The Benefits of CBD Lotion for Sunburn Relief

July 1, 2024

Ah, summer! The season of sun, sea, and sandcastles. The time when we eagerly flock to beaches, soak up the rays, and aim for that perfect tan. But let’s be honest, more often than not, we end up looking like lobsters auditioning for the role of “Extra Crispy” in a seafood commercial.

Blame it on sunburn—the pesky, painful reminder that sunscreen is not just a suggestion. You frantically rummage through your skincare stash, and—horror of horrors—no aloe vera! Just as you’re about to resign yourself to a night of misery, you spot your trusty CBD lotion. Could this be the next best thing for sunburn relief?

Sunburn is no joke. It’s your skin’s way of screaming, “Help! I’m on fire!” Those UV rays have wreaked havoc on your skin cells, causing inflammation, redness, and pain. Traditionally, we turn to aloe vera for its cooling and healing properties. But with no aloe in sight, you might be wondering if CBD lotion could step up to the plate.

What is CBD?

Before we dive into whether CBD lotion can save your scorched skin, let’s get to know this trendy ingredient a bit better. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD won’t get you high. Instead, it’s been making waves in the wellness world for its potential therapeutic benefits.

CBD is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and calming qualities. It's like the calm and collected member of the cannabis family, renowned for alleviating a spectrum of ailments from anxiety to arthritis, and increasingly finding its way into skincare regimens.

When applied topically, CBD engages with the skin's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is like a conductor, overseeing pain, inflammation, and your skin's overall health. CBD taps into this network, helping to calm inflammation, ease discomfort, and promote healthier skin. Could this make your CBD lotion a promising solution for soothing sunburns, too?

Can CBD lotion relieve sunburn? What research says

In a r ecent study on how CBD can affect skin cells exposed to UV radiation, CBD has shown promise in protecting skin cells from UV-induced damage due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In the study, researchers grew skin cells in a special 3D system that closely mimics real skin conditions exposed to UV radiation, which is the energy from the sun that can cause sunburn, aging, and skin cancer. It also examined how CBD can help protect skin cells from UV radiation.

The study discovered that CBD has several beneficial effects that help protect skin cells from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB radiation. CBD acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, regulates protein production and breakdown, and controls enzyme activity to safeguard skin health. However, more research is needed to understand its long-term impact on skin cells.

While the study focuses on UV radiation, the findings are closely related to sunburn, as sunburn is a direct result of too much UV exposure. CBD's anti-inflammatory and protective properties could potentially reduce sunburn symptoms, offering relief from pain and aiding in skin repair.

Discover the benefits of CBD lotion for sunburn relief and protection

In summary, these are the research’s findings on how CBD shakes things up for skin cells under UV assault.

UV Protection: CBD acts as a shield against UVA and UVB radiation, preventing further damage to already scorched skin. This protection helps reduce redness, pain, and the risk of long-term skin damage.

Anti-inflammatory: Sunburn is essentially inflammation. By reducing levels of inflammatory proteins such as TNFα/NFκB and IκBKB, CBD soothes the inflammation associated with sunburn. This can alleviate swelling, tenderness, and discomfort.

Regulated Protein Levels: UV radiation often triggers an overproduction of proteins that exacerbate sunburn symptoms. CBD helps normalize this process, potentially reducing the severity of skin irritation and peeling.

Enhanced Repair Mechanisms: CBD's support for the 20S proteasome promotes more efficient breakdown of damaged proteins in sunburnt skin. This accelerates the skin's recovery process, aiding in healing and regeneration.

Antioxidant Defense: CBD's protection of antioxidant enzymes from UV-induced damage ensures these crucial compounds can continue to neutralize free radicals. This defense mechanism helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the likelihood of premature aging caused by sun exposure.

Pain Relief: Sunburn can be excruciating. CBD’s analgesic properties can help soothe that burning sensation, making it more bearable. Think of it as a gentle hug for your distressed skin.

Moisturizing and Healing: CBD lotions often come packed with other skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamins. These can help moisturize and repair your skin barrier, which is crucial after it’s been compromised by UV damage.

Is it safe to use CBD lotion on sunburn?

While the potential benefits sound promising, safety is paramount. Here’s what you need to consider:

Patch Test First: Before slathering CBD lotion all over your sunburn, do a patch test on a small area of your skin. This will help you ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Check the Ingredients: Make sure the CBD lotion doesn’t contain any ingredients that could further irritate your skin. Avoid lotions with alcohol or harsh chemicals.

Consult with a Professional: If your sunburn is severe, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on the best treatment options.

Tub Therapy’s The After Series CBD Lotion For Sunburnt Skin

Sunburn Relief All-Stars: Tub Therapy's The After Series features three key players, each delivering the soothing relief and deep moisturization your skin craves post-sun fun.

If you're a stranger to the soothing powers of CBD lotions, allow us to introduce you to Tub Therapy's playful lineup: The After Series CBD Lotions. Infused with full spectrum CBD and organic shea butter, they're not just skincare; they're your skin's new happy hour.

The powerful combination of full spectrum CBD and organic shea butter in Tub Therapy’s The After Series CBD Lotions makes them ideal for soothing sunburns and more.

Here’s why:

Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse: The anti-inflammatory properties of both CBD and shea butter work together to reduce redness and swelling, calming your irritated skin.

Deep Moisturization: Sunburn dehydrates your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Rich in vitamins A and E, organic shea butter is incredibly moisturizing and has healing properties. When your skin is crying out for hydration and repair, shea butter steps in to soothe, nourish, and restore the damaged skin barrier.

Soothing Relief: CBD’s analgesic effects help to alleviate the pain, while shea butter’s soothing properties provide an extra layer of comfort.

Full Spectrum CBD: Full spectrum CBD is the champagne of the CBD world, offering superior benefits compared to other types of CBD. It harnesses the power of the entire cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. This variety allows for what's known as the "entourage effect," where these components work together synergistically to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, providing comprehensive relief for your sunburnt skin.

Our verdict?

So, can CBD lotion be applied to sunburnt skin? The answer is a cautious yes. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it a potential contender for soothing sunburn. However, it’s important to approach this with care. Ensure you’re using a high-quality product, do a patch test, and be mindful of the ingredients.

In the absence of aloe vera, your CBD lotion might just be the cool, calming friend your sunburnt skin needs. So go ahead, give it a try, and may your summer be filled with sun, fun, sandcastles, and far fewer sunburns!