Even when we make sure to use sunscreen or wear clothes that cover the skin when possible, sometimes even our best efforts fail us. What happens when you end up with a sunburn? Well, for one, it hurts, and it can cause pain and inflammation. But it can also permanently damage the skin, which is why it’s so important to treat it seriously.

CBD has become a popular option for treating inflammation and other symptoms of sunburn because some find it helpful in reducing swelling and other associated symptoms. But how does it work?

Read on to learn how CBD may work to provide relief for your sunburn!

Sunburn and Melanin Production

Skin cells produce pigments known as melanins, which are responsible for our natural skin color. Melanin production varies according to skin type, but when we’re exposed to too much sun, our skin reacts by creating more melanin. The more melanin cells our skin produces, the darker it becomes–it’s a protective measure to prevent against future sun damage.

Although some of us welcome a bronzed look, the downside is that this new melanin may create uneven pigment, and some of this resulting hyperpigmentation even may be permanent. This may fade over time naturally, but many of us find that the first sun exposure of the summer brings back the hyperpigmentation pretty quickly.

Protecting Skin from UV Damage

It’s important to note that CBD does not protect against sunburn caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure, so before going outdoors, be sure you’re wearing sunblock, a hat, and protective clothing.

Be sure to use a broad-spectrum UV protectant when you venture outdoors. A sunblock is preferred over a sunscreen. Sunscreen and sunblock both protect your skin from UV rays, but the difference is how they work to protect you.

Sunblock does exactly what it says: it blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin by reflecting them. However, sunscreen absorbs UV rays, and some of these rays may eventually absorb into the skin once they penetrate the sunscreen’s chemicals.

Here are some best practices for using sunblock:

• Use SPF 30 or higher
• Apply it every hour that you’re outdoors
• Use a broad-spectrum formula
• Apply it thickly, and massage it into the skin until absorbed
• Even if you’re not in the water, water-based formula lasts longer, especially if you’re sweating
• You CAN get a sunburn in the winter, so be sure to put on sunblock any time you’re going to be outdoors for awhile

How Sunburns Work

Sunburns happen when your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation. The cells in the top layer of our skin are damaged by that exposure, and an inflammatory response kicks off a chain reaction that can cause more damage.

The symptoms of a sunburn can include redness, tender skin, and even fever. This is often accompanied by a burning sensation in the area affected, which can make even the lightest clothing feel painful.

The longer you are exposed to UV radiation without protection or sunblock, the more damage your cells will undergo.

Some of the more severe sunburn symptoms can include blisters, peeling skin, and permanent discoloration. Sun damages the outer layers of the skin, and can result in first- and second-degree burns.

It is the body’s natural protection to react to sunburn; thus, when your skin begins to peel it is a sign that your body is trying to get rid of its damaged skin cells. Another mechanism of sunburn is the release of inflammatory cells to repair the skin.

Down the road, an accumulation of damaging sun exposure can lead to pre-cancerous and cancerous cells to form. Be sure to have your healthcare provider or a dermatologist check for signs of skin cancer annually. They can see areas of your body that you can’t, and are trained to spot possibly dangerous cells.

CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One way CBD oil can help with sunburn lies within its reported analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that CBD modulates the body’s inflammatory response by binding to endocannabinoid receptors, making it a popular tool for relieving soreness after exercise, for example.

CBD may also help reduce the swelling that is a natural response to sunburn. It works with your skin’s endocannabinoid receptors to return the affected cells to homeostasis.

For a one-two punch, users may decide to use a CBD tincture to work on the cells inside the body, and also apply a topical cream to work on the cells closer to the skin’s surface.

CBD and Pain Relief

CBD also has properties that may help to reduce pain, making it a great choice for those who want a plant-based skincare option. CBD could be helpful in treating nerve-related and inflammatory types of discomfort.

Manufacturers often add CBD to oils such as hemp seed oil so that they can be used as an ingredient in skin creams and lotions. Research suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea.

CBD Has Anti-Oxidant Properties

CBD also has antioxidants that may help to alleviate skin damage. CBD can stabilize the lipid peroxidation process, which is a type of oxidation where enzymes and oxygen create unstable molecules called free radicals.

