Compare the Best CBD Oil for Rosacea in 2022

How CBD May Help With Rosacea

Cannabidiol or CBD is a phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid) from the Cannabis sativa plant that may help reduce skin inflammation⁽¹⁾. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help manage pain, itchiness, and inflammation⁽²⁾.

The ECS, composed of cannabinoid receptors and complex enzymes, is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance of the skin⁽³⁾. 

Cannabinoid receptors, such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors, are present on the immune system, central and peripheral nervous systems, and skin⁽⁴⁾.

One study showed that cytokines may upregulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors in inflammatory conditions⁽⁵⁾. Upregulation is the increase in a cell’s response to a signal to perform specific functions.

Cytokines are proteins involved in the body’s acute and chronic inflammatory responses⁽⁶⁾.

Cannabinoids help regulate the immune system by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, interfering with cytokine production, and suppressing inflammatory responses⁽⁷⁾. 

Another study mentioned that CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory properties may help individuals with skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema)⁽⁸⁾. The study also suggested that CBD may not cause allergic reactions and irritation.

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Rosacea

A study was conducted in 2019 on the therapeutic benefits of CBD-enriched ointments on inflammatory skin diseases⁽⁹⁾.

The results suggested that topical CBD ointments without tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may help improve the quality of life of individuals with inflammatory skin disorders.

THC is a cannabinoid typically extracted from the derivative of cannabis plants known as marijuana. THC has psychoactive effects⁽¹⁰⁾.

CBD administered topically is often the preferred method for targeted relief of skin conditions. CBD topicals have fast onset times and may quickly relieve itching and reduce inflammation⁽¹¹⁾.

CBD Dosage for Rosacea

Currently, there is no standard CBD dosage endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for rosacea. More clinical studies are needed to determine CBD’s optimal dosage to help with rosacea and other skin issues.

In one study, a CBD dose of 25 milligrams (mg) up to 175mg per day administered in capsule form may be well tolerated among humans. Researchers reported minimal side effects such as dosing-related fatigue⁽¹²⁾.

Another study suggested that humans may tolerate high CBD doses of up to 1,500mg per day⁽¹³⁾.

Additionally, exercise, diet, daily stress, sleeping habits, and genetics may also influence the dosage appropriate for an individual⁽¹⁴⁾.

How to Take CBD Oil for Rosacea

CBD products come in various forms and administration methods to cater to different preferences and dosage needs. Common CBD products include CBD topicals, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and vapes.

CBD topicals are applied to the skin for pain relief and may help reduce inflammation, itching, muscle tightness, and sunburn. Topicals are usually not absorbed into the bloodstream⁽¹⁵⁾.

Examples of topicals include CBD skincare products like CBD creams, ointments, lotions, and salves.

CBD oil tinctures are typically administered sublingually or under the tongue using a dropper or oromucosal spray. Sublingual administration allows CBD oil to bypass the digestive tract and directly enter the bloodstream.

Tinctures are usually mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or hempseed oil to dilute the CBD concentrate. Manufacturers may also add flavors such as peppermint to cater to the customers’ tastes.

Hempseed oil, which is sourced from hemp seeds, usually does not have CBD content. Hempseed oil also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which may provide some health benefits⁽¹⁶⁾.

CBD edibles and capsules are administered through oral ingestion. This route allows CBD to pass through the digestive tract and metabolize in the liver. Some edibles include gummies, chews, and candies.

Vapes deliver CBD oil into the body by inhalation. CBD goes directly into the lungs and then into the bloodstream after being inhaled. Vaping may be considered the fastest delivery method to get CBD into the body⁽¹⁷⁾.

When considering vaping as a method to administer CBD, you are advised to exercise caution since vaping can cause potential health risks due to lung disease⁽¹⁸⁾.

Initiate a conversation with a dermatology expert or health care professional before purchasing and using CBD for managing the symptoms of rosacea or other skin conditions.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Rosacea?

To date, there is no specific study that determines the time it takes for CBD to work for rosacea. 

Factors such as administration routes and type of CBD products may affect onset times. Aside from CBD’s onset time, the severity of a medical condition can affect an individual’s choice of therapy.

CBD administered through a topical, transdermal, or sublingual route usually takes effect in about 15 to 30 minutes. When CBD is ingested, the onset time is between 30 and 90 minutes⁽¹⁹⁾.

If CBD is administered by inhalation, it may start taking effect in about 2 to 15 minutes⁽²⁰⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Rosacea?

