How to Combat Dry Skin with CBD

Maintaining healthy skin and preventing complications is essential in a society obsessed with beauty. Adopting good habits and using the right products is key to keeping our skin cared for and hydrated.

Dry Skin: What Is It?

Dry skin is a particular type of skin with symptoms of tightness on the face and body, mainly caused by an abnormality in the skin barrier. It is characterized by its thin, rough appearance and may show redness.

Characteristics of dry skin

Dry skin, called xerosis, is characterized by a lack of water and lipids in the epidermis. It can be genetic or caused by external factors. The loss of balance between water and lipids causes symptoms such as tightness, itching, flaking, and redness. In dry skin, the peeling process degrades the skin, resulting in a rough, dull, and dry texture.

What factors cause dry skin? How can we prevent it?

Dry skin can be innate or caused by external factors. These include:

• Genetic factors (innate condition).
• Dry environments due to air conditioning or heating.
• Cold and dry climates.
• Long baths or frequent exfoliations.
• Use of abrasive soaps and detergents.
• Medical treatments such as dialysis or certain medications.
• Skin aging.

To prevent symptoms, it’s important to maintain a skincare routine with moisturizing products and CBD oils, as well as manage these factors.

Possible consequences of this skin

Dry skin, if not properly controlled, can lead to:

• Atopic dermatitis: It causes eczema, rashes, and cracking of the skin, especially in people who are prone to it.
• Infections: Cracks and fissures can allow bacteria and microorganisms to enter, increasing the risk of infections.
• Premature aging: A lack of water and lipids can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles, reducing the skin’s firmness and collagen.
• Peeling and dull appearance: Dry skin is characterized by looking rough, dull and dull due to alterations in the flaking process.

How to take care of dry skin?

To take care of dry skin, a series of steps that must be carried out daily are essential:

• Use gentle cleansers with moisturizing properties and avoid products with alcohol, fragrances or other irritants.
• Use a gentle, alcohol-free astringent toner with soothing and emollient active ingredients.
• Moisturise the skin with products containing humectants such as urea or hyaluronic acid, as well as emollients such as oils and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
• Avoid products with alcohol and opt for fluid foundations instead of compact ones.
• Protect skin from the sun with a high SPF sunscreen.
• Perform a gentle exfoliation once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and improve the appearance of the skin.
• Stay well hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water a day and follow a balanced diet to strengthen the skin barrier.

Benefits of CBD on dry skin

CBD is beneficial for treating dry skin due to several reasons:

• CBD-rich hemp seed oil contains nutrients such as omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E, and antioxidants that restore the skin’s hydrolipidic mantle. This helps to maintain moisture, strengthening the skin barrier and preventing water loss.
• CBD regulates cell turnover and prevents the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This results in brighter, healthier skin.
• CBD soothes itching and reduces inflammation and redness in dry skin, providing relief and well-being to the patient. This is achieved through interaction with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

What CBD products can I use?

CBD oil contains repairing and nourishing ingredients, such as flavonoids, vitamins, fatty acids, and essential amino acids. It restores hydration and nutrition to the skin, strengthens the skin barrier and prevents water loss. It can be applied 2-3 times a week by circular massages on the face.

Bibliography and Digital Sources

• Simons, J.V. (1999). “Cosmetics, Formulation, Preparation and Application”. London, England: AMV EDICIONES.
• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). “Dry Skin: Symptoms and Causes.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885
• MedlinePlus. (n.d.). “Dry skin”. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000751.htm
• Mounessa, Jessica S. et al. “The role of cannabinoids in dermatology”. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 77, Number 1, 188–190.
• Tóth KF, Ádám D, Bíró T, Oláh A. “Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System”. Molecules. 2019; 24(5):918. doi:10.3390/molecules24050918
• Casares L, García V, Garrido-Rodríguez M, et al. “Cannabidiol induces antioxidant pathways in keratinocytes by targeting BACH1”. Redox Biol. 2020;28:101321. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2019.101321
• Wilkinson JD, Williamson EM. “Cannabinoids inhibit human keratinocyte proliferation through a non-CB1/CB2 mechanism and have a potential therapeutic value in the treatment of psoriasis”. J Dermatol Sci. 2007 Feb; 45(2):87-92. DOI: 10.1016/J.JDERMSCI.2006.10.009. Epub 2006 Dec 6. PMID: 17157480.
• Avila C, Massick S, Kaffenberger BH, Kwatra SG, Bechtel M. “Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Chronic Pruritus: A Review”. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2020). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.01.036.