A day in the sun can do our bodies good. In particular, the ultraviolet (UV) rays help our bodies synthesize vitamin D, an essential nutrient that can help regulate mood, support muscle function and maintain immune health.
Too much sun, however, can cause eye and skin damage that can interfere with your day to day.
While preventative care is the most effective strategy in staving off sunburns, cannabidiol (CBD) can provide restorative properties to help soothe and repair sun-damaged skin.
What Happens to Sunburned Skin?
When exposed to the sun’s UV rays, the cells in the top layer of skin become damaged. That said, you won’t notice a burn right away — it’ll typically begin to appear within four hours of sun exposure and worsen within two to three days. During this time, the immune system reacts to the damaged skin cells by flooding blood — and immune cells that produce pathogen-busting free radicals — to the site.
As a result, the affected area becomes inflamed, causing a sunburn.
Over time, prolonged sun exposure — and sun damage — can lead to:
- Deep wrinkles
- Rough, dry skin
- Freckles or discolored spots
- Fine red veins
How to Support Sunburn Recovery
During the inflammatory process, oxygen and nutrients flow to the damaged skin cells to help them heal, and red blood cells generate collagen to form new skin cells.
To support this process and ease the stinging and discomfort you may feel from these sunburn symptoms, dermatologists recommend:
- Taking cold baths and showers, or applying a cold compress to the area
- Drinking enough water to replenish your body, as the sunburn will pull water to the skin’s surface
- Apply a moisturizing salve, like calamine lotion, aloe vera and/or soy
Using CBD for sunburn relief may also be beneficial.
Various clinical studies suggest that CBD may help reduce inflammation and relieve burning sensations.
How exactly might this happen?
When entering your body, CBD works with a massive receptor system within your body. It’s called the endocannabinoid system, and it functions to regulate various processes, such as sleep, digestion, immunity and sensation. While CBD can interact with both of the system’s receptors — CB1 and CB2 — CB2 is primarily found in the immune cells, and may be the main focus of CBD molecules working to relieve sunburn symptoms.
When CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors, it may enhance its properties to impact the signaling of cytokines — proteins that control inflammation to mediate inflammation and reduce discomfort.
All that said, more research is needed on the subject to fully understand CBDskincare’srole in anti-inflammatory processes within the body.
How to Use CBD for Sunburns
In addition to its wellness properties, perhaps the largest boon of CBD is its versatility — and accessibility.
CBD comes in a variety of forms. To relieve a sunburn, you can use:
- CBD topical, like a lotion or salve– One of the most direct ways to relieve sunburn is by applying a CBDtopical, such as a lotion or salve, directly to the affected area. These CBD products are designed to soothe irritation while providing hydration to the skin. CBD for pain relief works with your body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation, which is a key cause of the redness and discomfort associated with sunburns. Look for topicals that include additional soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile for extra relief. Also, applying CBD topicals may help promote skin regeneration, which is essential for faster healing.
- CBD oil – CBD oil offers a versatile way to use CBD for sunburn relief. You can apply it directly to the skin or add it to your favorite moisturizer for enhanced benefits. When used topically, CBD oil penetrates the skin's surface layers, working to reduce swelling, redness and discomfort. The oil can also be taken sublingually (under the tongue), allowing it to work internally to combat inflammation throughout the body. This two-pronged approach helps target the source of the burn externally while alleviating the overall stress and discomfort from the sunburn. Look for our full-spectrum CBD hemp oils for sale for added skin benefits from cannabinoids like CBG and CBN.
- CBD gummies – If you prefer an edible option, our CBD gummies for sale offer a convenient and tasty way to incorporate CBD into your sunburn recovery. These gummies deliver the anti-inflammatory and burn-relieving properties of CBD internally, helping your body manage the discomfort caused by the burn. Taking CBD gummies won’t provide the immediate, targeted relief as a topical CBD forsensitive skin, but it may help your body handle the systemic inflammation triggered by sun exposure. Additionally, gummies often come in pre-measured doses, making them an easy option for consistent consumption. Gummies can also help you relax, which may also reduce the overall stress and tension caused by a sunburn.
- CBD chewable tablets – Similar to gummies, CBD chewable tablets or hemp pills are another convenient oral option to assist in relieving sunburn discomfort. These tablets can be chewed and swallowed, providing an efficient way for the body to absorb CBD. They are often formulated for quick onset, so they can offer relief and reduce inflammation throughout the body relatively fast. Chewable tablets are ideal for individuals who prefer not to ingest sugar or artificial flavors often found in gummies. Plus, they’re usually discreet and portable, making them a practical solution for sunburn relief when you're on the go or traveling.
Zebra CBD For Sunburn Relief
When the sun damages your skin, your cells need support to repair themselves. In addition to cold compresses and plenty of hydration, addressing your sunburn directly with a topical lotion, salve or moisturizer can provide instant relief.
At Zebra CBD, we offer CBD Balm,CBD Rub and CBD Roll-on-Relief to ease the burning, stinging and discomfort you feel when your body becomes swollen and inflamed. To deliver CBD directly to your bloodstream, opt for a CBD oil, CBD gummy or CBD chewable tablet. Or, pair them together to enjoy the therapeutic potential of holistic relief.
Each of our CBD products are crafted with premium, organic hemp extract you can trust. Under stringent third-party testing, we can guarantee the absence of heavy metals, microbials, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, ensuring you’re not introducing anything harmful to your sensitive skin.
Find soothing relief with Zebra CBD.
Sources:
- Healthline. Vitamin D. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d
- CBD. Sun Exposure. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/sunexposure/sunburn.html
- Mayo Clinic. Sunburn. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922
- AAD. How to Treat Sunburn. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
- Forbes. CBD For Inflammation. https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-for-inflammation/