Free radicals are known for causing wrinkles and other signs of aging on the surface of your skin, but cannabis may help to mitigate this process.

Avoid Irritating Ingredients

CBD is an emerging trend in the skincare market, but not all products are created equal. Where some manufacturers focus on purity in their ingredients, others introduce harsh, irritating chemicals the are counterproductive to CBD’s efficacy.

Before you use any product, it’s so important that you research the ingredients to ensure that they’re high quality, and that they don’t have irritating properties.

Always check the label to determine how much CBD is in the product. Some manufacturers add it as a “vanity” ingredient, but there are only small amounts in the product.

And while it may be tempting to trust a product that uses all-natural ingredients, in reality, there are some plant-based ingredients and oils that can be irritating to the skin as well! Citrus, tea tree, lavender, and jasmine may be irritating to some, for example, but they are commonly used in skincare products.

The fewer ingredients, the better. Shop for products that come from manufacturers who use USDA organic CBD, and be sure to check their third-party lab testing reports. Using products from a CBD company may also ensure that the CBD is of the highest quality possible.

CBD is Federally Legal

We mentioned above that CBD produced from industrial hemp is federally legal. This means that it must contain less that 0.3% THC.

If you prefer a cannabidiol product that does not have THC, search for broad-spectrum CBD products. Full-spectrum products contain all the cannabinoids that come with the plant, and could contain trace amounts of THC.

This is another reason why third-party testing by an ISO-certified lab is so crucial. Until the FDA regulates cannabis, manufacturers must rely on third-party lab testing to ensure quality.

Unfortunately, there are companies out there that don’t do this, so their products may contain harmful pesticides, fungi, and other toxins. Or they may contain much more THC than is legal. And they may not contain any CBD at all!

Final Thoughts

If you spend too much time out in the sun this summer, CBD may be a way to help relieve your symptoms. You may apply it right to the area of irritation, and even combine it with oral doses.

Be sure to favor quality over price, and complement it with aloe and drinking plenty of water. And finally, it’s always best to prevent sunburns with a 30 SPF or higher sunblock!

The post Can CBD Help Your Sunburn? appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In a number of studies, researchers have found that CBD oil may help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking histamines and reducing inflammation. In fact, some studies have shown that CBD could be an effective antihistamine when it comes to allergy relief. 

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or other types of allergic reactions, then CBD could be a good option for you. Read on to learn more about the connection between CBD, allergies, and the body’s endocannabinoid system.

What Does CBD Do?

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the hemp and marijuana plants, and it’s extracted for use in tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals. Over the years, users have found numerous uses for CBD, from stress to headaches to creativity and even skincare.

While there is still much more research to be conducted in formal laboratory studies, preliminary research and anecdotal evidence have been promising. CBD is not currently approved by the FDA outside of two prescription medications for epilepsy. Because of that, much of the industry is unregulated, so studying third-party lab results and researching the processes used can help ensure quality and safety.

Most CBD products are made from hemp, a type of plant that is not psychoactive like marijuana. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain no traces of THC, and full-spectrum CBD products have less than 0.3% THC in them. In order for CBD to be legal in the United States, it must be derived from the hemp plant and contain less than 0.3% THC. However, in some states where marijuana is legal, it can have high concentrations and be extracted from the marijuana plant.

The Endocannabinoid System

The human body produces its own cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids. These endogenous compounds interact with receptors in the brain and other parts of the body to create homeostasis. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including the brain, nervous system, skin, bones, and internal organs.

Hemp plants contain phytochemicals that mimic endocannabinoids to some degree, but don’t activate them like THC does. Phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol interact with these receptors, but don’t overwhelm them in the same way THC does, so users may feel calm, tired, or energized, but won’t feel the psychoactive effects.

Endocannabinoids May Help Regulate the Immune System

Endocannabinoids help regulate the immune system and inflammation. When receptors trigger an inflammatory response from an injury, illness, or pollen, they release chemicals such as histamines or cytokines to fight off foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses.

