Does hemp cream help with dry skin? Causes, care and tips

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What causes dry skin?

Dry skin is most commonly caused by excessive water loss and a weakened skin barrier (the stratum corneum).

The stratum corneum determines whether the skin is able to retain moisture. The following play a key role in this:

If this structure is disrupted, the skin tends to be:

  • rougher,
  • more fragile,
  • more prone to cracking.

External causes of dry skin

The most common triggers include:

  • long hot showers and baths,
  • perfumed soaps and harsh cleaning products,
  • low outdoor temperatures,
  • dry air,
  • frequent exposure of the hands to water or contact with chemicals (‘wet work’).

Internal causes of dry skin

Skin dryness can also be exacerbated by:

What does dry skin look like and where does it appear?

The most common symptoms of dry skin include:

  • a feeling of dryness and tightness,
  • more pronounced fine wrinkles and lines,
  • flaking and peeling of the skin,
  • a rougher texture to the touch,
  • itching,
  • minor to deeper cracks.

If the skin is very dry, the cracks can be painful and may sometimes even bleed.

If the skin’s protective barrier is significantly compromised, an infection may also develop. Warning signs include:

  • yellow scabs,
  • weeping,
  • swelling,
  • increased tenderness or redness of the affected area.

A man with dry, flaky skin on his hands—what dry skin looks like and its typical symptoms, such as flaking, itching, and irritation; industrial hemp leaves; the Canatura logo at the bottom right

Dry skin around the eyes and mouth

On the face, dry skin usually becomes apparent mainly after washing. The skin feels uncomfortably tight, flaking may appear around the nose and on the cheeks, whilst make-up accentuates dry patches and fine lines become more visible.

The area around the eyes and mouth is particularly sensitive, as the skin here is thinner and more prone to irritation.

As well as dryness, the following may also occur:

  • marked redness,
  • a burning sensation,
  • flaking,
  • fine cracks,
  • recurring flare-ups following the use of cosmetics, toothpaste or active ingredients.

In these cases, it may not simply be a matter of ordinary dry skin. Contact dermatitis or one of the types of eczema may also be to blame.

Dry and chapped lips

The lips are one of the areas where moisture loss becomes apparent very quickly. Cold weather and low humidity are the main factors contributing to them becoming dry and chapped.

Limiting exposure to irritants and using a protective lip balm free from fragrance and other potentially irritating ingredients can help.

For daily care of dry and chapped lips, try, for example, Enecta CBD Lip Balm or Cannaline CBD Lip Balm 150 mg CBD, which help protect the lips from drying out and adverse environmental factors.

What causes dry skin on the feet and heels?

Dry skin on the feet and heels is most often the result of a combination of lack of hydration, pressure and friction.

This is because your heels are subjected to considerable strain every day, which is why the skin there dries out and becomes calloused more quickly than on other parts of the body.

The risk of dry and cracked heels is increased in particular by:

  • long hot baths,
  • inadequate moisturising of the skin,
  • wearing unsuitable footwear,
  • standing or walking for long periods.

Unlike the face, where dry skin often manifests as fine flaking, the following is typical on the soles of the feet:

  • rough and calloused skin,
  • the formation of calluses,
  • cracks on the heels,
  • a feeling of tightness or pain when walking.

If the cracks are deep, they can be painful and increase the risk of infection.

Does cannabis cream help with dry skin?

From a professional point of view, it is important to distinguish between traditional hemp cream and cream containing CBD.

Hemp oil and hemp seed extracts mainly provide moisturising and emollient effects, which help to strengthen the skin’s natural defences.

CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is primarily being studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and soothing properties.

What the science says about hemp creams

Although research into hemp-derived substances in dermatology is growing rapidly, expert reviews point out that there are still relatively few high-quality clinical studies, and that some marketing claims are getting ahead of the available evidence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2025 found that cannabinoid preparations can statistically significantly alleviate itchy skin. Conversely, no significant effect was demonstrated on skin dryness itself, redness, quality of life or the severity of atopic dermatitis.

A frequently cited study from 2019 followed patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and scars who used a CBD ointment for three months.

