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A Guide on How CBD Topicals Work
Sep
Many of you already know the basics of topicals, like lotions and creams, as well as how they nourish and moisturize the skin. However, many do not know that CBD can be turned into topicals. What are topical CBD products, and how do they work?
What Is a CBD Topical?
You have probably seen or used CBD products such as oils, tinctures, and edibles. However, there is another effective, safe, and easy way of using CBD. CBD topical products such as CBD lotions, CBD balms, and CBD creams are products made for the skin.
Your skin absorbs the nutrients from cannabis-derived products. The cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS) will respond to the substance, triggering the effects of CBD for managing aches and pains by helping reduce inflammation.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid or plant compound found in various traces in Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa plants. It differs from the popular psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) since it does not produce a mental “high.” If you are also interested in THC topicals, check out where to buy THC balms in Canada here.
CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight to be considered legal. With this THC content, the ingested CBD is guaranteed to be non-psychoactive and non-habit forming. This eases the serious safety concerns surrounding hemp-derived CBD products.
Using CBD can help manage skin conditions such as dry and irritated skin. These are the most common benefits of CBD. There are other forms of symptomatic relief from ingesting CBD.
History of Using Topical CBD Products
For thousands of years, various forms of CBD topical creams in ancient China, Latin America, and India have been used for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the modernization of society led to the shift to synthetic drugs, ignoring the effectiveness of natural remedies.
Fortunately, cannabis research is now establishing the medical benefits of the products derived from the cannabis plant. Now, people are seeing CBD products as a natural remedy for chronic pain and nerve damage.
How Do Topical CBD Products Work?
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, consisting of two main layers: the epidermis and dermis. The former is the skin layer that you can see, which contains pores, scars, freckles, and other visible characteristics. The latter is the skin layer below the epidermis, consisting of nerve and blood vessel endings, hair follicles, and different skin cells.
Unlike a typical topical cream for pain relief, topical CBD products do not simply mask joint or muscle pain. Instead, they treat the pain around the affected area, offering natural and non-habit-forming pain relief.
Topical CBD products can work well for muscle aches because the ECS regulates different processes and bodily functions such as sleep, reproduction, memory, immune response, etc. When you apply CBD cream or other topicals to your body, your skin will absorb the cannabinoid to treat pain.
Difference Between Oral and Topical CBD Products
When CBD is administered topically, the cannabinoid compounds will bind to the cannabinoid receptors on the area where the topical cream was placed. If you have a specific place in your body where you want to ease pain, then this method will work the best for you.
The effects of topical CBD are more concentrated because it is not distributed evenly throughout the body. This option suits your needs if you want to alleviate mild discomfort in your joints and muscles or renew skin in troubled regions.
On the other hand, oral CBD requires cannabinoid compounds to reach the bloodstream. The endocannabinoid system is the next stop after that. Compared to consuming CBD, the sublingual approach gives quicker effects due to its greater bioavailability. This higher bioavailability enables more CBD to reach circulation since it skips the digestive system.
Types of CBD Skin Care Products
Besides oral CBD, there are many types of CBD topicals in the market, ranging from CBD creams, oils, ointments, and so on.
CBD skincare items are infused with CBD extracts to help heal and soothe your skin. CBD is the main ingredient in these products but is also complemented by other components such as shea butter, coconut oil, and other ingredients that help nourish and moisturize the skin.
Here are some of the common topical products you will find in the CBD market:
Nectar Facial Serum
Nectar Facial Serum is packed with CBD, wild-crafted rose hip oil, and organic olive oil to impart healing power and a dewy glow. The product also has a blend of carefully chosen plant botanicals such as carrot seed, rose geranium, and lavender to further lavish the skin and uplift your senses.
Mota Green Balm
Mota Green Balm is a CBD ointment that soothes arthritis pain using the finest ingredients, such as Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Shea butter, and natural oils from Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, and Lavender. Each 4oz bottle contains 500Mg THC and 30Mg CBD.
How to Use CBD Topical Products
Like any other body organ, your skin needs proper care. Although the largest organ in your body is incredibly resilient, it still gets damaged as you age. You should take preventative and reactionary treatment to prevent or minimize skin damage.
An example of preventative treatment is applying sunscreen to your skin before going out in the daylight. The sunscreen will protect your skin from UV rays that can burn your dermis.
On the other hand, reactionary treatments are done in response to already damaged skin. For instance, if you got sunburnt after a long day on the beach. Your reactionary treatment would be to use a topical application to ease pain and stimulate the repair of skin cells.
Most CBD topicals, such as CBD cream or CBD oil, are designed as a reactionary treatment for inflammation, pain, and other skin-related issues. To use CBD for muscle or joint pain, start by cleaning the area and ensuring it is dry. Then, apply the topical CBD to the affected area and wait a few minutes to let your skin absorb the product.
