As CBD products are being used more and more for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, some people may wonder if these products could help skin cancers—especially since some studies have shown that CBD could reduce tumor growth and clear out melanoma cells. However, these studies are still in the early stages, so CBD products cannot be definitively used as a cure for skin cancer; your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for your needs, such as Mohs surgery, chemotherapy, etc. Still, CBD products can be used as an adjunctive skin care treatment to mitigate the symptoms and the side effects of skin cancer. Read on to learn more.

How Could CBD Skincare Products Help?

CBD skincare products could be used to hydrate skin, prevent further UV ray damage, and reduce nausea.

Hydrating Skin

Certain types of skin cancers may cause painful, swollen, itchy, or scaly patches on your skin. Topical creams infused with CBD oils may help these symptoms since CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory and can prevent swelling and itching. Some skin cancer treatments, like radiation therapy, may cause dry skin as a side effect, so CBD oils could help to rehydrate skin.

Preventing Further UV-Radiation Damage

Frequent sun exposure without skin protection can lead to skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma. Your dermatologist may recommend that you take preventative measures—such as in-office mole checks or daily sunscreen use —to reduce the risk of further UV-radiation damage. You may want to invest in a sunscreen that is infused with CBD oil since it protects skin cells against UV-ray damage. One study found that CBD oil can help regulate keratinocytes, or skin cells that produce keratin, and protect them against UVA/B changes.

Reduce Nausea

A common side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and a poor appetite. CBD topicals can help with both. When CBD is absorbed by the skin, it interacts with serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a hormone that affects mood and regulates food-related nausea.

How Do You get Started with CBD-Infused Skincare Products?

As always, reach out to your doctor before purchasing any skincare products. CBD can act as an anticoagulant, so it may not be ideal for patients who have just immediately undergone an excision surgery for skin cancer. If your doctor says that it's okay to proceed with these products, you'll want to talk to him or her about brand recommendations and starting dosages. There is no standard CBD dosages, so you may want to start with smaller doses in your skincare products first to see how you tolerate the product. It's also important to look over the laws in your state as you may need a prescription or medical marijuana card from your doctor to buy, use, and transport certain products.

Reach out to a hair and skin care provider in your area that offers CBD skincare products for more information.

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