The authors observed an improvement in skin hydration and in certain skin symptoms. However, the results must be interpreted with caution, as the study involved a small number of participants and had no control group.

Similar conclusions were reached in a 2026 study in which people with atopic or sensitive skin used a cream containing CBD alongside other moisturising ingredients.

After 56 days, there was a reduction in itching and dryness, as well as an improvement in certain skin barrier parameters.

However, as the product also contained glycerine, urea, hyaluronic acid, squalane and other moisturising agents, it is not possible to determine how much of the effect was attributable to the CBD itself.

Current evidence suggests that cannabis-derived ingredients may be a promising addition to skincare, particularly when it comes to itching or irritation.

However, there is as yet insufficient evidence to confirm that CBD alone is an effective solution for commonly dry skin.

Does hemp cream help with dry skin? A woman with irritated skin and a selection of hemp cosmetics for hydration, moisturizing, and daily care of dry skin; industrial hemp leaves; the Canatura logo at the bottom right

What is hemp cream good for?

The benefits of hemp cream do not depend solely on its CBD content. Other ingredients that moisturise and nourish the skin and help reduce moisture loss are just as important.

Hydration and protection against dryness

Hemp creams are most commonly used to care for dry, sensitive and stressed skin.

Hemp oil contains fatty acids that help to nourish the skin and support its ability to retain moisture.

A well-formulated hemp cream can help by:

  • alleviating feelings of dryness and tightness,
  • better moisturising the skin,
  • supporting the skin’s barrier,
  • improving comfort for sensitive skin.

Potential benefits of CBD

Laboratory studies suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate certain processes in the skin.

This is why CBD is being investigated in relation to itching, irritation, acne and certain inflammatory skin conditions.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of CBD depends on the specific formulation of the product. Not all CBD creams work in the same way, and the resulting effect is influenced by the overall composition of the product as well as the way in which the active ingredients are absorbed into the skin.

The greatest benefit of a hemp cream therefore lies in the combination of high-quality moisturising and emollient ingredients, which help to keep the skin supple and reduce dryness.

CBD can be a welcome bonus, particularly if, in addition to dry skin, you also suffer from itching or irritation.

Even in this case, however, it does not replace the basic principles of caring for dry skin – regular moisturising, protecting the skin from drying out and minimising exposure to irritants.

Tips for choosing hemp-based cosmetics for dry skin

When choosing hemp-based cosmetics for dry skin, look not only at the hemp or CBD content, but above all at the product’s overall composition. Moisturising and emollient ingredients play a key role.

A selection of hemp-based skincare products for dry skin—Palacio Bio serum, Bione Cannabis face cream, Cannor cleansing oil, Herbavera hemp body lotion, and Cannabellum CBD cream; industrial hemp leaves; the Canatura logo at the bottom right

Gentle cleansing as the basis of skincare

Caring for dry skin doesn’t start with a cream, but in the shower. If you use harsh shower gels or water that’s too hot, you may unnecessarily weaken the skin’s barrier and increase moisture loss.

Incorporate Annabis Bodycann Regenerating Shower Emulsion into your routine; it contains hemp oil, panthenol and gentle cleansing ingredients. It is designed for the daily cleansing of dry, sensitive and stressed skin and helps to cleanse without causing unnecessary dryness.

After showering, it is best to apply body lotion or cream within a few minutes to lock in the skin’s moisture as effectively as possible.

Daily body care

For regular daily moisturising, choose Herbavera hemp body lotion.

Its light texture is quickly absorbed and, together with hemp oil, glycerine and panthenol, helps to care for your skin after a bath and throughout the day.

If your skin needs more intensive care, try Herbavera hemp body and face cream with sea buckthorn.

The combination of hemp oil, sea buckthorn oil and glycerine is particularly suitable for dry and stressed skin.

Its richer consistency provides greater comfort for drier areas such as elbows, knees or shins, and is also suitable for caring for skin exposed to the cold, wind or frequent washing.

