The CBD lip balm is used on lips and sensitive areas to deal with problems caused by the sun, cold and pollution. Its moisturising, soothing, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory action is a good tool to alleviate problems due to burns, herpes, rashes, chapped skin, irritations and scars.
The lips are covered by a thinner layer of skin than the rest of the body and for this reason they are more sensitive and more delicate.
Due to their continuous exposure they are subject to problems due to external factors such as the sun, cold, air quality and possible shocks.
There are also personal factors that can have a negative influence on the health of the lips, such as certain smoking habits and certain eating habits. There are also internal factors such as poor hydration and nutritional imbalances.
However, the skin of the lips has an excellent capacity for regeneration, it is advisable to use natural products with moisturising properties such as creams to help prevent and treat possible ailments.
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CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that are very useful in case of skin inflammations and wounds, helping the regeneration of damaged tissues (3)(4)(9), thanks to the high presence of endocannabinoid receptors in the skin tissue, in particular CB2 and TRPV that help regulate inflammatory processes and relieve symptoms of itching and pain (5)(6)(7)(10).
In addition, Cannabis can alleviate symptoms of oral diseases involving inflammation and pain, as in the case of burning mouth syndrome that also involves the lips (8).
It is also important to consider the antibacterial and antibiotic properties of CBD, very useful in case of skin lesions that may be at risk of infection (9).
The skin of the lips contains little melanin, so it has little protection from sunlight and can easily burn. In addition, certain smoking habits can cause burns on the lips (1). Skin burns involve tissue inflammation and a certain degree of skin cell death, so the healing process must be carefully monitored.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activity, CBD alleviates the symptoms associated with burn episodes, while also facilitating blood circulation and optimising the cell regeneration process.
Herpes is an infection that attacks the lips and mouth and causes small blisters, and is caused by the herpes simplex virus. After the first infection, the virus goes dormant and can be reactivated at other times (12). An in vitro study (13) suggests the involvement of the Endocannabinoid System in the regulation of herpes simplex, noting that THC may have some positive effect and consequently possibly also CBD, thanks to its immunomodulatory and antibiotic properties.
At the popular level, herpes is listed as one of the medical problems for which Cannabis is recommended in dispensaries in the United States, Canada and Europe (14).
The skin of the lips does not have sweat glands and needs to be moisturised through saliva, so in environmental conditions that favour evaporation, both the lips and the skin around them can become chapped. This can occur either in the sun and dry climate or in enclosed, air-conditioned places such as offices, where there is frequent talking which can lead to dehydration (1). LIPBALM and creams contain ingredients that help to keep the lips moisturised, to prevent and treat the appearance of possible chapping, and thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, it relieves the symptoms of pain and itching, and also promotes skin regeneration.
Apart from the lips, there are other areas of the body whose skin can become dry and chapped, both through exposure to environmental factors (such as the face and hands) and their location (such as the feet). Similar to considerations for chapped lips, LIP BALM and other CBD creams can help maintain hydration and relieve itching, pain and possible inflammation. A recent study on the topical use of CBD on dry and sensitive skin has shown significant improvement of symptoms associated with dermatitis.(11)
IRRITATIONS and CBD
Skin irritations can be caused by external and internal factors, leading to an inflammatory state. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effect, CBD is very useful in case of skin irritations, relieving the sensation of stinging, pain and itching as observed in a recent study (11). CBD helps regulate irritative processes both externally, by acting against pathogens, and internally, by modulating the inflammatory response of the body and the skin.
Rashes are a type of irritation that can occur on both the skin and lips and can even cause sores or blisters. As with other types of irritation, CBD can help to regulate the irritative processes and relieve the sensation of pain and itching.
Scars are the consequences of deep wounds that can involve even muscle tissue. Thanks to the presence of endocannabinoid receptors in both epithelial and muscle tissue, CBD relieves inflammation and pain caused by deep wounds, also providing an important antibacterial effect. CBD also promotes tissue regeneration, favouring the formation of new, aesthetically and functionally healthier skin, maintaining its colour, texture and elasticity (as we have seen in the article on ACNE).
Tattoos are more superficial wounds, although on an aesthetic level it is very important to take care of the healing process as it involves a certain degree of scarring. Similar to the considerations made for scars, CBD can support the initial care process, relieving inflammation and pain and preventing infection, and optimise the regeneration and healing process from both an aesthetic and functional point of view, while also reducing itching sensations. In addition, LIP BALM contains ingredients that help maintain skin hydration, a key factor in achieving a well-healed tattoo.
