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CBD Oil for Psoriasis: What Does The Research Say?

6 min read
CBD oil for psoriasis UK - Skin psoriasis

CBD Oil for Psoriasis: What Does The Research Say?

6 min read

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases and affects around 3% of the global population. While not life-threatening, psoriasis can be incredibly uncomfortable and difficult to manage. 

So, how can CBD products help those living with psoriasis manage their condition?

CBD may help restore balance to the skin’s moisture barrier to help manage certain inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. It has been increasingly popular over the past few years for this reason. 

This popular health and wellness supplement is not a treatment or cure for psoriasis, but anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD could offer some relief.

In this guide, we will answer the following questions about CBD oil for psoriasis:

  • What is psoriasis?
  • How can CBD help with psoriasis?
  • How do you use CBD oil for psoriasis?
  • Which is the best CBD oil for psoriasis?

In this guide:

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that develops due to the skin producing too many new skin cells. It is said to be an autoimmune disorder, which means it is the result of the body’s immune defences attacking itself. 

Psoriasis causes red, dry, and flaky skin patches, typically covered by silvery scales. 

Most people develop small psoriasis patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. While the affected areas are small, psoriasis can also cause pain and irritation

Psoriasis typically occurs in “flare-ups”, which means there are specific events that trigger new patches to appear.

Common triggers are skin injury from cuts or wounds. Throat infections and certain medications can also cause psoriasis to flare up.

Other causes may include weather, stress and lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes dry, itchy and flaky skin.

Does CBD oil help with psoriasis?

So, what is the relationship between CBD and psoriasis? Is CBD oil good for psoriasis?

There is hope that CBD could provide some relief from psoriasis flare-ups due to its role in modulating the immune response. CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis.

Endocannabinoid receptors can be found in parts of the immune system, which suggests it plays a role in the immune response.

While CBD may not be a medicine intended to treat or cure any particular condition, there is hope that by supporting the ECS to function correctly, it could help to promote an overall sense of wellness.

Some CBD products may also address the symptoms of psoriasis, such as flaky patches of skin. These often include soothing botanical ingredients that may help to ease the itch-scratch cycle of psoriasis outbreaks.

CBD is generally safe for most people, so it’s worth exploring as part of your skincare routine.

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How does CBD oil for psoriasis work?

There are many products available that target people who have psoriasis. This includes oral CBD supplements to help support the ECS and topical CBD products to help relieve the symptoms.

CBD is not a medicine, treatment or cure for any condition. Still, there is hope that supporting the endocannabinoid system with this simple health supplement could help individuals to manage their symptoms.

CBD supports the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the release of FAAH, which is an enzyme that breaks down anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid produced in the body that sends messages between cells.

By preventing the enzyme activity that breaks down anandamide, there are more endocannabinoids for the body to use. This allows the ECS to function more effectively.

Psoriasis can also affect sleep and cause considerable stress. Many people turn to CBD for improved sleep and relaxation; therefore, CBD may help with these psoriasis symptoms.

Never replace a prescription medication with CBD. It is best to check with your doctor or dermatologist before combining products.

How do you use CBD oil for psoriasis?

People with psoriasis may benefit from cream, lotion, or oil-based products. CBD oil or infused skincare may be the most suitable and effective option. 

These products can be applied directly to the skin for quicker effects.

CBD shampoos for scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis can cause itching, leading to a build-up of dead skin in the hair. CBD-infused shampoos, conditioners, and treatments will most effectively treat psoriasis on the scalp.

To reap its benefits, you can even add your own broad-spectrum CBD oil to your current conditioner. However, this might be more expensive. 

A CBD hair oil designed specifically for this purpose might be more effective. This is intended to be applied directly to the scalp and massaged in.

CBD shampoo can also help activate the ECS receptors in the scalp’s skin. With this method, the CBD is not absorbed into the bloodstream, but it is still useful for the ECS receptors in the skin.

Read more: CBD for hair

CBD oil for psoriasis flare-ups

Flare-ups of psoriasis can be caused by stress, illness, and external factors, such as the weather or allergies. 

These are best managed with broad-spectrum CBD oils taken sublingually, as they are highly concentrated and excellent for approaching health and wellbeing quickly and effectively.

The sublingual method involves a person dropping the required dosage under their tongue before holding it there for up to 90 seconds. The CBD will be absorbed into the bloodstream through the small blood vessels under the tongue.

The sublingual method offers the highest bioavailability as it bypasses the liver and the digestive system. This method results in CBD entering the bloodstream the fastest and minimises wastage.

CBD cream for facial psoriasis

As facial psoriasis is more sensitive and challenging to manage than body psoriasis, you will need a product suitable for sensitive skin.

Using CBD cream for psoriasis will help to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent further drying and flaking. Choosing topical products that are infused with skin-calming botanicals will also help to provide relief from the itching.

Applying CBD cream for psoriasis
Topical CBD may help to ease psoriasis symptoms such as dry and flaky skin.

How long does it take CBD oil to work for psoriasis?

Because of the way CBD oil works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, how long CBD oil takes to work will vary, even if these people are the same height and weight.

However, generally you can expect to see results within an hour of topical application or taking CBD oil sublingually.

If using topical CBD, you may even notice relief instantly – although this could be as a result of other ingredients in the topical CBD such as essential oils added to provide a cooling feeling on the skin.

Tips for choosing the best CBD oil for psoriasis UK

Choosing the best CBD oil for psoriasis is crucial; otherwise, you may not get the benefits you want.

Whichever method you choose, you should also choose CBD oil that is:

  • Broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil
    This will allow you to experience the entourage effect from other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The most significant difference between the two is that full-spectrum CBD contains around 0.3% THC while broad-spectrum includes no THC.
  • Organic, non-GMO, and natural CBD
    This will help minimise the risk of contamination from pesticides, heavy metals or other irritants that could worsen psoriasis flare-ups.
  • Fully lab-tested and transparent
    This will ensure that the advertised amount of CBD in your product is correct while also ensuring that it does not contain high levels of THC.
  • Not the cheapest option
    Cheap CBD products are usually produced using substandard methods, resulting in an inferior product. It can be low quality and may not have much, if any, CBD at all. It could even be dangerous if you don’t buy it from somewhere reputable.


When choosing
topical CBD products, check the extra ingredients to ensure they don’t contain anything that could aggravate your skin condition. Alcohol and fragrances are known to irritate psoriasis-prone skin.

Best CBD for psoriasis UK

CBD icon

Broad or full-spectrum CBD

Contains additional components that lead to the entourage effect 

Natural Icon

Organic, non-GMO and natural

Ensures there are no harmful chemicals that could worsen psoriasis

COA Icon

Third-party lab tested

Ensures the quality and contents of your CBD

Money icon

Not the cheap option

Cheap CBD may be lower-quality and contain little or no CBD

Why should you be wary of companies selling CBD oil for psoriasis?

As CBD is not a medicine or treatment, users should use it the same way they do supplements. 

It is not yet proven that CBD oil can treat any condition, psoriasis included. 

Therefore, any brand claiming their CBD product can treat or cure psoriasis shouldn’t be trusted.

Final thoughts on CBD oil for psoriasis

CBD oil may help improve a person’s quality of life when experiencing psoriasis. 

It can help restore balance in the skin, which can help with the imbalance in skin cells. 

Furthermore, it can restore general overall wellness, meaning your body and mind is healthier overall.

Whether you want to try CBD oil on its own or mix it with another product, it is most effective for skin conditions when applied directly to the skin. 

If you have severe psoriasis or long-term symptoms that impact your life, you may need to seek advice from a doctor before using CBD oil for psoriasis or other non-prescribed products.