Can You Use CBD Topicals For Psoriasis?

CBD is a chemical compound from cannabis sativa with unique properties suitable for improving psoriasis. It prevents the spread of infected cells and regulates inflammation, thus, improving the condition. However, an individual must assess the products for potency and purity levels.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that results in itching and scaly patches, especially around the elbows, scalp, and knees. CBD has been used in multiple clinical trials due to its unique properties. The hemp plant and cannabis sativa are the main sources of CBD. However, the plants contain other chemical compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These elements work together to provide an entourage effect. The elements have unique properties making them a suitable alternative for addressing psoriasis. Some of the properties include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. Although CBD is used for various skin benefits, available clinical trials on topical benefits are yet to be approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

What is CBD?

CBD topicals are obtained from either cannabis sativa, hemp, or marijuana. There are three types of CBD Balms and Gels, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. The three types of CBD are differentiated using the chemical compounds of the hemp plant. CBD contains various healing properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Full-spectrum CBD Cream are manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant. However, broad-spectrum topicals have all the elements of hemp except THC. Isolate has a single element, CBD. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD provides an entourage effect since they have numerous elements.

How CBD Works For Psoriasis

Multiple clinical trials are showing the impact of CBD on psoriasis. Although the research is yet to be approved, they are promising outcomes. CBD topicals have an impact on psoriasis in the following ways;

Enhance Skin Cell Growth

Baswan Sudhir et al. (2020) state that CBD can treat psoriasis. It stops the building of infected skin cells, minimizing the condition's spread. JWH-133 cannabinoids can work against psoriasis. However, more clinical trials require to be done. This research explained that CBD could not treat the conditions but minimizes their spread. Learn more about is applying cbd topically better?

An anti-inflammatory Agent

Although the primary cause for psoriasis is yet to be established, it is noted that one likely reason is hormonal imbalance. CBD and THC have various properties, including anti-inflammatory. According to di Giacomo et al. (2021), CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that protect your skin against inflammation. Inflammation is a major cause of skin diseases after UV rays and free radicals.

Pain Management

It is somehow difficult to evade pain when you are facing psoriasis. There are multiple clinical trials with promising outcomes trying to show the impact of CBD on our health, especially for reducing both internal and external pain. According to Uberall Michael (2020), CBD and THC are suitable for reducing pain. One main reason most people seek CBD's therapeutic benefits is its ability to manage pain. Pain is destructive, and it interferes with your concentration and sleeping patterns. Therefore, if you are fighting pain from either psoriasis or arthritis, you can use CBD topicals to address the pain. Notably, the research shows that it only lowers the related pain but does not treat it.

How To Determine The Best CBD

Quality has to be a priority if you are looking forward to using CBD to address psoriasis. The following tips will help you find the best CBD topicals for psoriasis;

Extraction Method

There are various methods of obtaining hemp plant extracts, such as terpenes, CBD, and flavonoids. However, the method used will determine whether or not the product will be contaminated. Patel & Shah (2021) explained two popular extraction methods; CO2 and ethanol. Although ethanol is effective, it is likely to contaminate the end products since it uses numerous chemicals, which might contaminate them. CO2 is one of the most effective methods since it minimizes contamination of the end products and the environment.

Other Elements

CBD topicals are manufactured using various elements besides hemp to improve their effectiveness. MCT or coconut oil is highly preferred even for edible because it speeds up the delivery of active ingredients. MCT oil has bioavailability properties suitable for improving the absorption rate of CBD topicals. It is important to confirm the elements used to avoid using artificial ones that might result in skin damage. Most organic elements are friendly to the skin, lowering the risks of skin burn or irritation. Learn more about does topical cbd actually work?

The lab results

It is the most essential and mandatory requirement of CBD products since it helps in determining potency and purity levels. Avoid relying on posted CBD lab results since they might be false. Notably, consider brands using IOS-certified labs. There are two parts of the lab results to pay attention to;

Potency Levels

CBD potency levels are important to avoid overdosing unknowingly. Topical products are absorbed from the skin's roots to the bloodstream, delivering similar risks as edibles. The FDA has been keen on various brands offering wrong potency levels on their labels, sending them warnings to protect the consumers. As a result, it is also important to confirm the reputation of the brand you are buying from to ensure it has no bad reputation with the FDA. Too much THC can cause psychoactive side effects.

Purity Levels

Most CBD products are likely to be contaminated during processing. Manufacturing requires the use of various chemicals that might contaminate the end products. Check on the chemicals used in your CBD topical and ensure they are skin-friendly to avoid burns and irritation. However, the results should come from either an IOS-certified or FDA-certified lab.

Conclusion

CBD topicals are one of the best products since they are organic and assessed for potency and purity levels. Although most people think that topicals cannot result in THC-related side effects such as anxiety and dizziness, that might not be the case. CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream and can make you high if you use high potency levels. Before applying CBD creams for psoriasis, confirm the impact it might have on your body. Some skins are very sensitive and allergic to most skincare products. Therefore, you can determine the impact by applying a small amount around the elbow and giving it 24 hours to determine the reaction. If it is safe, you can continue using it.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927.

di Giacomo, V., Recinella, L., Chiavaroli, A., Orlando, G., Cataldi, A., Rapino, M., ... & Ferrante, C. (2021). Metabolomic profile and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects of industrial hemp water extract in fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and isolated mouse skin specimens. Antioxidants, 10(1), 44.

Patel, A., & Shah, A. R. (2021). Integrated lignocellulosic biorefinery: Gateway for production of second-generation ethanol and value-added products. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 6(2), 108-128.

Überall, M. A. (2020). A review of scientific evidence for THC: CBD oromucosal spray (nabiximols) in chronic pain management. Journal of pain research, 13, 399.