LIPBALM can be a good ally in the treatment of different skin and lip conditions, providing an important anti-inflammatory effect, relieving symptoms of pain and itching and reducing the risk of infections. In addition, LIPBALM and other CBD creams contain ingredients that help to maintain adequate hydration.
LIPBALM is used externally only, applying the product directly to the lips or the affected skin area, trying to massage gently until it is absorbed.
When used externally, the effect appears after 15-20 minutes and lasts for 2-3 hours, so it is advisable to apply 3 or 4 times a day depending on your needs.
Bibliography:
Endocannabinoid Glossary:
The endocannabinoid system, hereinafter ECS (Endocannabinoid System), is another system in the body, like the circulatory or immune system. It is one of the most fundamental systems of our body. However, it is quite common to be unaware of its existence and even more so know how it works. Today we will explain what the ECS does, how it works, and why cannabinoids can be beneficial for our body.
Why have you never heard of ECS? Probably because it was discovered very recently, specifically during the 90s, through the study of phytocannabinoids such as THC and CBD. While investigating phytocannabinoids (Fun fact: It was sponsored by the United States with the mission of demonizing cannabis), researchers discovered that humans, and most other mammals, have cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. This was due to the discovery of one of the fundamental receptors of the ECS, the CB1 receptor. These findings led to the discovery of the first naturally produced endocannabinoid in 1992. This was anandamide, it is also known as the bliss molecule. These two events led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which owes its name to the plant that made its discovery possible, cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex intercellular communication system, similar to a neurotransmission system, but it spreads to other organs and tissues in the body, not just the brain. It’s like a thermostat by regulating various physiological functions of our body, balancing and stabilizing the activity and production of different organs and systems of our body. The responsibility of the ECS is to balance metabolic processes and optimize the function of our bodies. It plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood, and day-to-day experience. The ECS is a difficult system to understand due to the short amount of time that it has been recognized and investigated, in addition to the complexity found in each human being.
Functions related to the Endocannabinoid System
To recapitulate, the ECS is a system of communication between cells that is found throughout our body. The ECS consists of three important components:
Organs and systems where we can find the Endocannabinoid System The receptors are:
How CB1 receptors activate brain function The distribution of cannabinoid receptors is totally different from any other receptor we have. What we see here is that they’re everywhere. It’s what defines the ECS, its presence is totally global in our body, it’s omnipresent! CB1, the first receptor to be discovered, has been under the microscope for much longer so we have a lot more information. Its abundance in our brain can be seen in the graph below.
Is the first endocannabinoid discovered therefore we know much more about it compared to other endocannabinoids. Its name comes from the word "ananda" which in Sanskrit means bliss, a state of serenity, spiritual peace and happiness.It is synthesized in the brain where memory, motivation, and other higher cognitive processes and movement control are managed. In this way it has the ability to influence physiological systems such as pain, appetite, pleasure and reward. Anandamide binds to our cannabinoid receptors, but the same enzymes that synthesize Anandamide will also quickly break it down.Molecular structure of Anandamide
The ECS and its respective parts, endocannabinoids and receptors, interact with each other as if they were a lock and a key. The receptors would be the lock and the endocannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids, would be its key. Let's get a little more scientific: Cannabinoid receptors are proteins present in the cell membrane that act as a lock for endocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from fatty acids produced by our bodies). Endocannabinoids, endogenous lipids, act as a perfect key for this lock, they bind to the receptors and when this occurs the receptor is activated. This activation produces changes within cells that lead to the ECS’s final actions on the body's physiological processes. Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids from the cannabis plant) and many synthetic cannabinoids bind to this lock in the same way and offer effects that are analogous to endocannabinoids, or even enhance their effects. 
How the ECS works
So let’s remind ourselves that the main function of the ECS is regulating and achieving homeostasis in our body. It is essential for our body to achieve that balance and everyday our systems go to work to make that happen, and the ECS is their boss.
Cannabinoids, like CBD, interact with cannabinoid receptors. CBD helps improve ECS function in turn helping the ECS regulate and balance the rest of our organs and systems. Something very promising that is being studied at the moment is the possibility of CBD enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids in our body. Studies suggest that CBD can inhibit cannabinoid enzymes, responsible for breaking endocannabinoids down. Currently, studies indicate there are different types of interactions between the ECS and different phytocannabinoids. An easy example is CBD, whose use does not activate receptors in the same way as, for example, THC.