The body responds with inflammation, which can cause some unpleasant symptoms like redness, swelling, sneezing, sniffling, and pain. While these are definitely not comfortable symptoms to have to deal with, they signal that your body’s natural defenses are working to fight off the infection.

However, seasonal allergies can linger for months, and can impact your ability to sleep, work, drive, and go about your activities of daily living. While some of us do just fine with over-the-counter allergy medication, others don’t tolerate them well, or require other types of medical intervention.

The human body produces endocannabinoids as part of its immune system, but these natural cannabinoids are often not enough to fight off an allergen or infection on their own. This is where CBD could come into play.

CBD May Help Resolve Allergies and Inflammation

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system, and inflammation plays a significant factor in their symptoms. CBD has been shown to play a role in decreasing inflammation and in helping to regulate the immune system.

In a 2016 study, the American Journal of Allergy Asthma & Immunology reported that cannabis use could allow for reduced allergy-related symptoms like histamine release from mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that produces histamine and other chemicals in response to an allergen. It means lessening itching, sneezing, and other allergy-related manifestations.

By lowering histamines, cannabidiol can potentially reduce allergy symptoms. One study from 2005 found that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties because they prevent cells from releasing histamines–this could mean lessens the intensity of itching, sneezing, or other manifestations of allergies. Another study discovered that cannabinoids impair activation of T-cells (a type of white blood cell) that increase antibody response.

If you decide to use CBD, be sure to check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure that it does not interact negatively with your current medications or health conditions.

CBD and Sinus Pain, Dry Skin

One of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies is a runny nose. This in itself is annoying, but using a tissue to blow your nose can also dry out the sensitive skin on the face, leading to more irritation and soreness.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory abilities might reduce the redness and swelling from your runny nose, too. If you use a CBD tincture, you can moisturize this very sensitive skin inside and outside of the nose, which provides relief right where you need it.

Skin cells naturally produce ceramides to keep the skin moisturized and healthy, but when you have dry skin, the production of these natural oils slows down. This leads to flaky and itchy patches of dryness on your nose and upper lip during allergy season.

By adding CBD oil to your skincare regimen, you may be able to help hydrate the skin while preventing inflammation from becoming even worse as well. You can use topical CBD products or tinctures on their own, or add them into other beauty products like lotions for an extra boost.

Terpenes to Look For

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found on the trichomes of the CBD plant. They not only create the scent for the plant, but they also dictate the possible effects of the CBD. Terpenes are thought to interact with receptors in your body to create various impacts including relaxation, focus, and pain relief.

Here are some terpenes that may help with your allergies:

• 2-Piperidone: bronchodilator, expectorant, antitussive
• Borneol: pain reliever, antiseptic, bronchodilator, helps induce sleep
• A-Pinene: anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, antibacterial
• Camphene: expectorant
• Myrcene: anti-inflammatory

This is by no means an exhaustive list! We recommend you start with the products you’re interested in using, then check out the third-party lab report that comes with each to determine which terpenes are included.

From there, you can find the dominant terpenes in each product, then research which may be most helpful to your allergy symptoms. If you’re not familiar with CBD products, speak with the staff where you’re purchasing for help in making a buying decision.

We recommend starting with a tincture, which you can take sublingually, but also apply to the skin where you need relief (unlike a gummy, which can’t be applied to the skin, or a topical, which can’t be consumed orally).

Have questions for us? We’re happy to help! Give us a call or fill out our contact form with any questions you have, and we’re happy to help guide you. And if you’re local to Ripon, we’re open and would love to help you in person!

The post CBD May Help Reduce Symptoms from Allergies and Inflammation appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

In recent years, cannabis products have been sought out as a way to combat the symptoms of PMS. Although CBD is not an FDA-approved treatment for this condition, we’re going to explore some of the most common symptoms, as well as research that has been published surrounding these conditions and the use of CBD.

How CBD Works

First and foremost, understanding how CBD works in the body will help create a greater understanding of how it could alleviate your symptoms.

