Can CBD be Absorbed Through Skin? Yes, CBD oil can be absorbed through the skin. But, it is important to understand that this technique differs from under-the-tongue administration or inhalation absorption of CBD.
When CBD is absorbed topically, it will not enter the bloodstream. Instead, it connects with neighboring cannabinoid receptors through the skin pores.
How Does CBD Work on the Skin?
Without going into scientific details, the effect of CBD in the human body is due to the endocannabinoid system. Researchers believe that this system is responsible for maintaining balance in the body.
It triggers the release of hormones that determine many of our daily functions. An example: you stub your toe on the corner of the sofa. In addition to the extreme pain, you will also feel a slight swelling around the toe.
Researchers only recently discovered the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Therefore, we will need more research to fully understand how it works. However, experts believe that we have numerous receptors scattered throughout our muscles, nervous system, and skin.
Our bodies produce chemicals that react with these receptors to activate or deactivate them. This triggers immune responses and determines our sleep cycles and mood.
So what role does CBD play in this? The compound interacts with your ECS system when you use CBD products to help it function smoothly.
Can CBD be Absorbed Through Skin?
CBD-infused skin care products and topical creams and balms have become incredibly popular recently. But can CBD be absorbed by the skin when using a topical cream? Of course, it is.
As mentioned earlier, we have cannabinoid receptors in our skin. Applying creams and balms containing CBD will have localized effects. CBD-infused balms may help with pain relief to aching muscles or joints.
We absorb the CBD-infused balms through the opening of our hair follicles, which is through our pores. Once absorbed, they interact with the cannabinoid receptors that are nearby. This means that they provide soothing relief in that particular area.
Experts believe that CBD interacts with the ECS system so that it can affect our perception of pain and immune responses such as inflammation. Topical ointments can therefore be used to help reduce pain and inflammation in certain areas. They are therefore ideal for treating specific areas of discomfort, menstrual cramps, or pain after exercise.
Can CBD be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream? In general, most CBD-infused balms and creams do not have transdermal qualities.
This means that the skin absorbs the CBD molecules, reaching the sebaceous glands and cannabinoid receptors in that area but not entering the bloodstream. Therefore, you will only feel the effects when you apply the topical cream.
So, is CBD absorbed by the skin when you use topical creams? Yes, our skin absorbs it, which is why CBD-infused balms are perfect for soothing stiff joints or sore muscles. But if you want to get the full benefits of CBD, consider using a CBD transdermal product.
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Does CBD Improve the Skin?
Can CBD be absorbed through the skin when using CBD-infused skincare products? Yes, it can. CBD-infused skin care products work in a similar way to CBD-infused balms. These products contain CBD molecules that are absorbed through the skin’s pores to the receptors in the affected skin area.
As we know, CBD works in parallel with the ECS system to influence immune responses such as redness and inflammation. This means that cannabidiol-infused skin care products are ideal for those of us with irritated or sensitive skin.
CBD-infused skin care products are ideal for acne-prone skin as they relieve the pain and discomfort associated with the rash. They are also suitable for people with inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, as they can soothe the skin without causing further irritation.
Does Taking CBD Produce the Same Results as Using Topical CBD?
Whether you get the same results from taking CBD can be boiled down to if CBD can be absorbed through the skin. This depends on whether you are using a CBD transdermal patch, gel, topical CBD skin cream, or product.
As we know, there are several ways to take CBD, all of which have different advantages and disadvantages. For example, taking CBD by placing a small amount under the tongue offers high bioavailability. The body can absorb it quickly and efficiently into the bloodstream.
When taken sublingually, we absorb the CBD molecules directly into the bloodstream with the mucous membranes in the mouth. A similar exchange occurs when CBD vapor is inhaled by smoking or vaping.
In contrast, when CBD is ingested through infusions or capsules, CBD is much slower to enter the bloodstream. This is because the compound must first pass through the digestive system.
Whether CBD is ingested, inhaled, or taken sublingually, it will always end up in the bloodstream. Consequently, the compound will move through your body and interact with all the receptors it comes in contact with along the way. This means that you will benefit more from the overall benefits of the substance.
