10 Benefits from CBD Topical Skincare
Understanding the Benefits of CBD Topicals
CBD topicals, available in various forms such as lotions, oils, balms, serums, patches, and salves, are designed to penetrate the skin and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating mood, appetite, pain, and more, and it’s notable that receptors from this system are also present in the skin.

Below are ten key benefits of using CBD topicals:
Noninvasive Application
CBD topicals offer a noninvasive way to experience the benefits of cannabidiol without the need for smoking, vaping, or ingesting products, which could potentially contain harmful additives.
High Bioavailability and Rapid Effects
One of the main advantages of CBD topicals is their high bioavailability, meaning a greater amount of CBD reaches your system compared to oral consumption. This allows for quicker relief from pain or inflammation.
Ease of Use
Topical CBD products are straightforward to apply and can quickly alleviate symptoms such as pain and inflammation, making them a convenient option for many users.
Skin Conditions
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CBD topicals may reduce inflammation in various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. A retrospective study involving 20 patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis found that CBD ointment provided a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improving the quality of life in individuals with inflammatory skin diseases. Additionally, topical CBD has been shown to alleviate itch severity in atopic dermatitis patients, which also improved their sleep quality.
Anti-Aging Properties
The antioxidant properties of CBD help to neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and accelerate collagen breakdown, making CBD a potential ally in anti-aging skincare.
Relief for Everyday Aches and Pains
A study on rats demonstrated that the topical application of CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, suggesting its potential for relieving arthritis pain without noticeable side effects. Additionally, transdermal CBD administration offers good absorption, bypassing the liver metabolism that occurs with orally consumed CBD.
Managing Neuropathic Pain
A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of topically applied CBD oil for neuropathic pain found that transdermal application significantly improved pain and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and was well-tolerated by participants.
Hair Regrowth
Early research, primarily in men, indicates that applying CBD oil topically might promote hair regrowth.
Muscle Pain Relief
In a study involving patients with myofascial pain, the application of CBD topically over the masseter muscle for two weeks improved the condition of the masticatory muscles.
Overall, CBD topicals are a noninvasive and convenient option with high bioavailability and faster effects compared to oral CBD. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD make it a promising solution for inflammatory skin diseases, joint pain, and anti-aging. Additional benefits of topical CBD may include promoting hair growth, relieving peripheral nerve pain, and alleviating muscle pain. Continued research is ongoing to further explore and confirm these benefits.
References:
- Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942.
- The CBD Magazine Team. A guide to CBD topicals: CBD topical benefits and how do they work. The CBD Magazine. https://thecbdmagazine.com/cbd-blog/a-guide-to-cbd-topicals/. Published May 14, 2021. Accessed October 31, 2021.
- Davis M. Benefits of using CBD topicals. Nature's Arc Organics. https://naturesarcorganics.com/blog/benefits-of-using-cbd-topicals/. Published June 8, 2021. Accessed October 29, 2021.
- Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-948.
- Nitecka-Buchta A, Nowak-Wachol A, Wachol K, et al. Myorelaxant Effect of Transdermal Cannabidiol Application in Patients with TMD: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial. J Clin Med. 2019;8(11):1886.
- Palmieri B, Laurino C, Vadalà M. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. Clin Ter. 2019;170(2):e93-e99.
- Smith G, Satino J. Hair regrowth with cannabidiol (cbd)-rich hemp extract – a case series. Cannabis. 2021;4(1):53-59.
- Xu DH, Cullen BD, Tang M, Fang Y. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2020;21(5):390-402.