Your body has what’s called an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is what regulates homeostasis. When you experience pain, nausea, or change in mood, the ECS produces endocannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. These endocannabinoids bind with these receptors to regulate your body’s processes, and once everything is back to normal, enzymes are produced that consume the endocannabinoids.

Cannabis is a phytocannabinoid that works in much the same way as your body’s endocannabinoids. While the mechanisms may be a bit different, they interact either directly or indirectly with the ECS to create similar results.

People have used cannabis for many centuries, but it’s only been in the past century that cannabidiol (CBD) has become popular. Unlike another popular cannabinoid, THC, CBD does not produce a high, and it is federally legal (be sure to check your local laws regarding the use of CBD, because that can vary).

CBD is available in numerous forms, including tinctures, creams, gummies, candy, and even bath bombs. Users can explore so many ways to use it, until they find just the right formula for their needs. Starting with a lower dose and titrating up is usually recommended so that users can find the sweet spot.

But CBD isn’t a singular chemical—it comes with a host of other beneficial cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, and CBC. Additionally, cannabis, like so many other plants, contains terpenes that may provide further benefit. When CBD is combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes, it produces the entourage effect, which means the result is greater than each compound taken individually.

To determine the cannabinoid and terpene composition of the CBD product you’re using, take a look at the third-party lab testing for each product you’re considering. Once you do some research regarding these compounds, you’ll have a much better appreciation for how the product may work!

Symptoms of PMS

The effects of PMS can range from mildly irritating to being so severe they disrupt life at home and work. Signs of PMS can begin as early as two weeks before menstruation begins, and typically subside by the last day.

More than 150 symptoms have been associated with this condition, and they can vary from person to person, and even month to month. They can worsen with life changes, higher stress levels, and other factors.

To better understand how cannabis may help with PMS, let’s take a look at the most common symptoms:

• Cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Acne
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Changes in libido
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Cravings
• Weight gain
• Joint or muscle pain

Some of these conditions can be controlled with exercise, diet, and over-the-counter medications, which we’ll describe further below.

Few studies have been conducted on the connection between PMS and CBD, but quite a few have been done in regard to some of the individual symptoms. Here, we’ll look at some of the promising research that has been done so that you can decide if trying cannabidiol for PMS is right for you.

CBD and Mood Changes

Many women experience changes of temperament because of PMS. Some can experience mood swings, and report heightened emotions such as feeling anxious, tense, irritated, or angry. On the other hand, decreased interest, sadness, depression, or a flat affect can occur.

PMS causes changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can cause, in essence, a hormonal rollercoaster. These hormones directly interact with the neurotransmitters in your brain—serotonin and dopamine—that regulate your moods, causing up-and-down emotions in the weeks leading up to your period.

Anxiety is a fairly common effect of PMS, and can manifest as worry, tension, nervousness, and panic. Women can feel on edge, and even paranoid or angry. In a study conducted by Neurotherapeutics in 2015, researchers found that CBD can reduce feelings of anxiousness, panic, and stress.

Depression, feeling down, and having a flat affect can also occur, causing lack of motivation and sadness. In a study conducted by Frontiers in Immunology in 2018, researchers found that subjects who took CBD daily for two weeks reported reduced anxiety and depression.

Pain, Inflammation, and CBD

Cramps are one of the most common ways pain manifests in women during the premenstrual and menstrual phases. However, other forms of pain can result from inflammation of the joints, hormonal headaches, breast tenderness, and muscle tension.

CBD has been studied extensively for pain and inflammation, although not directly for its efficacy in relieving the symptoms of PMS. It is not currently an FDA-approved treatment for pain—however, many studies point to how it can work as an analgesic for other conditions.

In a study performed by the publication Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, researchers found that CBD in the drug Sativex “was crucial to attain significant pain relief” in cancer patients, and that it enhanced the pain-reducing effects of THC. And a study conducted by the journal Pain found that CBD “reduced the firing rate of 5-HT neurons” and reduced anxiety-like behavior, while showing therapeutic potential for reducing pain, nausea, and anxiety.

More research on humans is needed to definitively determine how effective CBD can be for pain, and with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized industrial hemp, more studies are on the horizon.

