HOW MUCH CBD IS ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN?

Did you know that the skin absorbs CBD? This is how it can be absorbed; how CBD works on the skin, how CBD is absorbed through the skin using topical products, CBD is absorbed through the skin transdermally.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive molecular compound found in the hemp or marijuana plant. Recent studies have shown that CBD can be an effective holistic treatment for various medical conditions. There are a lot of people who are unaware that there are male and female components to the cannabis plant. Hemp is the male version of the cannabis plant, while marijuana is the female version of the plant. Marijuana is the female version of the cannabis plant. The marijuana plant, on the other hand, has a high concentration of THC but only a small amount of CBD.

In contrast, the hemp plant has the opposite ratio: it has a high THC concentration but only a small concentration of CBD. Keep this distinction in mind when deciding which form of CBD will provide you with the greatest advantages. Below is how the skin can absorb CBD;

How CBD Works on the Skin

Without getting too much into the weeds of science, Lowe et al. (2021) commented that the endocannabinoid system is largely responsible for how CBD interacts with the human body (ECS). According to the scientific community's consensus, this system is accountable for responding to external stimuli to keep the body's internal environment in equilibrium (homeostasis).

The ECS is responsible for causing the release of hormones, which regulates many day-to-day activities. Picture the scenario where you stubbed your toe on the edge of the couch. There will be extreme pain but not compared to the pain you would feel if you stepped on a piece of Lego, but you will also notice some slight swelling around your toe. This swelling is caused by the body's endocrine system, attempting to protect the toe while it heals.

Recent times have seen the ECS uncovering by researchers. Because of this, additional research must be conducted before fully comprehending how it operates. However, the experts believe that many receptors disperse throughout the skin, muscles, and nervous system. Klumpers & Thacker (2019) argued that the human body produces chemicals known as endocannabinoids, which react with these receptors to activate or deactivate them. In addition to triggering immune responses, these receptors are responsible for determining appetite, sleep cycles, and moods. However, how does CBD factor into all of this? Cannabinoids, such as CBD, act in a manner that is analogous to that of endogenous cannabinoids. The compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) when using CBD products, which helps maintain the body's equilibrium.

How CBD is absorbed through the Skin using Topical Products

The body absorbs balms containing CBD through the openings of the hair follicles, also known as pores. Cannabinoid receptors are located close by, and once the skin absorbs the molecules, they interact with the receptors. It indicates that they offer to calm relief to the affected region. According to Oláh et al. (2017), the ECS interacts with CBD in a way that may influence our perception of pain and immune responses such as inflammation. Try using topical balms to help reduce the pain and swelling in certain body areas. This indicates that they are ideal for targeting specific areas of discomfort and addressing issues such as period cramps or aches experienced after a workout.

Is it possible for CBD to enter the bloodstream after being absorbed through the skin? In general, most infused balms and creams do not have transdermal properties. Jarocka-Karpowicz et al. (2020) indicated that the skin is responsible for the absorption of CBD molecules, which causes them to travel to the sebaceous glands and cannabinoid receptors in the surrounding area but prevents them from entering the bloodstream. Because of this, an individual will only feel the effects in the affected areas. If you use topical creams containing CBD, do they allow the skin to absorb the compound? Because the skin can absorb them, topical balms containing CBD are an excellent choice for relieving aching muscles and joints. However, if you want to experience the overall benefits of CBD, using a transdermal CBD product is something you should probably think about doing.

CBD is absorbed through the Skin Transdermally

CBD can be absorbed through the skin using products specifically for transdermal delivery. These patches and gels have varying concentrations of CBD and other ingredients that enhance their ability to be absorbed by the skin. These chemicals assist CBD in penetrating the skin's barrier, moving through the deeper layers of the skin, and ultimately entering the bloodstream.

After CBD has entered the bloodstream, it is transported throughout the body, reaching additional receptors as it makes its way to these receptors. Simply put, they function like nicotine patches or birth control patches.

You can target specific areas of the body with patches like you would with a topical balm because you can apply them anywhere on the body. However, because CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream by these products, Choe et al. (2011) commented that an individual could also use them to help reduce stress, support healthy sleeping patterns, and support overall good health and wellness.

CBD is delivered into the bloodstream in a measured and consistent manner by transdermal patches over an extended period. Most patch designs are for wearing for 12 to 18 hours, with some even maintaining their effectiveness for up to 24 hours. You are free to wear them wherever you like on your body, but for optimal results, you should position them on venous areas such as your wrists, ankles, or the tops of your feet.

Conclusion

CBD can be taken in through the skin. CBD in topical creams and balms, such as those used in skincare, are absorbed by the skin through the pores. It affects the vast majority of endocannabinoid receptors in the skin. Because of this, applying CBD-infused balms and skincare products to targeted areas of the skin can bring about the benefits mentioned earlier of CBD. They are perfect for targeting specific skin concerns or soothing sore or aching muscles, and they come in various forms.

On the other hand, the vast majority of CBD-containing topical creams and balms do not absorb sufficiently through the skin, leading to absorption into the bloodstream. Unless they were developed purposefully with the ability to be absorbed through the skin. CBD patches and gels are formulated by manufacturers with permeation enhancers so that absorbing CBD can be easier through the skin. It indicates that CBD molecules can travel through the skin and enter the bloodstream, even penetrating the deeper layers of the skin. Therefore, providing a wide variety of benefits in a variety of forms.

It is entirely up to you and will depend on your requirements and the benefits you are looking for to determine whether you go for a CBD-infused transdermal product or a regular CBD product. It’s strongly suggested to research before purchasing CBD products to be certain you are purchasing precisely what you require. To ensure you have the best experience possible, limit your product purchases to those made by reputable and trustworthy businesses.

References

Choe, E. K., Consolvo, S., Watson, N. F., & Kientz, J. A. (2011, May). Opportunities For Computing Technologies To Support Healthy Sleep Behaviors. In Proceedings Of The SIGCHI Conference On Human Factors In Computing Systems (Pp. 3053-3062).

Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Biernacki, M., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Cannabidiol Effects On Phospholipid Metabolism In Keratinocytes From Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris. Biomolecules, 10(3), 367.

Klumpers, L. E., & Thacker, D. L. (2019). A Brief Background On Cannabis: From Plant To Medical Indications. Journal Of AOAC International, 102(2), 412-420.

Lowe, H., Toyang, N., Steele, B., Bryant, J., & Ngwa, W. (2021). The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target For The Treatment Of Various Diseases. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 22(17), 9472.

Oláh, A., Szekanecz, Z., & Bíró, T. (2017). Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling In The Immune System:“High”-Ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, And Challenges. Frontiers In Immunology, 8, 1487.