most out of it.

Apply Liberally

Massage a light layer of CBD cream or lotion into your skin after application. For a stronger effect, add one or two more layers. Lip balms and other products with little water content only need a thin coating.

Clean Your Hands

After using your product, thoroughly wash your hands. Some preparations contain ingredients like capsaicin and other botanicals that, if accidentally inserted into the eyes, can irritate them.

Can CBD Topical Lead To A Negative Drug Test?

No. If you buy CBD topicals from a reliable vendor who conducts independent testing, your product will, at most, contain traces of THC. You don't have to worry about drug testing because almost none of these molecules will enter the bloodstream through the skin.

Which Is More Potent, CBD Oil Or CBD Cream?

Everything is subject to your circumstances and preferences. Creams are created specifically for topically applied use. They contain a lot of water, additional botanicals, and ingredients chosen to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Oils are a flexible product that can be applied to the skin just as effectively even though they are primarily intended for oral administration.

Does CBD Skin Care Make Sense?

Yes, in our opinion! Anecdotal reports highly praise these formulations, despite the fact that human trials are required to fully understand the advantages of topical CBD. See what you think by giving them a try. Does your skin feel more hydrated and softer? If so, they are employed by you.