However, opting for topical CBD creams and ointments does not produce the same results. When you use a topical cream, CBD does not enter the bloodstream unless designed for transdermal properties. Therefore, the effect will be limited to the area of skin that has been in contact with the cream.
In contrast, transdermal patches and gels offer the same benefits as ingesting CBD. This is because the permeability enhancers in the patches/gels help CBD molecules penetrate the skin and make their way into the bloodstream. Because transdermal options deliver CBD directly into the bloodstream, they are often more effective than other edible options.
Is CBD Oil Good for Your Skin?
Recent CBD research suggests that CBD oil may provide many health benefits for the skin by utilizing the cannabinoid receptors accessible under the skin’s pores. Over time, products such as CBD lotions and oils have been recommended for various skin conditions.
1. Aging
CBD is known for its antioxidant properties. An antioxidant can be defined as a substance like vitamin C that eliminates potentially harmful oxidants in a living organism.
Opposing the damage caused by free radicals leads to faster collagen breakdown. Therefore, antioxidants also help to slow down the process of collagen loss. Visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dull skin, and age-related deterioration.
In this case, research suggests that CBD should be taken sublingually to fully realize its benefits.
2. Sensitive Skin
CBD oil has soothing properties and can help reduce redness and inflammation due to sensitive skin or environmental stressors.
3. Acne
Research shows that CBD is considered an effective natural anti-inflammatory agent. CBD is known for its ability to reduce the visibility of acne breakouts and acne-related redness.
By reducing inflammation and redness, CBD oil can improve the look and feel of acne-prone skin.
CBD also acts as a hormonal balancer, suggesting that CBD may reduce the excessive production of sebum oil, which helps to reduce the likelihood of future breakouts.
Fortunately, there is a huge selection of prescription medicines and topical treatments (gels, creams, and lotions) available to treat acne. One of the easiest homemade topical treatments is mixing salicylic acid with benzoyl peroxide.
4. Eczema
Like psoriasis, eczema can be characterized by painful rashes, itching, and inflammation.
Research suggests that these reactions are modulated by the endocannabinoid system, meaning that CBD can potentially provide relief.
When CBD is used topically in the affected area, it avoids dilution and targets the skin’s cellular level, making this method more effective.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the life cycle of skin cells is accelerated. Psoriasis is considered very similar to eczema in its physical appearance, while it appears red or pink with a silvery layer.
We can help the human body regain balance by harnessing the endocannabinoid system. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, can interact with this system to regulate skin pathogenesis.
Although psoriasis is not curable, CBD oil for skin is becoming a popular natural anti-inflammatory that might help reduce the effects of this condition while relieving irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use CBD Oil on My Skin?
Individuals can purchase CBD oil or a range of cosmetics containing CBD oil for use on the skin. Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be helpful in treating many skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Is CBD a Powerful Antioxidant?
CBD is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect our cells and their functions to keep them healthy and active, preventing premature aging.
Is Using Hemp Seed Oil the Same as Using CBD Oil?
Unfortunately, no. Many brands use the terms “hemp oil” and “hemp seed oil” indiscriminately, but they are not the same. Manufacturers make hemp oil, also known as CBD oil, by extracting the oil from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant.
These plant parts naturally have a high concentration of CBD. Manufacturers make hemp seed oil only from the seeds of the hemp plant, which contain little or no CBD. So, hemp seed oil and hemp oil are different and will not produce the same results.
Can CBD Get You High?
No, CBD is a little different than THC. THC is the chemical compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. CBD is derived from SEMA and is an antioxidant that contains no psychoactive compounds.
Takeaway
So can CBD be absorbed through the skin? Sure, it can. Topical CBD creams and ointments, including skin care products, penetrate the skin through our pores. There, it interacts with the numerous endocannabinoid receptors in our skin.
This means that using infused balms and skin care products can bring the benefits of CBD to localized areas of the skin. They are ideal for treating specific skin problems or relieving muscle pain.
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