The endocannabinoid system exists in every human and is active even if you have never used cannabis. It is very important to enhance our ECS for our health. CBD can be a way to improve and enhance our ECS and feel more effective and balanced in the activity of our body. Learn about our products. However if you aren’t interested in trying phytocannabinoids, there are other ways to enhance your endocannabinoid system. Check out our blog on 10 ways to enhance the endocannabinoid system, it’s full of tips!
We still don't know much about the endocannabinoid system, our endocannabinoids, and how powerful phytocannabinoids can be. Every day researchers study more and everyday more is discovered. There are surely more receptors, more endocannabinoids, and more components of ECS that have yet to be discovered. The important thing is that we continue to push our governments and support our institutions to study this fascinating system (and the plant that allowed us to discover it!) so that we can further continue to understand our organism and the connection between mind and body. Written and illustrated by: Christina Schwertschlag Edited and published by: Claudia Nicolás
ECS
Cannabinoid receptors and the ECS
Anandamide
2-AG
The WHO on the use of CBD: it is not addictive nor harmful and possesses many therapeutic properties
"There is preliminary evidence that CBD can be a useful treatment for medical conditions ... epilepsy, anxiety, inflammatory diseases, pain, nausea, etc ..."
This is reflected in the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence of the World Health Organization (WHO). This committee met in Geneva (Switzerland) from November 6 to 10, 2017 to discuss the therapeutic potential, adverse effects and potential dependence of CBD. The agency has published a report containing the conclusions of the top cannabidiol (CBD) experts. In addition to recognizing the potential of CBD in the treatment of epilepsy and other diseases, the report recalls that «it is not on the list of the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions of 1961, 1971 or 1988», which means that: The United Nations does not consider CBD to be a drug.
This report from the World Health Organization represents an important step for medicinal cannabis as it opens the door to new research focused on the therapeutic potential of CBD.
Today we will summarize the analysis and conclusions drawn by this commission, the report in general is pretty dense.
According to preclinical studies, no tolerance has been identified and no studies have been reported that indicate physical dependence. It has been identified that high doses do not affect an increased release of dopamine.Regarding the consequences of the potential abuse of this cannabinoid, according to the intracranial stimulation analyzed in mice, no adverse effect has been found from abused CBD.From human medical studies, t CBD has been found to arouse the same addiction as a placebo. And that cannabidiol does not produce, on its own, any significant psychoactive or cardiovascular effect. They also concluded that abused CBD does not produce any negative consequences.
In the second point of the WHO report, it is acknowledged that no public concern has been identified in relation to the use of CBD or accidents related to this substance.
The report notes that several advanced investigations have shown its effectiveness against epilepsy and attach a list of other ailments for which CBD could be useful.
Based on the evidence, the WHO report concludes that CBD lacks the psychoactivity associated with THC, does not cause addiction and has promising therapeutic uses, and recommends further research.
In Europe CBD is already legal in Switzerland and the UK, but the CBD wave is definitely global. This cannabinoid has already been removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances, allowing professional athletes to consume CBD since 2018. This means that cannabis, with levels of THC lower than 0.2%, has been removed from prohibition lists of international organizations and is on its way to becoming an ally for the physical training of athletes.
The action of the active ingredient depends mainly on its kinetics in the organism, being the release process the most influential. In this case, the oral release takes longer (the effect does not begin until 30-90 minutes) and is also more prolonged (up to approximately 4 hours). The topical action has a localized action and can be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
CBD consumption is based on personalized therapy for each individual and the reason for use in each specific case, taking into account the regulatory framework of each country. In general,the cannabinoid does not present any known adverse effects at any therapeutic dose, although this does not rule out the existence of certain pharmacological interaction, aka mixing with current medication.
CBD’s action depends above all on its chemistry of our organism, the liberation process being the most influential. In this case, the oral release takes longer (up to 30-90 minutes for the effect to start) and in the same way lasts longer (up to about 4 hours). Topical action has a localized effect and can be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as: Atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Based on a multitude of clinical trials that have taken place on the subject, it is recommended to find your dose by trial and error dosing, with small doses, for several days. This allows users to listen to their body and understand the varying effects that CBD can have on different people. Small doses throughout the day are preferred over a single dose of greater amount or concentration of the substance.
Want to know more about CBD and the Endocannabinoid System? Check out these two blogs:
What is CBD? History, benefits and properties
The Endocannabinoid System
Bibliography:
Annex 1- Extract from the Report of the 41st Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: Cannabis and cannabis-related substances. 2019