Insomnia

Pain and anxiety from PMS can affect sleep and cause insomnia, which can exacerbate negative mood effects. Women can already experience fatigue from PMS because of lower levels of serotonin, estrogen, and progesterone right before menstruation begins, and some experience lower iron levels as well.

Lack of sleep can lead to lost productivity, lowered immune function, and an increased risk of accidents, among other issues, so getting enough sleep is especially important to wellness during this time. Combined with activities that promote relaxation and sleep, CBD may be helpful in helping women fall asleep and stay asleep.

CBD has been linked to calming the central nervous system, and Psychology Today has touted it for its sedative effects. Another cannabinoid similar to CBD called CBN may create sleepiness to aid in a longer, more restful sleep.

CBD to Reduce Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are caused by the hormone prostaglandin, which can also cause diarrhea and headaches in the week or two leading up to menstruation. Painful cramps in the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and back can also contribute to feeling nauseous.

Vomiting is one of the more serious symptoms of PMS, as it can lead to dehydration and unwanted weight loss. If any of these issues occur, contact your medical provider as soon as possible.

Much of the evidence that CBD can help nausea is related to cancer and chemotherapy research. However, these studies demonstrate the mechanisms that can help alleviate these symptoms for those who are suffering from other conditions.

This study by the British Journal of Pharmacology concluded that both preclinical and human studies show great promise regarding the use of cannabis to combat nausea. And while CBD doesn’t cause the munchies like THC can, it can alleviate loss of appetite.

CBD and Hormonal Acne

Acne is caused by a drop in hormones that stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which is the oil the skin produces. When too much oil is produced, pores can become clogged and breakouts occur. Hormones can also cause inflammation and bacteria production.

In the past, we’ve looked at the ways that CBD may help improve acne and skin conditions by reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin (yes, even oily skin needs good hydration). Using skincare products that contain CBD, or using a tincture can be helpful in spot treating the skin. Additionally, taking CBD orally can enhance the efficacy of the topical products.

Finally, acne scarring can occur over the years, and CBD is linked to possibly reducing inflammation and redness in scar tissues as well.

Other Ways to Relieve PMS Symptoms

CBD on its own isn’t likely to be enough to completely resolve PMS symptoms. This requires an integrative approach that promotes a healthier lifestyle, especially if menstrual issues are pervasive and severe.

These are just a few of the ways that you can control your symptoms:

• Drinking enough water on a daily basis (take your weight in pounds, divide by 2, and the answer is the number in ounces of water to drink daily. So 180 lbs / 2 = 90 oz of water).
• Get enough sleep so that your body can rest, recharge, and heal every night.
• Avoid salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine around your period because they can exacerbate PMS.
• Eat more leafy greens, ginger, protein-rich foods, flaxseed, and yogurt.
• Increase your physical activity. Even a quick walk every day can boost your mood to counteract the drop in serotonin.
• Actively work on reducing stress on a daily basis with activities such a deep breathing, exercise, massage, CBT, or yoga.
• Talk to your doctor about the severity of your symptoms if they’re unable to be controlled. She can further suggest ways to enhance your monthly routine.
• Applying heat to your abdomen and low back can help to reduce the pain from cramping.

When you practice a wellness-rich lifestyle every day, the acute symptoms can be much easier to manage when they occur.

Final Thoughts

Using CBD for PMS shows promise, and we look forward to exploring more studies on the topic in the future.

When considering a cannabis product, we always recommend using one that is tested by an ISO-certified lab (we use Green Labs), and that has gone through extensive quality control from farm to harvest to product. Until the FDA approves CBD, this type of testing ensures quality and safety, as well as integrity regarding the product you’re using.

We advise starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it as you need to. While CBD is well tolerated by many, some find that it can cause a bit of tiredness at first, so exercise caution.

Finally, if you are taking other prescription medications, we recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss how it may interact with prescriptions or supplements you’re using.

Ripon Naturals proudly carries the SunMed brand of CBD, including tinctures, edibles, skincare products, and so much more. Our Maxine & Morgan Flow capsules are specially formulated for women, by women to provide natural support. Check out our store today!

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