Eczema can be a truly miserable condition, and one that generally lacks a reliable cure. There are many different varieties of eczema, each of which has slightly different triggers and symptoms. However, in all cases, inflammation is their root cause. Could CBD offer some relief from the symptoms of eczema? Initial research suggests that it may well help.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin care issue, with over 30 million Americans struggle with this skin care issue, according to the National Eczema Association. Eczema is a general umbrella term for a skin condition that can happen anywhere on the body. It causes dry, red, flaky patches of skin, and sometimes even sores and blisters. Maybe you’ve tested several different types of topical treatments for eczema but aren’t quite finding the relief you need. Or you’re up for trying the newest products — like cannabidiol (CBD) creams — to see if they work for you?
In this post, we’ll cover the basics of what causes eczema and why CBD can potentially be used to soothe eczema – plus, our top picks for the best CBD to use to aid skin relief.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is most often caused by a combination of genetic factors and triggers to the immune system, such as contact with irritants or allergies. Any sort of sudden weather or temperature changes can trigger eczema, which means autumn’s wild fluctuations between rain, wind, cold snaps, and warmth can exacerbate those itchy skin issues.
For people with eczema, the skin barrier isn’t functioning as well as it should be. Microscopic cracks develop in its outermost layer, and this causes the skin to become inflamed and dehydrated. Eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. In teens and adults, it’s typically found on your hands, neck, inner elbows, ankles, knees, feet and around your eyes.
Eczema usually begins in childhood, but anyone at any age can get it. You’re high risk if you are:
- Female.
- African American.
- Diagnosed with hay fever or asthma.
- Part of a family with a history of dermatitis, hay fever or asthma.
Research on CBD and Eczema
Recently, a few small studies suggested that cannabidiol (CBD) creams may help reduce eczema symptoms, such as dry and itchy skin. Researchers have seen that topical use of CBD ointment (without any THC) is safe, effective, and can be used as a noninvasive alternative for improving inflammatory skin conditions like eczema:
- One study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine investigated whether cannabinoids like CBD have any effect on certain receptors that result in an inflammatory effect when activated. The study found that CBD significantly suppressed the activation of these receptors, resulting in a reduction of chronic inflammation. The study also found that CBD showed promise in reducing chronic pain, which would also be useful for patients with serious, painful eczema symptoms.
- Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapies in 2018 also investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, this time directly to skin cells. The study added CBD to human skin cells that had a stimulated inflammatory skin disorder and measured the inflammatory response these cells exhibited. What the researchers found was that CBD blocked the release of various inflammatory factors, indicating that CBD could be useful in reducing inflammation in inflammatory skin disorders like eczema.
- CBD may also be able to help the general skin condition of patients with eczema by improving hydration and skin elasticity. A 2019 study published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics tested the effects of CBD ointment on severe skin diseases. Patients with psoriasis and atopic eczema administered CBD ointment to their problem skin areas twice daily for three months. The results found that CBD significantly improved the symptoms of these inflammatory skin disorders, with no irritant or allergic reactions reported. This study tells us the CBD could be able to safely and effectively improve the condition of inflammatory skin disorders like eczema.
- In a 2020 study, participants with self-reported eczema used CBD cream and then reported on their symptoms. Fifty percent of participants reported that their eczema improved by more than 60 percent.
How to Shop for a CBD Topical Product
Currently, the FDA doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products. That means there’s a chance you may pick up CBD products that are misrepresented or mislabeled.
To prevent this possibility, it’s best to look for products with an up-to-date, comprehensive COA from a reputable third-party lab. The COA should have information showing that the product isn’t contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or molds. Likewise, it should also indicate that the product actually has the amount of CBD and THC the label claims it does. Read our blog on understanding the COA here.
Be sure you’re buying from a company that’s transparent about how it makes its products and where it grows its hemp. If a product or label makes any extreme, ambitious claims about results, be wary.
How to use CBD for Eczema
CBD topicals are available in various strengths. It’s always important to read the application directions carefully, as they may vary depending on the product. Overall, dosage depends on factors like your body weight, your experience with CBD products, and the product’s potency.
If you’re trying CBD for the first time, it’s best to start with the lowest possible dose at first and see how your body responds, then make your way up to more potent CBD topicals; Thoroughly rub a small amount of CBD topical massage oil, CBD skin salve or CBD rub in problematic areas as needed.
One way that you may be able to improve the effectiveness of topical CBD products is by ensuring they contain carrier oils. Since cannabinoids can dissolve in oil, a carrier oil could help to improve the transport of CBD through the skin.
- Jojoba Oil.
- Rosehip Oil.
- Apricot Kernel Oil.
- Coconut Oil.
- Grapeseed Oil.
A Word From Our Customers
Choosing a CBD brand can be confusing and incredibly overwhelming, so researching customer reviews is a recommended step in the process. Why? Numerous research studies have proven the therapeutic benefits of the compound and of CBD products in general, however research on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids has been limited in the United States, leaving patients, health care professionals, and policy makers without the evidence they need to make sound decisions regarding the use of cannabis and cannabinoids. This is why first-hand experiences from CBD users are vital.
Here’s a firsthand review from a Lost Range customer who suffers with Eczema:
I have chronic eczema most prominently on my hands. When things get bad and I’m waking in the middle of the night scratching my hands raw and bloody Gold buckle has worked just as good as my steroid prescription ointment! I love that it’s NOT a steroid and is natural. I put it on before bed and wear white cotton gloves and miracle in the am – inflammation is down, so is itching and scratches/scabs are well on their way to being healed. I’m already on a gluten free diet and I’ve tried the true celery juice on an empty stomach for 3 months straight… Neither seem to do the trick. But the Gold Buckle is the best remedy. – Ashleigh K.
Here are a few recommendations of products to try based on potency, quality and customer star-ratings:
1. CBD Skin Salve $15.00 – $59.00 — or from $12.00 – $47.20 / month
2. Gold Buckle CBD Muscle & Joint Rub $159.00 — or $159.00 $127.20 / month
3. CBD Muscle & Joint Rub $15.00 – $59.00 — or from $12.00 – $47.20
Final Thoughts
Journeying into the world of CBD can be exciting, especially when you’re looking for alternative healing solutions. As you can see, there are many components that come into play when looking for CBD remedies that help in relieving symptoms of eczema.
If you would like to know more about our products and brand, our staff is always at your service for any questions. Contact us here today.
