Topical cannabis preparations for sunburn – do they work?

In recent years, topical cannabis products have made inroads into the cannabis market, even catching the attention of numerous beauty brands. Cannabis topicals, especially those containing CBD, can be found in many everyday beauty products. With spring and summer right around the corner, this season we’re going to examine whether topical cannabis products work for sunburn.

What do we know about cannabis issues?

Topical cannabis products are any cannabis product that is applied directly to the skin. Often in the form of balms, creams and lotions; However, we are now seeing body oils, sprays, lip balms, bath balms and more.

Topical cannabis preparations bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the skin to provide localized relief. Since the cannabinoids are not absorbed into the bloodstream, even topical products containing THC do not produce an intoxicating effect.

How does the sun affect our skin?

To better understand how cannabis topicals can help relieve sunburn symptoms, let’s first talk about what happens to our skin after sun exposure.

When we expose our skin to the sun, it damages our skin. The sun dries out our skin and weakens cell connections, which can lead not only to sunburn but also to signs of aging such as wrinkles.

What happens when we get sunburned?

The redness we experience results from red blood cells rushing to the skin to repair the damage. However, the damage occurs even when we don’t see any physical symptoms, so sun protection is essential.

When we experience peeling from a sunburn, it results from the weakening of the bonds between cells.

Photo by R+R Medicinals on Unsplash

Cannabis Topics for Sunburn – Do They Work?

There is no direct research yet on the effect of topical cannabis products on sunburns; However, we know a lot about how cannabis topicals affect the skin.

• Cannabis topicals can help reduce inflammation, pain, and itching to soothe damaged skin.
• Cannabis topicals also help attract and lock in moisture.
• They have antioxidant properties that promote healthy skin, reduce the signs of aging and repair damage.
• There is also evidence that cannabis topicals have antibacterial effects, which may help reduce the likelihood of damaged skin becoming infected.

How to use topical cannabis products for sunburn

Apply your favorite cannabis directly to the sunburned area for a soothing effect.

Experts suggest using CBD and THC in combination for best results. Note that since THC does not get absorbed into the bloodstream, it does not induce an intoxicating effect, so you can apply liberally and repeat frequently.

When it comes to topical cannabis products for sunburn, be wary of added ingredients that could cause irritation, especially if the skin is broken. For example, topical products that have ingredients added for warming or cooling effects to help with post-gym sore muscles are probably not a good idea for sunburns. You may even want to avoid products that contain essential oils.

In contrast, some additional ingredients like aloe vera may provide additional benefits for sunburn relief.

More research is needed to fully understand how topical cannabis supplements can help soothe sunburns. However, what we know about cannabis topicals supports their use to treat pain and itching associated with sunburn.