There is not enough clinical data at present to conclusively determine the time for CBD’s effects on rosacea to last.

Some CBD products like edibles or capsules may remain effective six to eight hours after onset. Topicals and sublingual products may have a duration of two to four hours. Meanwhile, vapes and other inhalation-based CBD products may also last two to four hours⁽²¹⁾.

One study in 2018 stated that administering CBD doses of 5mg to 20mg using CBD oromucosal sprays may have a half-life of 1.4 hours to 10.9 hours⁽²²⁾. Half-life is the time required for a drug to reduce its concentration or quantity in the body by 50%.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Rosacea

CBD may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, coordination issues, fatigue, and diarrhea⁽²³⁾.

CBD products may contain a grapefruit warning on their labels. This warning indicates that CBD may interfere with the effects of other drugs and prevent them from metabolizing or being broken down properly and getting absorbed by the body.

The grapefruit warning is named after the grapefruit juice, whose effects interfere with the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes in the intestines. These enzymes are vital for drug metabolization⁽²⁴⁾.

When drugs remain unmetabolized, they remain in the system longer. Too much medicine in the body can cause more side effects.

Some medications affected by CBD’s grapefruit-like effects include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and pain medications⁽²⁵⁾.

Tips on Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Rosacea

In determining the best CBD oil for rosacea, you need to consider several factors such as CBD extraction method, forms of CBD, laboratory analysis, and the individual’s personal preferences.

Before CBD oil is used as a consumable product, it is extracted from the cannabis plant using carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol, or hydrocarbon extraction methods.

The CBD extract is then classified as either an isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum CBD product.

CBD isolates are made of pure CBD only. They do not contain other compounds or cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum CBD oil products typically contain all the compounds and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that provide plants with their distinct odor, while flavonoids have antioxidant properties.

Combining these compounds may enhance the effects of cannabinoids and other compounds in a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect⁽²⁶⁾.”

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum CBD oil, except that it does not contain THC, unlike full-spectrum products.

You may consider isolates or broad-spectrum products as viable alternatives if you prefer cannabis products that do not have the psychoactive effects of THC.

Reputable CBD companies usually provide a certificate of analysis (COA) with their CBD products. COAs show the product’s actual CBD content so you can compare it with the product label and check if they match.

COAs also reveal whether a product contains contaminants, like heavy metals, solvents, or pesticides that may cause health risks to consumers.

CBD brands usually post the COAs on their website and keep them updated to ensure that the CBD products you purchase are regularly tested.

In choosing high-quality CBD products to help with your skincare routine and wellness, you may consider products with specific formulations to help manage skin conditions.

For example, some CBD topicals like face creams may be formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera. Aloe is known to help with skin hydration and manage dry skin⁽²⁷⁾.

If you are interested in purchasing and using CBD, check the laws in your state to determine whether CBD or medical cannabis is legal in your area.

Legality of CBD

The Farm Bill passed in 2018 removed hemp-based CBD products from the list of controlled substances of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

However, according to federal laws, marijuana-based CBD products with THC levels higher than 0.3% are illegal⁽²⁸⁾.

To date, the only FDA-approved CBD medication is Epidiolex. This drug is used primarily for treating epileptic seizures⁽²⁹⁾.

Consumers are advised to review their state’s laws and check a product’s CBD and THC content to determine whether CBD is legal in their area.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting facial skin⁽³⁰⁾. It is a skin condition characterized by facial blushing or flushing, visible blood vessels, or pimple breakouts on the face.

Some causes of rosacea flare-ups include consumption of spicy food and alcoholic beverages, exposure to extreme temperatures, or use of drugs that may cause blood vessel dilation or cosmetic or skincare products.

Some rosacea patients may feel a burning sensation in the affected area and dry and irritated eyes and eyelids. Over time, rosacea can also cause your nose to become enlarged.

Although there is currently no cure for rosacea, some treatments and medications may help control its symptoms. Your dermatologist may prescribe drugs such as topicals to reduce flushing, oral antibiotics, or oral acne drugs.

Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient may also help alleviate the symptoms of rosacea. Hyaluronic acid may aid in preventing skin dryness by helping skin cells retain their moisture.

Other acids that may help with rosacea include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), usually found in anti-aging products, and azelaic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory properties⁽³¹⁾.

For severe cases, your doctor may recommend isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis), a potent oral medication that may help clear up acne-like lesions caused by rosacea⁽³²⁾.

However, pregnant women are advised to refrain from using isotretinoin due to its potential to cause congenital disabilities.