Is using CBD oil for eczema a good idea? Eczema inflames and irritates the skin.
Would applying CBD oil hurt or help? What if you try a product with an additional ingredient that causes a flare-up?
In this article, we cover CBD and eczema in detail. We’ll explain how CBD for eczema works and highlight some of the best CBD creams for eczema so you don’t experience an adverse reaction.
Are CBD balms and creams legal in Australia? How can you access them? and importantly, do they work?
This guide will answer your questions and examine the science behind CBD for eczema.
What is Eczema?
Eczema isn’t a single condition, but the typical form is atopic dermatitis. It is a condition that inflames and irritates the skin. Eczema is relatively common in infants, but most people grow out of it by childhood.
However, not everyone is so lucky. Adults who suffer from eczema manage it through treatments or by avoiding irritants. But flare-ups can still occur, as there is no cure for eczema.
Eczema can make your skin red, dry, thick, cracked or feel like leather. The rashes typically occur on the face and neck, back of the knees, or on your hands and feet. Infected areas start red but can turn brown.
Experts don’t know what causes eczema. They think it could be an immune system response. It could also be a problem with your skin’s ability to retain moisture and keep germs out.
Eczema may be genetic, or it may be an allergic response. People with eczema also tend to have hay fever allergies (allergic rhinitis).
How CBD for Eczema Works
There’s nothing conclusive in the scientific literature regarding CBD oil’s effects on eczema. However, there are a few promising studies.
We know healthy skin depends on a functional endocannabinoid system. We also know our skin is covered in cannabinoid receptors.
Skin is our first defence against disease-causing microbes in our environment. [1]
Our endocannabinoids maintain skin health by promoting healthy cell growth. Our endocannabinoids also protect us against inflammatory reactions.
CBD is, of course, a phytocannabinoid that works with our endocannabinoid system. Research confirms that CBD is anti-inflammatory. [2]
Three Studies That Confirm CBD Lotion for Eczema Works
There are at least three different studies that confirm CBD’s role in reducing skin inflammation.
One was an observational study that looked specifically at atopic dermatitis. Researchers found that after using CBD for two weeks, “subjects reported a decrease in itch, and 50% perceived an improvement in their eczema by more than 60%.” [3]
The second study concluded similar findings: “The topical administration of CBD ointment, without any THC, is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improve the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially on inflammatory background.” [4]
The third study looked at atopic dermatitis and was a double-blinded placebo-controlled interventional study. Patients were randomised into one of three treatment groups: those taking CBD plus aspartame, those taking CBD only, and the placebo group.
Researchers concluded that CBD topical cream produced “statistically significant improvements” in eczema. [5]
Best CBD Cream for Eczema
With promising research backing up claims about CBD oil and eczema, we thought we’d highlight some CBD eczema creams you can find online.
While there are a lot of cosmetic CBD skincare products available, the ones we’ve chosen to highlight are targeted more towards skin conditions such as Eczema due to the specific ingredients contained in the products, outside of CBD, of course.
Lazarus Naturals Relief + Recovery Full Spectrum CBD Balm
A non-GMO CBD lotion made with a beeswax base, this product is also certified organic. A full-spectrum product, this balm does have trace amounts of THC.
You get roughly 1,000 milligrams of CBD per 20 grams of the product. There is also a cooling and warming sensation thanks to the wintergreen oil and capsaicin extract included in the ingredients.
The product has a mint scent, so the smell won’t be unpleasant or overpowering. Although, the company states it cannot guarantee its products are nut-free.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm
This CBD cream for eczema is perfect for those weary about irritants and triggering a flare-up. The product only uses two ingredients: organic shea butter and full-spectrum hemp extract.
There’s no THC in the product, and it’s unscented. This one receives a lot of positive reviews online.
Joy Organics Organic CBD Salve
This CBD salve works for eczema and relieves muscle and joint pain. A broad-spectrum product, you’ll benefit from cannabinoids other than CBD without worrying about THC.
Certified organic, you get 1,000 milligrams of CBD in a single 60-millilitre container.
Hemp Oil for Eczema
CBD for eczema may also be called hemp oil. Hemp and cannabis are the same plant genus, so often, there is no difference between the two.
However, hemp seed oil is a different thing. Hemp seed oil is widely available in Australia and works well as an ingredient in skin cream. But it does not contain enough CBD to be therapeutic.
Finding CBD Eczema Cream in Australia
Australians interested in treating their skin conditions with CBD cream, salves, and lotions have a few options.
First, they can visit a cannabis clinic or a dermatologist to get a prescription for CBD lotion. This is the legal way.
While illegal, sourcing from the black or “green” market is widespread. Australians are buying high-quality products from the black/green market.
You can support your local economy by purchasing a homemade CBD lotion on the green market. Or you can try a commercially-produced product imported from abroad.
A third option involves using CBD oil to make your own lotion or balm. Many people are already making topicals and suppositories, so they can topically and internally treat endometriosis using CBD, so it makes sense it’s helpful for other painful topical conditions.
Make Your Own CBD Lotion for Eczema
If you cannot find the best CBD cream for eczema, you can always try making it yourself.
You’ll have to research a little bit on the differences between creams, lotions, balms, and salves. CBD salve for eczema tends to be activated by body heat and “melt” into the skin.
Whereas lotions tend to be water-based, the fatty acids in cannabis and hemp have trouble binding. So making your own CBD lotion for eczema will require a thickening agent.
There are plenty of do-it-yourself recipes online. These are easy enough to follow, be sure to substitute the “essential oils” ingredient for your CBD oil, and you should be all set.
In Summary
CBD for eczema has some solid scientific backing to it. We have cannabinoid receptors all over our skin, so it makes sense a CBD eczema cream would work effectively.
We hope this article sheds some light on the topic. If you or someone you know is suffering from skin conditions like eczema (or psoriasis), be sure to send them this link.
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