Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Cream for Eczema: What the Research Shows

Atopic dermatitis, better known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of people worldwide, with intense itching, redness and dry skin that can take a real toll on quality of life. Research suggests cannabis may help in two ways: hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids that support the skin barrier and may ease itch and dryness, and cannabinoids like CBD show anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effects in early studies. There are plenty of treatments out there, but many patients look for natural alternatives because of the side effects of conventional therapies.

That's where cannabis has come up as a possible therapeutic option for managing atopic dermatitis. Several studies have found that cannabis's active compounds, known as cannabinoids, have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antipruritic (anti-itch) properties.

So what's the actual link between cannabis and atopic dermatitis? Let's look at how cannabinoids may influence this skin condition and what the science says so far.

Hemp seed oil and skin conditions

Applying oils and emollients like petroleum jelly, beeswax, almond oil, olive oil and synthetic preparations has been shown to help reduce symptoms of psoriasis and dermatitis. These conditions are defined by overly dry skin, so products that moisturize and prevent further irritation are a core part of treatment.

In conditions like eczema and psoriasis, dry skin comes from excessive transepidermal water loss (water escaping through the skin), and ongoing inflammation weakens the skin's ability to act as a barrier that controls diffusion and evaporation.

Hemp seed oil, along with other natural oils, may offer an effective option. It's rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are known to reduce itching and skin inflammation better than moisturizers low in PUFAs. Linoleic acid in particular stands out for its potential benefits, though other PUFAs are being studied too.

Why is hemp oil good for your skin?

Hemp seed oil doesn't just moisturize directly, it also contains compounds that may help correct the underlying imbalance in skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.

Applied to the skin, this cannabis-derived oil is a nutrient-rich source that may improve skin health, help restore its barrier function and calm irritation and inflammation.

Adding hemp seed oil to your skincare routine may help tackle dryness and inflammation, and patients report real relief. This natural, nourishing approach is getting more and more recognition, and it's shaping up as a promising option for skin conditions.

CBD cream for dermatitis: cannabinoids and skin health

Both eczema and psoriasis have been shown to respond well to treatments rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs are widely available from lots of sources, and hemp seed oil is a particularly rich one, usually with a favorable balance of fatty acids.

Cannabinoids, on the other hand, are found almost exclusively in cannabis, and research suggests they can have a meaningful effect on chronic skin conditions. Cannabinoids help regulate inflammation, which appears to be key to their potential against eczema and psoriasis.

The gut, like the skin, is one of the immune system's main physical barriers and is packed with cannabinoid receptors. Research from 2009 indicates that the skin also has its own endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate the production of various hormones and proteins, including cytokines involved in the immune response, plus cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis (cell death).

An imbalance in this endocannabinoid system may be behind chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Developing targeted cannabinoid-based therapies could help manage these conditions.

Cannabis on the skin: what does the research say?

A study published in 2007 found that THC, CBD, CBN, CBG and anandamide showed some ability to inhibit the proliferation of keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis. Since keratinocyte overproduction is involved in psoriasis, these results back further research into cannabinoid-based therapies for the condition.

Cannabinoid receptors have also been found on the tiny nerve fibers that control hair follicles, and keratinocytes have been shown to bind and break down anandamide, the body's most abundant endocannabinoid.

In short, cannabinoids and PUFAs look like important players in managing chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Ongoing research and new therapies built on these compounds could open up new treatment options for people living with them.

CBD for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: a 2019 clinical study

A 2019 clinical trial looked at the therapeutic effect of a CBD cream in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Besides CBD, the cream contained other natural ingredients like chamomile, calendula and lavender, but no THC. In creams, pure or isolate CBD on its own is generally not the go-to: it's usually combined with other natural ingredients for a synergistic effect.

What the study found

The results showed that topical treatment with a CBD-enriched cream significantly improved skin parameters and symptoms. No irritant or allergic reactions were recorded during the treatment period.

Topical CBD ointment without THC came out as a non-invasive, safe and effective option for improving quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially those with an inflammatory component.

Improvements seen

• Skin hydration: Skin hydration levels rose significantly in patients after using the CBD cream.
• Skin elasticity: There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity, another common problem for people with atopic dermatitis.

Bottom line

The study concludes that a CBD cream combined with other natural ingredients may be an effective option for skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. This non-invasive topical treatment improved patients' quality of life without causing adverse reactions, which highlights CBD's potential as a key skincare ingredient. It was a small study, though, so it's worth checking with a dermatologist before swapping out any treatment.