Care for dry skin

Palacio Organic Hemp Serum for the Face and Décolletage is an excellent choice for dry and dehydrated skin. It combines CBD, hemp oil and other moisturising and nourishing ingredients, making it suitable for daily care of the face, neck and décolletage.

If your skin needs hydration and nourishment, incorporate Palacio Organic Hemp Serum for the Face and Décolletage into your morning and evening routine and follow it up with a suitable face cream.

For your daily skincare routine, you can opt for Palacio Hemp Cream with Cellular Water, which is designed for regular moisturising and skincare. Or try Palacio Hemp Face Cream, which helps care for dry skin and promotes comfort throughout the day.

Do you suffer significantly from dry or mature skin? Try Bione Extra Nourishing Cannabis Face Cream with peptides, ceramides and inositol. The combination of ceramides and peptides will be particularly beneficial for skin prone to dryness.

Treat your skin to more intensive care at night, for example with Cannabellum CBD Cannadream Night Cream, which nourishes and regenerates your skin whilst you sleep.

When your hands are dry and tight

If you wash your hands frequently or they are exposed to the cold and wind, try Palacio hemp hand cream.

Organic hemp oil supports the skin’s natural regeneration and helps protect your hands from drying out caused by frequent washing, housework or adverse external factors.

Care for dry and cracked heels

Do you want moisturised and smooth heels? Try Palacio hemp ointment.

This rich heel ointment is designed to care for calloused and stressed skin on the feet. Thanks to its oily base, it helps protect the skin from drying out and promotes softening.

For more intensive care, apply it in the evening and leave it on overnight whilst wearing cotton socks. This will give the ointment more time to work and allow the skin to better absorb the nourishing ingredients.

When your skin needs intensive care 

If your usual cream isn’t enough, treat your skin to intensive care with Cannor’s highly regenerative ointment containing CBD hemp extracts.

This rich formula provides care for dry and stressed areas and is also suitable for skin prone to irritation.

For an extra dose of nourishment, you can also try Endoca’s hemp whipped body butter with 450 mg of CBD.

Thanks to its whipped texture, it is easy to apply and is suitable for very dry areas such as elbows, knees or shins, or for skin exposed to the cold, wind or other adverse conditions.

How to establish a routine with hemp-based cosmetics

To get the most out of hemp-based cosmetics, focus above all on consistency. Dry skin generally responds best to a combination of hydration, moisturisation and protection against dryness. 

A woman with mature skin and a selection of hemp-based cosmetics from the brands Cannor, Palacio, and Epiderma for the care of dry and dehydrated skin; industrial hemp leaves; the Canatura logo at the bottom right

Morning routine

Your morning routine begins with gentle cleansing. If you prefer rinse-off products, try Cannabellum CBD facial cleansing foam, which helps remove impurities and prepare your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

If you prefer a no-rinse cleanser, opt for Cannabellum CBD micellar water or Epiderma Bioactive CBD micellar make-up remover.

After cleansing, apply a moisturiser to slightly damp skin. For dry skin, Palacio Organic Hemp Serum may be a suitable choice, as it combines CBD with other moisturising and nourishing ingredients.

Then lock in the moisture with a suitable face cream. For daily care, you can choose Palacio Hemp Cream with Cellular Water or Palacio Hemp Face Cream, both of which are suitable for dry and dehydrated skin.

If your skin is very dry, tight or has a weakened protective barrier, choose Bione’s Extra Nourishing Cannabis Face Cream with peptides, ceramides and inositol. Thanks to its ceramide content, it helps care for dry skin and support its natural protective barrier.

For your body after a shower, try Herbavera hemp body lotion. If you have very dry elbows, forearms or shins, the richer Herbavera hemp body and face cream with sea buckthorn may be more practical.

Don’t forget to use sun protection during the day. UV radiation can, over time, contribute to the breakdown of the skin barrier and exacerbate skin dryness.

Evening routine

In the evening, devote more time to your skin and focus on thoroughly yet gently removing make-up, SPF and impurities.

