Can Oral CBD Oil Be Used Topically for Skin Health?

Written by: Daniel Fayad, Subject Matter Expert and Website President
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

Can oral CBD oil be used topically? To some extent, yes. Before repurposing your ingestible CBD oil for skin health, though, understanding its effectiveness and the considerations involved is essential. This article aims to unwrap those layers, offering guidance without the fluff.

Key Takeaways

• Oral CBD oil, typically intended for ingestion, can be applied topically but may not offer the same targeted relief as products explicitly designed for topical application.

• Using oral CBD oil on the skin can carry potential risks, such as adverse drug interactions and side effects; consulting healthcare professionals before topical use is advised.

• Proper skin preparation and correct application techniques are essential to benefit from the topical application of oral CBD oil potentially, and a patch test is recommended.

Understanding Oral CBD Oil

CBD oil is more than just a health trend. This versatile product, made from a blend of hemp extract and a carrier oil like MCT oil, can be consumed orally for various health benefits. But the question remains: can oral CBD oil be used topically for skin health? With the growing popularity of CBD oils, it’s worth exploring this possibility. ¹

To resolve this, let’s familiarize ourselves with the potential benefits of oral CBD products.

Types of Oral CBD Products

Varieties of hemp-derived CBD products in the form of oral CBD products abound, including:

• Oils

• Tinctures

• Capsules

• Edibles like gummies

Each product offers a unique method of consumption and its own set of benefits. Take CBD tinctures, for example. These are designed for oral consumption to deliver CBD into the bloodstream.

Alternatively, CBD capsules are beneficial in easing chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. But how do these products stack up against topical CBD products?

Benefits of Oral CBD Consumption

Oral CBD oil has been lauded for its potential health benefits, including:

• Pain relief

• Improved sleep quality

• Anxiety and depression reduction

• Seizure management

Research even suggests that oral CBD consumption may offer these benefits.

But how do these potential benefits measure up to topical CBD application?

The World of Topical CBD

Let’s investigate the variety of topical CBD products and their benefits.

Types of Topical CBD Products

Topical CBD products come in various forms, including creams, lotions, balms, and CBD lotions, also known as CBD topicals. One such product is CBD lip balm, formulated for specific skin concerns. CBD topical addresses various health concerns, including eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, inflammation, joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin conditions. ²

But what happens when the use of these products is compared to the topical application of oral CBD oil?

Benefits of Topical CBD Application

Topical CBD offers unique benefits, from soothing skin irritation to reducing inflammation and promoting muscle recovery. ²

But what could be the outcome if we attempt to use oral CBD oil comparably?

Can Oral CBD Oil Be Used Topically?

Oral CBD oil, while primarily designed for ingestion, can be used topically. However, it may not provide the same level of effectiveness as products specifically designed for topical use.

This leads us to ask: What is the effectiveness of oral CBD oil when used topically, and what precautions should one consider?

Effectiveness of Oral CBD Oil on Skin

While oral CBD oil may provide some benefits when applied topically, it may not offer the same targeted relief for specific skin conditions as its topical counterparts. Preclinical evidence and pharmacokinetic studies suggest that topical application of CBD may be practical for certain skin disorders, with similar oral absorption rates for both THC and CBD, offering potential benefits through topical use.

But is it appropriate to apply our oral CBD oil carelessly?

Precautions and Considerations

Before you reach for your bottle of oral CBD oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Using oral CBD oil topically can come with potential risks, including:

• Adverse drug interactions

• Side effects like dry mouth, low blood pressure, light-headedness, and drowsiness

• Reactions to terpenes present in the oil when applied topically

It’s essential to be aware of these risks and consult with a healthcare professional before using oral CBD oil topically.

But what’s the safest and most effective way to use oral CBD oil topically?

How to Use Oral CBD Oil Topically

If you’re considering using oral CBD oil topically, preparing your skin properly and applying it correctly is essential.

Let’s examine the methods to achieve this.

Preparing the Skin

Before applying oral CBD oil to your skin, ensure the area is clean and dry. This can be done by washing the area with a suitable cleanser. Skin preparation should also be tailored to specific skin types.

For instance, dry skin may benefit from exfoliation, oily skin may require lightweight moisturizers before applying CBD oil, and sensitive skin may need gentle products.

Application Techniques

When applying oral CBD oil to the skin, the general advice is to gently massage the oil into the skin, ensuring it is not wiped off after application to facilitate complete absorption. Conducting a patch test by applying a small amount of the oil to a small skin area and monitoring for any allergic reactions for 24 hours is essential.

Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Needs, Topical or Oral?

With a better understanding of oral and topical CBD, you’re now equipped to decide which CBD product is right for you.

Let’s select the most suitable product for your distinct needs and preferences.

Topical vs. Oral CBD: Which is Better for You?

When deciding between topical and oral CBD, consider your desired effects, method of consumption, and personal preferences. Topical CBD may provide a higher perceived potency for targeted areas due to its localized effects, while oral CBD has broader effects as it is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CBD oil be absorbed through the skin?

Yes, CBD oil can be absorbed through the skin as it penetrates it to access the cells and tissue beneath, interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Is topical or oral CBD more effective?

Topical CBD is generally considered more effective than oral CBD when targeting localized pain or skin issues. Use topical CBD for targeted relief, especially for skin conditions or muscle soreness.

Can oral CBD help skin?

Yes, there is evidence suggesting that oral CBD oil may benefit skin health and help with various skin conditions. CBD can be found in beauty products or taken orally.

References

Flores, V. A., Kisiolek, J. N., Ramani, A., Townsend, R., Rodriguez, E., Butler, B., & Stewart, L. K. (2023). Effects of Oral Cannabidiol on Health and Fitness in Healthy Adults: An 8-Week Randomized Trial. Nutrients, 15(12), 2664. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122664

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, 927–942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411

Written by Daniel Fayad - Subject Matter Expert and Website President

Dan Fayad is a results-driven healthcare administration expert and content writer. With a Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern California, he’s carved a niche for himself in the dynamic world of healthcare and business development. Dan uses his experience to educate and empower people on their wellness journeys.