Dry skin is one of the most common skin conditions that exists. Scaly, itchy, and often cracking skin are all characteristics of dry skin and it can be experienced on any part of the body. Although most commonly dry skin affects the hands, feet, arms, and legs. If you’ve ever suffered from dry, itchy skin, you know just how uncomfortable it can actually be. This raises the question, Can CBD topicals help with dry skin?
Before we get into exactly how CBD works for dry, itchy skin, let’s take a deeper look at dry skin itself, and what can cause it.
Dry skin is caused by a loss of moisture in the upper layer of the skin, and a number of things can actually lead to dry skin. It can affect people of all ages, lifestyles, and careers, but below we are going to go over the most common causes of dry skin.
Climate: Dry climates will automatically cause the skin to dry out. Live in the desert or mountains? Your skin is likely going to be much drier than someone who lives in a humid climate, such as states in the southeast US.
Season: Dry skin is more common in the fall and winter months when humidity levels are lower. This can lead to dry skin during these months, while spring and summer tend to be more humid, thus less drying.
Age: As we get older, our skin begins to dry out. This is due to a few different factors. For one, we lose natural oil production as we age, which causes skin to dry out. Sun damage, decreased cell renewal, and changing hormones can all also contribute to dry skin when we get older. After the age of 40, dermatologists typically recommend the use of a daily moisturizer, with a SPF.
Skin Conditions: There are certain skin conditions that can cause dry skin, as well. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is one. Children who experience eczema often develop dry skin as adults. Psoriasis is another condition that can cause dry skin.
Occupation: There are some occupations that can contribute to dry skin. People who immerse their hands in water throughout the day (think nurses, hair stylists, service industry professionals, etc.) tend to develop dry skin that can become raw and cracked.
Frequent Bathing or Washing Hands: Some people bathe and wash their hands more than others. Frequent bathing and hand washing in hot water is another factor that can lead to dry skin.
Not drinking enough water: Believe it or not, but another contribution to dry skin, is not drinking enough water, and hydrating your body.
How Can CBD Help with Dry, Itchy Skin?
While there are several factors that can lead to dry skin, how much oil our skin produces has a significant effect on just how dry our skin actually becomes. The less oil our skin produces, the drier it’s going to be. In a 2014 study, it was discovered that CBD actually has a positive effect on the regulation of oil production of our skin. The study looked at the effects of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid on the sebaceous glands, which control the oil production of the skin. It found that CBD “behaves as a highly effective sebostatic agent.” Think of it like this; sebaceous glands that produce too much oil can lead to the formation of skin conditions like acne. Sebaceous glands that don’t produce enough oil can lead to dry skin and conditions such as eczema.
So could using a topical CBD cream or ointment help relieve dry skin? You bet it could. Be sure to click the link below to shop all of our topical products.
Read our previous blog: 15 Historical Facts About Hemp, Not Related to CBD here.
