Cannabis and the oil produced from it provide many health benefits. The treatment of skin diseases is one of the most important, and several mechanisms of action exist. The main reason is the high content of essential fatty acids of the oil itself, which is enough to nourish the skin and make it look healthier and rejuvenated. Many studies have focused on the skin effects of cannabis oil, compared with the one of other natural oils. The results revealed that it can delay the effects of aging and prevent skin dehydration. It is a potent weapon in the treatment of skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, as well as the very common infection known as acne.
A healthy skin needs a good supply of the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, both found in generous amounts in cannabis oil. These natural fats also boost the production of cells in the skin. The modern diet of an average person usually lacks enough fatty acids, which causes an imbalance. In time, this results in several skin problems that can become dangerous if untreated.
Cannabis oil is very rich in GLA, or gamma-linoleic acid. This is a type of omega-6 that is not as common but provides excellent skin benefits. It is a very effective moisturizing agent that retains water on the skin surface, as well as a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Scientists have failed to agree so far if it is a good idea to include GLA in a normal diet.
Cannabis has the big advantage that it can be applied locally, so it can topically treat skin diseases in a particular zone. It is a minimally invasive procedure and has a very quick action, healing damaged skin before the condition can expand to a wider area.
Even if people associate cannabis with drugs, topical skin application has no effect on the brain at all. There is no risk of getting high from this treatment.
Cannabis oil is considered by some people to be very effective in the treatment of acne, while other scientists claim it has no effect at all. While opinions remain much divided, it is certain that the swelling and redness caused by acne are reduced by the high content of anti-inflammatory compounds in cannabis oil. It also delays the effects of aging and removes various blemishes from the skin, due to the strong antioxidant effect. It can be directly used as a skin serum with powerful cosmetic benefits, such as moisturizing and cleaning the skin. Unlike other natural products, it doesn't block the skin pores. As a result, the risk of developing whiteheads and blackheads is reduced and acne will not become more serious.
The effects of cannabis oil have been known for a long time and multiple research studies and clinical trials have validated them. It can fight the redness and annoying itching sensation caused by eczema, which are widely considered to be the worst symptoms of the condition. Compared to olive oil, which is commonly used to alleviate eczema, the one produced from cannabis is stronger and acts quicker. Many of the drugs sold in pharmacies as a cure for eczema can actually make the condition worse, due to the content of various chemical additives and excipients that irritate the skin. Eczema is aggravated by many other toxic compounds, such as artificial scents or the preservatives and additives found in processed foods. By contrast, cannabis oil is completely natural and can be taken in several ways. Topical application is the most common and can be continued until eczema disappears. Ingesting 2 tablespoons of oil every day for 2 or more months also treats the disease.
The active ingredients of marijuana are collectively known as cannabinoids. The main bioactive compound is THC, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect when applied on the skin. Evidence provided by the United Patients Group proves that inflammation is usually triggered by environmental toxins.
Several compounds from the cannabinoids group are actually produced inside the human body. These endocannabinoids serve as messengers and play a key role in fighting inflammation and other conditions with an autoimmune cause.
Cannabis oil is very effective in the treatment of psoriasis, repairing the areas with damaged skin and alleviating all of the symptoms of this condition. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, it reduces the expansion of the red patches and cures itchiness. People who suffer from this disease can regularly apply cannabis oil in order to reduce the intensity of outbreaks. It can also keep the skin moisturized during sun exposure if mixed with normal sunscreen, while also preventing the flakes caused by dry skin.
Cannabis is known for the ability to slow down cellular growth, which can be desirable in some cases. People affected by psoriasis also experience the rapid development of a type of cells named keratinocytes. Marijuana can prevent the maturity of these cells, as revealed by several studies.
When keratinocytes grow out of control, they can trigger several conditions that cannabis oil helps prevent. Marijuana also speeds up recovery after wounds caused by such diseases.
The oral administration of medicinal cannabis has been the focus of most studies. However, evidence from many people who have applied cannabis oil topically seems to indicate that skin diseases can be treated more effectively in this way, by limiting the rate of cell growth.
Cannabis balances the response of the immune system, which can be useful in the control of allergic reactions. Inflammation is commonly caused by the body's natural defence mechanisms. Eczema and many other skin problems are actually started by inflammation.
The oil regulates immune reactions and prevents unnecessary strong responses. As a result, skin inflammation is greatly reduced and the risk of developing skin conditions remains low.
The same mechanism is valid in the case of auto-immune responses. According to studies, cannabinoids have a broad effect that controls immune cell population.
