Guide To CBD Topicals; What They Are And How They Work

Guide To CBD Topicals

What are CBD topicals?

CBD is everywhere; you can vape it, you can ingest it, you can bathe in it, or apply it directly to your skin, muscles, or joints.

This might make you wonder, how should I use CBD?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question.

This is because the best way to use CBD will be determined by various factors, including your personal preference/taste, how fast you want to experience effects as well as what you’re trying to relieve.

This means that you may use CBD edibles today, but tomorrow wants to use tinctures or topicals, depending on the situation.

In this article, we will talk specifically about CBD topicals. 

What’s it? How does it work? Who should use it? What are the different forms of CBD topicals?

We will answer all these questions in this article, so read to the end.

What Is CBD Topical?

To understand what is CBD topical, let’s start by reminding ourselves what CBD is.

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Other chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant includes THC, CBN, CBG, etc.

CBD and THC are the most popular and well-understood cannabinoids. However, unlike THC, CBD has no intoxicating effects.

According to research, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the system responsible for nearly every function in your body, including healthy skin, mood regulation, sleep, pain, etc.

So what’s a CBD topical?

CBD topicals refer to balms, salves, lotions, creams, etc., that have been infused with CBD. In simple terms, CBD topical is any form of CBD that’s applied externally.

Unlike other CBD forms, such as edibles and tinctures, which have to go through the digestive system to work, topicals are applied directly to the affected area, offering localized and targeted effects. 

How CBD Topicals Work

As mentioned, CBD topicals are unique in that you apply them to the skin instead of inhaling or ingesting them.

Because of your skin’s low permeability, little to no CBD gets into your bloodstream when you massage CBD topicals into your skin.

So how do CBD topicals work?

They interact with endocannabinoid receptors found throughout your body.

So when you apply CBD to your skin, it’s absorbed by the CB2 receptors found under your skin. 

What Are The Benefits Of CBD Topicals?

In other words, why should I use CBD topicals instead of other forms of CBD?

May Help Protect Your Skin From The Signs Of Aging

As you might have noticed, hemp oil is becoming a popular ingredient in most beauty and skin products.

Is this just trendy, or does CBD actually benefit your skin?

Antioxidants are said to prevent tissue damage caused by the environment. Experts also think that antioxidants may help speed up the healing process.

Different Forms Of CBD Topicals

Now that we know what’s a CBD topical and how it works, it’s time to choose which form of CBD topical to use.

Here are the most common forms of CBD topicals:

CBD Lotions And Creams

These are, just like the name suggests, CBD-infused creams and lotions.

CBD creams and lotions are usually a combination of water and oil and are designed to seal in water and keep your skin hydrated.

As a result, you can expect these products to have more ingredients in addition to CBD. 

Therefore, you must examine all the ingredients in your product to ensure it’s safe for your skin type.

CBD Balms, Salves, And Ointments

These are usually formulated by the use of waxes and oils, which results in a semi-solid substance.

Unlike creams and lotions, CBD balms, salves, and ointments are thicker and hard to penetrate the skin- they sit on your skin for longer, hence offering extended effects.

To benefit from CBD balm, salve or ointment, massage a small amount into the skin. Take time to rub them to the target area as best as you can.

Transdermal CBD Patches

Transdermal CBD patches are CBD-infused stick-on that you apply to your skin.

They help regulate a continuous release of Cannabidiol into your bloodstream.

A transdermal CBD skin patch is ideal for people who:

1. Want to maintain a continuous supply of CBD to a specific body part, or

      2. Those looking for the benefits of ingested CBD but can’t use ingestible CBD products such as edibles, tinctures, pills, etc. It’s usually due to various reasons such as stomach complications, problem swallowing, etc.

CBD Bath Bombs

Yes, you can bathe in CBD!

CBD bath bomb is your standard bath bomb but now infused with CBD.

When added to the water, the CBD in your bath bomb diffuses throughout the water, ensuring that your whole body benefits from the compound. 

What a better way to relax after a long-tiring way than to rest in a CBD-infused water bath?

Should I Expect Any Side Effects After Using CBD Topicals?

Remember, your CBD topical product will contain other ingredients in addition to CBD. Some of these ingredients may not work well for your skin and may even have some side effects.

Therefore, you must understand your skin type and identify the type of ingredients that may interfere with your skin.

Look out for products with artificial fragrances or alcohol.

Some artificial fragrances may trigger hormonal imbalance, leading to allergic reactions.

It would help if you also were wary of products made with parabens. Parabens are chemicals that are often used as preservatives.

The use of parabens in skin products has been linked to serious health conditions, including skin cancer and decreased sperm count.

Always go for quality CBD creams from reputable buyers to reduce the risks. 

Will A Full-Spectrum CBD Topical Show Up On A Drug Test?

Most form of CBD topicals apart from transdermal patches doesn’t involve getting CBD into your bloodstream.

Still, even if CBD skin patches deliver CBD into your bloodstream, full-spectrum CBD only contains a trace amount of THC.

It’s therefore unlikely that full-spectrum CBD topical will make you fail a drug test.

However, if there’s a need to avoid THC altogether, you can use broad-spectrum CBD topicals instead.

Have you used CBD creams, salves, bath bombs, etc., in the past? Please share with us your experience in the comment section below!