Benefits of Using Topical CBD Products
Applying CBD to your skin helps treat aches and pains since it helps limit your body’s inflammatory response. For instance, a CBD product can decrease joint pain by reducing the number of cytokines in the affected area.
Topical CBD is also popular for its anti-inflammatory effects that greatly help manage pain and induce a sense of relief within minutes. Oral CBD, such as dietary supplements or gummies, is also great for pain. However, using CBD topical cream will be better for targeted pain relief.
Symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis can also be managed using CBD because the substance is known to relieve dry skin, which leads to itchiness and the formation of scales. The anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD will help slow down the excessive growth of skin cells, suppressing the histamines that cause dry, itchy, and scaly skin.
Studies also show that CBD inhibits excess sebum production, which causes acne and eczema. CBD can reduce pore size to help prevent further breakouts while soothing skin blemishes.
Which Topical CBD Product Should You Try?
Products containing CBD extract are effective in certain kinds of health issues. When it comes to choosing which type of product you should use, it will ultimately boil down to preference.
CBD cream, lotion, and balm are some of the most popular topical products. Balms often do not have large water content since they are usually formulated with CBD oil or beeswax. Lotion usually has lots of water and cream, so they are light and non-greasy.
The ideal thing to do is to try each of them and see which one works best for you. However, make sure to pick from a reputable and trusted CBD company. Use the product for at least a week to see its effects.
Make sure to wait at least 10 to 15 minutes after using CBD topicals. If you use CBD balm or ointment, you can cover the area with a bandage or a patch if you do not want the product to touch your clothing.
How to Choose The Right CBD Products
When choosing CBD products, whether topical or oral, you have to be extremely vigilant, especially since the industry is currently unregulated. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that you are buying a safe, effective, and reliable CBD product:
- Avoid too-good-to-be-true claims: If the CBD brand says it can cure your cancer, it is better to steer clear of it. CBD products, whether topical or oral, are currently not regulated by the FDA. So, manufacturers and companies cannot say they can cure or treat serious health problems.
- Look for a certificate of authenticity: A key to identifying a reliable CBD product is by looking at its certificate of authenticity. The document will tell you that the product has been tested in independent, third-party labs. The report should contain how much CBD is in the product as well as its other ingredients.
- Check for reviews: Another way to ensure you get what you have paid is by checking for product reviews. A common issue in CBD products is mislabeling. Many brands do not contain any CBD in them. Thus, you must do your research before buying the item.
- Consult your doctor: You must consult your doctor first and tell them about your plans to try CBD products. This is extremely important, especially if you have an underlying condition requiring you to take other drugs. Keep in mind that CBD can affect drug interactions. Nevertheless, this is a bigger concern when ingesting CBD rather than using topicals.
- Read and understand the label: Check out the ingredients and ensure you are not allergic to any components. You may also want to examine other considerations such as cruelty, GMO, and paraben-free. Also, ensure that you are using the CBD product correctly by following the instructions on the label or packaging.
- Watch for side effects: Most topical CBD products do not have any particular side effects except if you are allergic to CBD or other components. Often, the side effects of CBD come from ingestible rather than topicals.
How Much CBD Should You Look For in CBD Topicals?
CBD cream, lotion, and other topicals have varying amounts of CBD content. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the amount of CBD your body requires since the effects of cannabinoids differ from person to person.
The higher the CBD content in the product, the stronger its effects will be. Generally, products with 500mg per container are suitable for mild aches, while those containing 2,000mg might help treat nerve damage.
You can know how strong the product you are buying is by checking the CBD content listed on the label. Reach out to the manufacturer or shop’s customer service if you want to find out more about the strength and benefits of the CBD cream or other topicals you want to buy.
Related Topic: Weed for Bath and Body – Best Products and Uses
Find The Best Topical CBD at Ahuevo!
CBD products are a favourite among those looking to relieve chronic pain and inflammation. They are also becoming known in the skincare industry due to their ability to keep the skin moisturized and healthy. Whether you are looking for topical or oral CBD products, we have it all here at ¡Ahuevo!
Place your order today and take advantage of our same-day delivery service around Metro Vancouver. Check out now for a chance to get your delivery within an hour, except for peak times.
FAQ
Animal studies involving rats with osteoarthritis found that CBD can stop the pain and hinder the development of more pain. In a study published in Clinical Therapeutics, the researchers found that the effects of CBD topicals, when used for more than three months, can significantly improve the signs of skin disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD may also help lower the risk of developing eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis by mitigating the effects of probable triggers. People who have sensitive skin may benefit from using CBD topicals since they can calm the skin and lessen the appearance of irritation.
CBD topicals, such as balms, ointments, and lotions, have an almost instant therapeutic effect. After applying these products, you may begin experiencing relief within around 15 minutes.