Over the past few years people with all manner of health conditions have been looking into the potential of a CBD. Today CBD is being touted as a powerful elixir capable of helping to relieve everything from seizures and chronic pain to autoimmune conditions and sleep disorders. More recently, it has emerged as a promising treatment for skin care. The past year or so has seen skin-care products infused with CBD cropping up at major beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta. The surging popularity of CBD for skin care begs two important questions. First, what exactly does the compound do for your skin? And second, what skin conditions is it supposed to effectively treat?

Acne Breakouts
Much of the acne people get is from the inflammation triggered by clogged pores. Although research is still highly limited—mostly just animal studies so far—it appears that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the aggressive inflammation that underlie many acne breakouts. A 2014 study also found that CBD may prevent certain skin cells from producing too much oil, another major culprit in acne.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a serious and sometimes even devastating condition that affects over eight million Americans. Sufferers would enthusiastically welcome any new, legitimate treatment for this persistent, frustrating skin condition. Although scientists and physicians still aren’t certain whether CBD could actually be that treatment, preliminary research gives reason for cautious hopefulness. Early studies suggest that the cannabinoid may reduce the production of a specific type of skin cell, keratinocytes, that plays a significant role in the formation and proliferation of psoriasis.

Itchy Skin
Almost everyone has experienced the unique agony of extremely itchy skin. Whether it’s caused by severe sunburn, bug bites, eczema, or another source of skin irritation, itchiness can be annoying, distracting, and even downright painful. Because CBD is believed to have a soothing, pain-relieving effect stemming from its ability to engage the protein receptors in a person’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), it may ease the intense, painful sensation of itchiness.

CBD has exploded onto so many different markets and healthcare niches so quickly that it’s been all but impossible for science to keep pace. As a result, many of its health benefits have yet to be definitively proven in scientific studies with human participants. Nevertheless, CBD does show encouraging potential as a versatile treatment for a broad range of skin conditions. If you want to learn more, contact our office and schedule an appointment. We can help you choose the best products for your unique needs.