CBD soap works in two ways—as a CBD topical and as a natural, herbal soap.

Here are the basics of CBD skin care and how CBD soap works.

The body’s primary endocannabinoid system controls body temperature, hunger, memory, mood, and pain sensations. Cannabinoids bind to specific receptors on your neurons, so they will signal nearby cells to regulate these functions. Skin also has its own endocannabinoid system.

Although your body produces some of its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, it can also use phytocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids made by plants. Cannabidiol or CBD is one example of a phytocannabinoids.

When CBD circulates through the bloodstream or interacts with the skin’s endocannabinoid system, it binds to cannabinoid receptors on the neurons. This may cause a range of effects, including improved sleep, mood enhancement, neuroprotection, pain relief, reduced inflammation, and reduced anxiety and stress.

The skin absorbs CBD easily. Lathering it as a soap to create an oily suspension and rubbing it gently into the skin or soaking in the soapy water is an excellent way to absorb CBD.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may protect the skin against damage and help relieve related skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and acne. The CBD can also potentially produce whole-body anti-inflammatory benefits once it is absorbed.

CBD like that found in lotion is known to relieve several types of chronic pain, including joint pain, muscle pain, and neuropathic pain. Furthermore, heat and moisture from a shower or bath dilates the pores of the skin, improving penetration by the CBD molecules and retention of moisture.

Meanwhile, these soaps also work like herbal remedies and antiseptics in their own right. The high-quality natural ingredients in these formulations are known to soothe skin. For example, oatmeal has been proven to soothe itchy skin; aloe vera does this too and reduces inflammation.

The benefits of full-spectrum CBD soaps that are infused with hemp extracts rich in other cannabinoids and terpenes include the entourage effect, which refers to the fact that one gets the maximum potential benefits of hemp oil when the compounds from the whole plant can work together.

However, CBD soap cannot get anyone even slightly high, sorry. Any mood boosting effects from the CBD are not intoxication. Other benefits from CBD soap might include improved skin tone from CBD’s essential fatty acids and relief from mild aches and pains in joints and muscles.

Another benefit of CBD soap is as an anti-acne and anti-inflammatory agent. Of course, basic sodium hydroxide or lye will get your skin clean. But the CBD may help moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation and redness, and CBD has also been shown to calm activity in the sebaceous glands. Since the sebaceous glands are typically the guilty parties when it comes to pimples and other acne, CBD soap is a great line of defense.

Anti-aging is another benefit of using CBD soap. This is because CBD topicals, including CBD soap, may reduce signs of aging such as dull skin, fine wrinkles, and a ruddy complexion. The right formula can also reduce combination skin problems or itchy break-outs.

As with any other new healthcare regimen or supplement, and especially if you cope with serious medical conditions or use prescription medications, ask your regular doctor or healthcare provider before you use anything new. This includes a new CBD-based soap.