Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. Some evidence suggests that CBD oil may be beneficial for skin health and have uses for a variety of skin conditions.

CBD is a chemical compound present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Manufacturers can combine CBD with an oil, such as hemp or coconut oil, to create CBD oil. People can purchase CBD oil or a range of beauty products that incorporate CBD oil to use on their skin.

Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may be useful for treating many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

In this article, we will discuss what CBD oil is, what skin conditions it may be useful for, and how to use CBD oil.

Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.

What is CBD oil?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Another notable cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound responsible for the “high” that people may associate with cannabis. CBD alone will not cause a person to feel high.

Different varieties of cannabis plants contain different levels of cannabinoids. Typically, hemp plants contain far more CBD and almost no THC, which is why most CBD oil comes from industrial hemp.

Usually, manufacturers will use heat to extract CBD from the cannabis plant and mix it with a carrier oil to produce CBD oil. Others may use alcohol to create a CBD tincture.

CBD oil comes in many different strengths, and people can utilize it in many different ways. For example, they can apply it directly to the skin, place a drop under their tongue, or add it to creams or lotions.

The human body contains a complex network of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS)Trusted Source. Research suggests that cannabinoids and the ECS may play a role in many bodily processes and that the skin containsTrusted Source cannabinoid receptors.

How CBD Works With Skin

CBD is able to work with skin one of two ways – topically and transdermally. And we’ll discuss more about those applications a bit later. But what CBD is meant to do is support our endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining homeostasis.

And in particular, CBD does its job by stimulating a specific set of cannabinoid receptors – aptly called CB2 receptors. These receptors connect to our peripheral nervous system, which stretches out to many different organs, including the skin.

However, when used on skin, CBD doesn’t penetrate deep enough to pass through any blood-brain barriers to reach the bloodstream, unlike other CBD methods. But it does provide a localized effect when applied through topical means because it becomes absorbed through the pores – working with the CB2 receptors inside the skin.

How Does Topical CBD Work?

CBD topicals include creams, lotions, and other CBD-infused products applied directly onto your skin. As mentioned earlier, topical CBD absorption offers localized relief, meaning it’s useful for mild physical discomfort and soreness in a contained surface area.

For example, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the most common form of physical discomfort that naturally occurs a few hours after a strenuous exercise or fitness routine. And CBD topicals are the most straightforward way, and most preferred method, to help ease the discomfort.

With topical CBD skin absorption, the CBD molecules affect the skin cells called sebocytes that create the sebaceous gland. And the sebaceous gland itself produces sebum, which is an oily secretion that keeps the skin flexible and resilient.

The CBD from a topical cream or lotion penetrates the sebaceous gland through the hair follicles. Once absorbed, the CBD and the activation of the cannabinoid receptors help boost the soothing abilities of other well-known pain-relieving agents, like the topical analgesic histamine dihydrochloride.

And because CBD absorption from topicals doesn’t permeate much further beyond the sebaceous gland, you typically should use a generous amount of the topical to achieve the desired effect.

But if you’re looking for a CBD absorption option that can penetrate the skin much further, a transdermal might be the choice for you.

How Does Transdermal CBD Work?

A better question would be, “What’s the difference between topical and transdermal applications?”

Transdermal typically means something that is skin permeable – it penetrates through the skin and enters into the body. The skin’s epidermis works to protect the lower layers from toxins, harmful rays, germs, and bacteria.

A transdermal product is specially formulated to bring its active ingredients to those lower layers beneath the epidermis – and transdermal CBD absorption is a better choice for CBD that has to penetrate deeper into the skin and get into the bloodstream.

Once the CBD reaches the bloodstream, it may affect the entire body – leading to other potential benefits such as calmness, relaxation, and comfortability. This reaction comes from CBD molecules activating CB2 receptors other than those found in the skin.

In other words, transdermal CBD is useful for several other purposes than minor discomfort and soreness.

CBD And Skin Care

Conversely, topical CBD absorption is useful for soothing a specific area of the skin. And many topical CBD products contain several other ingredients that specifically help to repair, protect, and moisturize the skin.

With these specialized ingredients and the wholesome benefits of CBD infused together, CBD topicals are also ideal for reducing blemishes, which is why many beauty products are currently incorporating CBD into their formulas.

But remember, CBD topicals are useful only for the skin surface. They do not permeate into the lower layers beyond the epidermis, so the CBD or any other of the active ingredients never hit the bloodstream.

But suppose you like your CBD absorbed through the skin but still need it to enter your bloodstream? In that case, a transdermal cream or patch is specifically designed to get its active ingredients through the lower layers of skin and into your blood.