HOW LONG DOES CBD TAKE TO WORK ON SKIN?

CBD products are becoming popular worldwide due to their ability to treat different conditions and diseases. CBD products can either be ingested or applied to the skin. CBD applied to the skin may take different times to work. This article will discuss factors that affect how long CBD takes to work on your skin.

CBD is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. CBD is extracted using an expensive method that involves subjecting CO2 to high temperatures and pressure. For this reason, CBD products are expensive. Unlike the other major compound from the same plant, THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It can either be ingested or applied to the skin. Jastrząb et al.  (2021) reported that CBD contains various properties such as antioxidants that treat chronic skin conditions. CBD products for skin come in many forms, such as balms, creams, and lotions. These products are generally referred to as topicals. They are applied directly to the skin for different purposes such as calming the skin and treating skin conditions.

How long does CBD take to work on skin?

It is quite difficult to tell how long CBD takes to work on the skin. The following factors may affect how long CBD takes to work on the skin

Skin Type

Every person's skin is different and unique. Some people have highly sensitive skin, while others are less sensitive. People with more sensitive skin may notice CBD effects much earlier. Others with less sensitive skin might take longer to notice the effects.

Amount of CBD Applied

According to Baswan et al.  (2020), some topicals have a higher concentrated CBD than others. Those that are highly concentrated tend to work faster than those with a lesser concentration. If you are treating a serious skin condition, go for topicals that contain more CBD. Consistency may also affect how long the topicals work on your skin. Ensure you do not skip your dose. You can also choose a specific time of the day when to apply the topical and make sure you stick to that given time.

The Condition Being Treated

Lequang (2020) suggested that CBD is applied to the skin for various reasons, such as treating skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, soothing skin, or hydrating the skin. CBD might take longer to treat skin disease. One requires to apply the topicals more often and for a longer period. If you intend to minimize dryness, the effects might be felt sooner.

The state of the skin

Cream (2020) discovered that CBD applied to wet skin will work faster than on dry skin. CBD is absorbed faster on wet skin. Therefore, it is advisable to apply CBD after a shower when the skin is not very dry.

Type of Oil Applied

CBD-infused topicals are of three types. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. Full-spectrum products are made of all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum products contain major compounds from the hemp plant apart from THC. CBD isolates products are purely CBD. They do not contain other compounds. Experts argue that hemp compounds work well when combined. The two most effective compounds are THC and CBD. Topicals containing these two compounds can work faster than those with only one compound. Products made of CBD isolates may take longer to show the intended results.

Frequency of Use

According to Giacoppo et al. (2015) using CBD topicals frequently results in the effects being seen faster, unlike using the topicals occasionally. If you intend to treat a serious skin condition, apply the oil more frequently, making the receptors in your skin more receptive to CBD.

Ingredients Used

Some CBD topicals have additional ingredients that help the CBD to penetrate faster and deeper into the skin. However, not all products contain these additional ingredients. To be sure, check the ingredient list while buying your product.

How Long Do CBD Effects Last on Your Skin? 

Casares et al. (2020) noted that the amount of time you will feel CBD effects on your skin depends on several factors. The effects should remain in your skin for 2-5 days. These effects remain longer on the skin since it is absorbed slowly compared to ingested CBD. If the effects disappear in less than two days, be sure to check the dosage and the quality of oil you are using. However, you should be patient to find out any changes in your skin. If you use a large quantity of CBD, the effects might last longer in your skin.

How to pick the Best Topicals

As CBD products continue becoming popular, it might not be easy to differentiate between genuine and fake products. Luckily, the criteria below will help you pick the most effective topicals.

Extraction Method

The best quality CBD is extracted using CO2. This method is a bit expensive since it uses expensive equipment. However, products made from pure CBD are of good quality and more effective. There are other methods of extracting CBD that produces low-quality CBD. When buying any CBD product, check the method of extraction.

Hemp Source

Even though CBD topicals are not ingested, it is good to use topicals from American-grown hemp. American hemp is cultivated using the organic method. It is free from inorganic pesticides and fertilizers.

Type of Oil

CBD products are of three types. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. Full-spectrum oil contains all the compounds from the hemp plant, including the famous THC. CBD isolates contain CBD only, while the broad spectrum contains all the other compounds found in hemp apart from THC. Products containing both THC and CBD can be more effective in treating your skin. I would advise you to buy full-spectrum oil.

Conclusion

When it comes to CBD products for the skin, different factors may affect the duration they take to work. The major factor is the quality of the topical. If the CBD oil you are using in your skin is highly concentrated, the effects will be felt faster. Apply CBD on wet skin to facilitate absorption. If you are treating serious skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema using topical, apply them more frequently? Some topicals contain additional ingredients that facilitate the absorption of CBD into the skin. If your skin is less sensitive, buy such for quicker results.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927.

Casares, L., García, V., Garrido-Rodríguez, M., Millán, E., Collado, J. A., García-Martín, A., ... & Muñoz, E. (2020). Cannabidiol induces antioxidant pathways in keratinocytes by targeting BACH1. Redox biology, 28, 101321.

Cream, C. L. F. (2020). Where Nature & Science Meet Skincare, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness. Aging, 22.

Giacoppo, S., Galuppo, M., Pollastro, F., Grassi, G., Bramanti, P., & Mazzon, E. (2015). A new formulation of cannabidiol in cream shows therapeutic effects in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. DARU Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 23(1), 1-17.

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol contributes to the decreased lipid peroxidation of keratinocytes of rat skin exposed to UV radiation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021.

Lequang, J. A. (2020). Updates in Psoriasis Management: Based on selected presentations from Maui Derm 2020, January 25–29, 2020, Maui, Hawaii. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(7 Suppl 1), S7.