Introduction
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It often appears in early childhood but can persist or develop in adulthood. Allergens, irritants, stress, and changes in weather are some of the causes of eczema.
Managing eczema typically involves moisturizing the skin, avoiding triggers, and using medications to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. There are many eczema treatments available on the market, such as CBD/hemp tinctures and creams like Youth Elixir, antihistamines, and topical corticosteroids.
Symptoms
- Itching: often intense and persistent, which can lead to scratching and further skin damage.
- Redness: inflamed areas of the skin that appear red or reddish brown.
- Dryness: skin that is dry and scaly, often with rough patches.
- Rashes: patches of skin that may become thickened, leathery, or crusty from repeated scratching.
- Swelling: inflamed areas that may swell up due to irritation.
- Blisters: small raised bumps; these may leak fluid and overflow when scratched.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the primary cannabinoids of the cannabis plant and has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic effects. Unlike THC, which is a psychoactive compound responsible for the high associated with cannabis use, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects.
CBD is commonly used for its potential benefits in reducing anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures, among other conditions.
It is available in various forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, and topicals, and is often used for both medical and wellness purposes. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system and regulates various physiological processes, such as mood, pain sensation, and immune response.
There are multiple CBD products used for eczema, such as Cannazo India’s Youth Elixir and Lazarus Naturals Unscented CBD Lotion.
CBD and eczema: How It Might Help
Eczema is marked by redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role in maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function.
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant, has shown promise in modulating the ECS to address these skin conditions.
Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties beneficial for skin health. These properties can help reduce the inflammation and itching associated with eczema. One good example of CBD used for eczema is Youth Elixir.
Mechanism of action:
CBD exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD can help reduce inflammation by modulating the ECS and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Antioxidant effects: CBD’s antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and damage.
- Anti-apoptotic actions: CBD may help prevent cell death, which is beneficial for maintaining skin health.
Safety of CBD for Eczema
Full-spectrum CBD-based products are usually considered to be safe for treating eczema and other skin conditions. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil might help reduce skin irritation, pain, swelling, and redness from skin conditions like eczema.
However, most of the clinical evidence to date has focused on th effects of CBD when consumed, inhaled, or injected.
There is limited research investigating the therapeutic potential for topical application. Preclinical models have shown successful transdermal delivery using ethosomal carriers and other appropriate carrier systems.
As with any topical treatment, it’s best to test CBD oil such as Youth Elixir on a small patch of unaffected skin before applying it to larger areas where you have eczema.
To do a patch test, apply the Youth Elixir to a small area and watch for 24 hours to check for side effects such as itching, redness, swelling, etc.
Dosage Guidelines for CBD for Eczema Treatment
To use CBD cream such as Youth Elixir, apply 2 pumps (about pea size) of the product to the affected area 1-2 times daily. Ensure that the skin is clean and dry before application for optimal absorption and effectiveness.
Adjust the dosage of Youth Elixir as needed based on the severity of symptoms and individual response. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.
To use full-spectrum CBD tinctures like Placidiol, start with a small dose and adjust as needed. This is a prescription medication, therefore consult with a doctor before using it.
Effectiveness of CBD for Eczema
CBD plays a significant role in maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function. However, more robust clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety, especially for topical applications. While the therapeutic potential of CBD for skin disorders is promising, cautions that exploration and further scientific research are necessary to fully understand its effects.
How to Choose CBD for Eczema
Select the CBD tinctures and creams, such as Youth Elixir, based on the following criteria:
- Safety
- Quality
- Transparency
- Product compositions and ingredients
- Company’s reputation and business practice
- Lab test
- Marketing claim
- Products without synthetic fragrance, since it can cause skin reaction in some people
- Products with moisturizing ingredients like glycerine.
Quality and purity
CBD is extracted from the flowering tops and leaves of the hemp plant using methods like steam distillation, ethanolic extraction, and supercritical CO2 extraction. The quality and purity of CBD products are crucial for their therapeutic potential. Choose a CBD brand with an in-house manufacturing unit and a 25D manufacturing license, as this ensures adherence to high standards and regulatory compliance, contributing to the safety and effectiveness of the products.
CBD oil and creams are largely thought to be safe for adults, according to available research studies.
Product types
Types of products used for eczema include:
Topical CBD Creams and Balms
This includes Cannazo India’s topical CBD products, which are formulated for direct application to skin. These products offer targeted relief by alleviating inflammation and calming an irritated area. For example, Cerave eczema relief creamy oil.
CBD oils and Tinctures
CBD oil can be taken sublingually or incorporated into your skincare routine. Veritas Farms CBD tinctures or Cannazo’s Placidiol help support and improve over all conditions.
Full-spectrum CBD capsules
It is a convenient, pre-measured dose for those who prefer simplicity. These capsules can assist in managing systemic inflammation, potentially decreasing the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.
Skin care supplements
Supplements consisting of astaxanthin and hemp oil are beneficial for eczema. Astaxanthin is obtained from marine plants that are known for their antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin and hemp seed oil create a synergistic effect that improves wellbeing.
Brand Recommendation
- Cannazo India is a trusted brand renowned for its premium medical cannabis products and is distinguished as the only medical cannabis brand featured on Shark Tank, enhancing its credibility. They have various products designed for skin conditions like eczema.
- Charlotte’s Web is recognized for its dedication to quality and transparency, providing a range of CBD products that are third party tested and crafted from organic hemp. Their topical creams and balms are well regarded for addressing various skin conditions, including eczema.
- Lazarus Naturals is recognized for offering affordable, high-quality CBD, including both full-spectrum and isolate-based topicals. This brand emphasizes transparency, providing detailed lab reports for each product, which makes them a dependable option for managing eczema.
Conclusion
CBD products have shown potential for various skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. It modulates the ECS, which plays a significant role in maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function.
Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may be effective for conditions such as eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. However, more robust clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety, particularly for topical application.
Reference
- 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, 927–942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411
- Oláh A, Tóth BI, Borbíró I, et al. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest. 2014;124(9):3713-3724. doi:10.1172/JCI64628
- Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of clinical medicine research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090
- Martins, A. M., Gomes, A. L., Vilas Boas, I., Marto, J., & Ribeiro, H. M. (2022). Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2), 210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020210