If you use make-up or sun cream, try Cannor Hydrophilic Make-up Remover Oil with CBD or Cannor Blue Tansy & CBD Cleansing Balm. Both products will help dissolve make-up, SPF and accumulated impurities, and prepare your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Next, finish cleansing your skin, for example with Cannabellum CBD Facial Cleansing Foam. If you prefer micellar cleansing, you can also choose Cannabellum CBD Micellar Water or Epiderma Bioactive CBD Micellar Cleansing Water.

If you have sensitive skin, particularly around the eyes, choose the simplest possible products – ideally unscented ones – to minimise the risk of irritation.

Try, for example, Cannor Night Eye Balm, designed for the care of sensitive skin around the eyes.

After cleansing, apply Palacio Organic Hemp Serum to your face and décolletage to treat your skin to a more nourishing night-time routine.

For regeneration whilst you sleep, you can opt for Palacio Organic Hemp Night Cream or Cannabellum CBD Night Cream.

If your skin needs a more intensive dose of hydration and nourishment, try Cannor Night Moisturising Balm with CBD and stoechiole.

You can also add Cannor’s highly regenerative ointment with CBD hemp extracts or Endoca’s whipped hemp body butter (450 mg CBD) to your routine.

It’s a good idea to moisturise your hands after every wash and always before bed. Palacio hemp hand cream works well, helping to protect the skin from drying out.

If you suffer from dry and cracked heels, apply Palacio hemp heel ointment at night and put on some cotton socks.

Weekly care

With dry skin, less is often more. Excessive scrubbing and exfoliation can further weaken the skin’s barrier and worsen the feeling of dryness.

Conversely, for calloused heels, it can be helpful to use a urea-based product once or twice a week, as this helps to soften hard skin. However, do not use it on open or inflamed cracks.

What helps dry skin the most

Dry skin does not occur simply because it lacks one specific cream. It is usually a combination of a weakened protective skin barrier, moisture loss and the effects of external factors such as cold, hot water or frequent washing.

The basis of skincare therefore remains gentle cleansing, regular moisturising and sufficient oiling of the skin.

Hemp-based cosmetics can be a useful aid, particularly if they contain high-quality moisturising and emollient ingredients.

Current research suggests that CBD may be a promising addition, particularly for itchy and irritated skin, but it does not, on its own, replace the basic principles of dry skin care.

Not sure where to start? Try these products:

And if dryness persists despite regular care, or if painful cracks, significant redness or itching appear, consult a dermatologist.

FAQ

1. Why is my skin dry?

Most commonly, this is because the skin loses too much moisture and its protective barrier isn’t functioning as it should.

Triggers often include cold weather, low humidity, hot water, soaps, ageing and frequent contact with water or chemicals; however, it can sometimes be due to atopic dermatitis, medication or an underlying medical condition. 

2. How can I treat dry skin on my face overnight?

Dry skin cannot usually be completely cured overnight, but its condition can be significantly improved.

Gentle cleansing helps, as does applying a moisturising serum or cream containing glycerine or hyaluronic acid to damp skin, followed by a richer cream or balm to help lock moisture into the skin.

3. How can you get rid of dry skin on your feet?

The key is regular care and keeping the skin well moisturised. It can help to take shorter showers or baths in lukewarm water and apply a moisturising or emollient product immediately after drying off.

For dry and calloused heels, creams containing urea are often effective, as they help to soften hard skin.

At night, you can apply a thicker layer of ointment or Vaseline to very dry areas and put on cotton socks, which will help the skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients.

If the cracks are deep, painful or do not heal over a long period, consult a doctor.

4. Why is my skin dry even though I moisturise it?

This is usually because you’re using a moisturiser that’s too light, applying it too late, or continuing to dry out your skin with hot water, frequent washing or perfumed cosmetics.

Another possibility is that the dryness is caused by eczema or another health issue, in which case the cream alone won’t be enough.

5. Will cannabis cream show up in a drug test?

No, standard cannabis creams and balms remain in the upper layers of the skin and hardly enter the bloodstream at all.

If you’d like to find out more, take a look at the article: Will cannabis cream or body lotion show up in a drug test?.

 

Sources:

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

 

Photo: AI, Canva

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