How CBD Products Can Treat Eczema and Dry Skin

Eczema is a common yet complex inflammatory skin condition. It’s estimated that the condition affects the quality of life of up to ​20% of children and around 3% of adults​ ​across the globe.

Described as an allergic skin disease, the​ ​National Eczema Association​ ​says that​ ​eczema results from of a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the immune system, or the function of the skin’s natural barrier. As well as there being various possible causes of eczema, there are also ​several types​. Namely, all forms of eczema are characterized by dry, inflamed and itchy patches across the skin, let’s take a look at how CBD can offer some relief.

Effects of CBD on Eczema

Prescription ointments for eczema often cause unwanted side effects

There’s no cure for eczema, so sufferers of the condition usually manage their symptoms with prescribed medicated creams or ointments. The side effects of these pharmaceutical creams and the potential risks associated with their long term use have become somewhat of a concern for users, so now more people are turning to nature in search of new ways to manage their condition. And here’s where CBD comes into play.

Balanced Immune System

Studies have shown that cannabis can provide relief for the symptoms of eczema, such as severe ​itching and​ ​inflammation​, due to the way in which cannabinoids like CBD help regulate these immune responses. Cannabis interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, helping to rebalance the immune system and thus reduces the pain and inflammation associated with eczema. It also helps to combat the ‘itch-scratch’ cycle.

Reduced Itching

Topical creams containing cannabinoids have been shown to ​completely eliminate or reduce the severity of itching​ ​in sufferers of eczema. The chemical ‘histamine’ is also responsible for the irritating itches we experience and therapy with cannabinoids has ​proven to greatly reduce its effects​ ​when applied to the skin.

Improves Dry Skin

We know that cannabis interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body like the CB2 receptor found in our nerve fibers and skin cells. Responsible for regulating oil production in the skin, CBD oil has been found to help rebalance this function and help rebuild the skin’s protective barrier in eczema sufferers. ​One study​ ​found that in almost 59% of its participants, their dry and scaly skin significantly reduced with the regular use of a cannabinoid cream, which reduced itching and as a result lead to less sleep loss.

How to Treat Eczema with CBD

As sensitive skin and eczema usually go hand in hand, it’s important to find a high quality cream, salve or oil. Regulation of these topical products is in the early stages, so it’s advised to look for products of natural and organic origin which contain certified full-spectrum hemp oil to get the maximum benefit for your buck. But if your eczema is immune-system related, it may be high time to look for an ingestible CBD oil to suit your needs while using a topical product to soothe your symptoms.