Everything You Need to Know About CBD Sunscreen

What Is CBD Sunscreen?

CBD sunscreen is a simple combination of a regular SPF sunscreen with added CBD. 

The reason for doing this is to provide extra protection. The sunscreen does most of the work, blocking the damaging rays of the sun from damaging and burning the skin. 

The CBD offers additional support through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective benefits. CBD has anti-aging benefits for the skin. This could (theoretically) help counteract the damaging effects of the UV over several years of sun exposure. 

What Does SPF Mean? 

The SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” The number next to it indicates the protection level of the product. Dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 or higher for prolonged sun exposure, but you should still reapply your sunscreen, especially if you’re playing in the water or sweating heavily.  

This number describes the duration of time it takes for you to burn in the sun compared to your normal sun-exposure limits. 

For example, SPF30 will increase the amount of time it takes to burn by 30 times. SPF60 increases this time by 60 times.

If you normally start to burn in 20 minutes of sun exposure, SPF30 will increase your resistance to 600 minutes (10 hours). 

What Are the Benefits of CBD Sunscreen?

Dermatologists recommend sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine — especially on warmer or brighter days when the UV index is above 3.

If you suffer from conditions like psoriasis or eczema, excessive sun exposure may cause flare-ups. CBD topicals can help improve the health of your skin and reduce the dryness and redness resulting from excessive sun exposure [1]. 

Even if you don’t suffer from a chronic skin condition, CBD sunscreen is an excellent option if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts. 

High-quality CBD absorbs easily into the skin and, in high concentrations, delivers antioxidants that fight off free radical damage and combats inflammation.

In fact, CBD is a known anti-inflammatory and pain reliever that could help with the side effects of a bad sunburn, like inflammation and discomfort [2].

How Does CBD Sunscreen Work? 

As the CBD in the CBD sunscreen absorbs into the skin, it helps to activate the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD influences the CB2 receptor, one of the central nervous system’s pain and inflammation receptors. As a result, CBD can support the endocannabinoid system in regulating the inflammatory response by inhibiting enzymes that trigger inflammation.

Many sunscreens use zinc oxide as their primary form of protectant. Zinc oxide works by forming a layer on the skin that reflects the harmful rays of the sun. 

Adding CBD to this formula may enhance the protective layer because of the specific fatty acids in CBD. The skin cannot absorb the fatty acids, so the layer of cell membranes creates a natural barrier against the sun. 

Combining zinc oxide and CBD provides increased protection from the sun while providing relief from inflammation. CBD oil alone is not enough to protect from sun damage, but it is undoubtedly helpful when added to sunscreen. 

CBD Sunscreen vs. Regular Sunscreen 

Both CBD sunscreen and regular sunscreen contain many of the same ingredients, with one key difference: CBD. So what does this difference mean?

Some formulas contain harsh ingredients and perfumes that cause irritation. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may counteract some of those effects. 

The main difference between regular sunscreen and CBD sunscreen is CBD, which may provide another active ingredient to condition your skin and combat inflammation.

Because reputable CBD manufacturers already conduct third-party lab testing for their products, consumers can easily find and review a company’s CBD sunscreen lab results. 

Traditional sunscreen does not provide any potential relief for post-sun exposure. Once you burn, aloe vera or after-sun products might offer some pain relief. CBD sunscreen, however, gives users the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits of topical CBD. If you reapply according to the directions on the bottle, you may get relief even after you’re out of the sun. 

What to Know Before You Purchase CBD Sunscreen

As with any CBD product, you should do your research before you purchase. Look into various companies and take note of where they source their CBD. Always look for companies that use U.S.-grown hemp, provide third-party lab testing, and have great company reviews.

Look for a CBD sunscreen made with full-spectrum CBD oil to get the maximum benefits from the product. 

CBD works best when used in combination with other elements from the cannabis plant. This is a well-studied phenomenon called the entourage effect. 

Always look for at least 30 SPF for sufficient protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reapply at least every two hours, or after swimming or sweating profusely, as with any sunscreen.

You should also test out a product on your skin if you can. See how your skin reacts to CBD and the additional ingredients, especially if you plan on using CBD sunscreen on your face. 

If you suffer from a chronic skin condition or have sensitive skin, it may be best to talk to a dermatologist before trying CBD sunscreen. Even though more research is needed on CBD sunscreen, your doctor may have recommendations or the ability to test to see how your skin will react. 

Final Thoughts: CBD Sunscreen

Although it’s a newer product on the market, CBD sunscreen shows promise as a viable skincare product that protects against UV rays while providing the relief of topical CBD. 

The sunscreen can only function properly when correctly applied and used as often as needed, so make sure to be diligent. CBD topicals are a great option for those suffering from chronic skin conditions or sensitive skin. Why not incorporate CBD into your daily sunscreen regimen?

References

1. Nickles, M. A., & Lio, P. A. (2020). Cannabinoids in Dermatology: Hope or Hype?. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(4), 279-282.
2. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21.