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Psoriasis is a skin condition where the skin appears flaky with a silvery covering on top. These areas can become itchy and sore. People may apply lotion to the area to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Many manufacturers now include cannabidiol (CBD) in creams and lotions. The benefits of CBD, alongside other ingredients, may benefit people experiencing psoriasis.
Read on to learn more about CBD and how it may help with psoriasis. This article also includes a list of potential CBD products that may alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, as well as alternative treatments.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
Hemp and cannabis are both types of Cannabis sativa plant. They both contain CBD and many other cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC produces the ‘high’ that people typically associate with cannabis. CBD alone will not cause a person to feel high.
Some CBD products contain small amounts of THC. Federal law states that THC content must not be higher than 0.3%. Other products may choose to isolate the CBD, meaning it will contain no THC.
In general, the hemp plant contains more CBD, and the cannabis plant usually contains more THC.
Click here to read more about the differences between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD.
Some research suggests that products that contain CBD may benefit people living with psoriasis.
A 2019 study looked at the effect of CBD-enriched ointment that did not contain THC in people with skin conditions, such as psoriasis. The researcher’s concluded that the product led to an improvement in the skin.
A 2019 review also suggests that CBD certain cannabinoids may possess therapeutic potential.
Some experts believe that CBD can treat skin conditions because it has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
In rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction to topical CBD products.
If a person starts using CBD products and notices unusual symptoms with no links to their psoriasis, such as swelling, they should stop using the product and seek emergency medical help.
Research into the effects of CBD in humans and on psoriasis is still relatively new. This means there may be potential long-term side effects that researchers do not yet know about.
People with psoriasis may find topical treatments, such as lotions, serums, and ointments, useful. Applying these products on the affected skin may provide symptom relief.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging to determine how often to use the product, how much to use, and whether to rub it in or leave it to absorb on the skin,
Due to the variety of products available, some people may find it overwhelming to decide which ones to use. Here are a few tips:
Always check that the products have undergone 3rd-party lab-testing, are from a reputable source, and what type of CBD they contain. These include:
Full-spectrum CBD: This means the product contains all the cannabinoids within the C. sativa plant, including THC.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: When manufacturers describe their products as containing broad-spectrum CBD, this means it typically contains all cannabinoids except THC. However, some products may contain trace quantities of THC.
CBD isolate: A product that lists itself as containing CBD isolate contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids
This section lists some products that are of high quality and may help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products and that all information is purely research-based.
Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum
The Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum uses full-spectrum hemp extract.
In a blind study with 100 consumers, the manufacturers claim that 100% of clients said there was an improvement in dry skin, while 99% reported reduced irritation.
The product also contains jojoba oil, which helps with the absorption of the serum and has anti-inflammatory properties.
It is vegan and gluten-free.
Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum is available for purchase here.
Vertly Relief Lotion
This product contains an infusion of full-spectrum CBD.
It contains an array of natural ingredients, including:
- Aloe vera: A 2019 systematic review suggests that aloe vera may relieve symptoms of psoriasis effectively.
- Lavender oil: A 2018 review of lavender oil highlights many benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Arnica flower: Arnica flower has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
This product is suitable for vegans
Vertly Relief Lotion is available for purchase here.
Calm by Wellness Hemp CBD Lavender Lotion
The manufacturers of this product claim that each bottle contains 200 milligrams (mg) of broad-spectrum hemp CBD.
It also contains moisturizing ingredients such as aloe leaf juice and coconut oil. Coconut oil is an effective moisturizer, and while it does not directly reduce the extent of psoriasis, it may soothe the accompanying dryness.
A 2017 study also suggests that lavender oil may be beneficial for treating psoriasis.
Calm by Wellness hemp CBD lavender lotion is available for purchase here.
If a person does not want to try CBD products on their skin, there are several alternatives to help with psoriasis.
Some examples of home treatments include
- Omega 3: A 2015 review highlights that Omega 3 may help to prevent psoriasis flare-ups. Although fish oils contain omega-3, a 2019 review suggests that evidence does not support the use of fish oil for psoriasis.
- Aloe vera gel: A 2016 study suggests that aloe vera gel may reduce the discoloration and scaling associated with psoriasis.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This means might help with psoriasis.
Click here to read more about home remedies for psoriasis.
If home remedies are not working, a doctor may recommend corticosteroids. These are steroid drugs that help to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Psoriasis is a condition where the skin develops dry, scaly patches. It may cause itching and soreness.
To alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, a person may consider using a CBD product. CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.
A person may also want to try natural home remedies, such as increasing their intake of omega 3, consuming turmeric, and applying aloe vera gel on the affected area.