5 ways CBD skincare can work wonders on psoriasis and dermatitis
By: Ohana Cbd
Tags: Skincare, Psoriasis, Skin Care Tips, Cbd, Dermatitis

CBD, Psoriasis and Dermatitis

The skin is our largest organ. When it is affected by a sacrificed immune system, infection, allergy, genetic mutation or environmental factors, conditions reveal themselves under stress. It may be dry patches, scales, redness or itchiness. Whether that’s a day-to-day or a seasonal flare-up, the struggle is real.

Reality star Kim Kardashian West recently opened up about her ongoing struggles with psoriasis. It’s also no secret that she’s obsessed with CBD beauty products (did you see her CBD-themed baby shower?!).

She has her reasons for turning to CBD skincare, and we have ours. We’ll be looking at the science behind how CBD may help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis and dermatitis. But first, let’s clarify the conditions.

What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a very general term for many different types of skin inflammation, and psoriasis can be included in this category. Skin that suffers from dermatitis can look red, dry, irritated or possibly even swollen, and symptoms can range from mild to severe itching, sometimes lasting for a long time. Many sufferers experience flare-ups, meaning the condition will disappear only to come back later.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition that can lead to a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin, which form scaly, red patches. As well as having the potential to spread across the entire body, it can be itchy, painful, and can contribute to other serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Both conditions can be treated, but not necessarily cured. CBD topicals may be another option to help with these skin flare-ups. Here are the top 5 reasons why:

1. CBD interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in our skin

CBD skincare products can help improve the appearance of skin by targeting the natural endocannabinoid system within our bodies. This is achieved by interacting with receptors in the skin to encourage healing through its anti-inflammatory properties. This was shown in a 2019 study that found CBD-ointments effectively improved skin disorders, especially ones that related to inflammation. When it comes to conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, improving the inflammation means improving quality of life.

2. CBD can calm inflammation

CBD skincare is notoriously anti-inflammatory. Applying CBD topicals to conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis during a flare-up can reduce inflammation, which helps to control the itch and the redness. Science supports this due to CBD’s ability to interact with the body’s immune and nervous systems. Read more about the findings in this 2016 study on cannabinoids and psoriasis.

3. CBD can slow down skin cell growth

For people with psoriasis, their skin cells reproduce too quickly which causes the excess flaky skin sometimes associated with the condition. CBD is a cannabinoid with the ability to inhibit the rapid growth of skin cells. This was found in a study conducted in 2007. In simple terms, the findings reveal that multiple cannabinoids appeared to slow the growth of cells on the outer layers of the skin. Reducing the buildup on the surface of the skin is a positive step towards improving psoriasis.

4. CBD reduces itching

One of the more annoying things about psoriasis and dermatitis is often the itching that comes with it. CBD skincare could help with this too. A 2019 review of the therapeutic use of cannabinoids for skin conditions outlined that topical application of cannabinoids can help to inhibit itch signals, reduce itch responses, and thus help to alleviate that annoying itch, itch, itch feeling!

5. CBD can decrease flare-ups

Flare-ups are a recurring issue in people with psoriasis and dermatitis, and with no outright cure, controlling the frequency of flare-ups can become the number one priority. Continued use of any skincare product is vital to see the lasting benefits, and in the case of CBD skincare, it is important to follow this skin routine in order to allow the benefits to happen. For those with recurring flare-ups, persistence is key.

For sufferers of conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, try our multi-purpose Body Balm. Alongside the active ingredient of CBD, other ingredients can help, such as arnica oil which can reduce inflammation, calendula oil and coconut oil, which can soothe the itch and dryness, and lavender oil, which can help to calm and repair the skin faster. It’s a must-have for anyone with irritating skin issues.

Do you suffer from psoriasis or dermatitis? We’d love to know what you use to combat this, and if you have ever tried CBD skincare? Let us know over on Instagram at@ohanacbd.

Photo by Romina Farías on Unsplash