Understanding how topical CBD works opens a fascinating window into the science of cannabinoids and their interaction with our bodies. When you apply CBD directly to your skin through creams, balms, or lotions, you’re engaging with a sophisticated biological process that targets specific areas without entering the bloodstream. This localized approach has captured the attention of wellness enthusiasts and researchers alike, as it offers a unique way to experience CBD’s potential benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the mechanics of topical CBD absorption, explore how it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, and examine why this delivery method has become increasingly popular among those seeking natural wellness solutions.
Using CBD Topicals – A Brief History
Different forms of a topical CBD balm have been used to ease pain and inflammation and treat various skin conditions in ancient China, India, and Latin America for thousands of years. Unfortunately, modern society has developed a bad habit of ignoring natural remedies proven to be effective.
It’s only been a few years since scientific research established the medicinal benefits of cannabis extracts like CBD.
If you’re not a stranger to muscle aches or a persistent skin condition, the chances are that you have heard of CBD, a substance that’s been in the spotlight in recent years.
CBD balm is a natural remedy for pain and inflammation and is becoming a favorite among athletes and the skincare industry.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a plant chemical compound (aka cannabinoid) found in cannabis plants – specifically, industrial hemp.
It is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana that intoxicates and produces the mental ‘high.’
For those who are unaware, hemp and marijuana both make up the cannabis plant species.
CBD cannot make you high, at all. This is because most CBD products contain less than 0.3 percent of THC by dry weight to comply with legislation. CBD seems to excel at offering relief from things like:
- joint pain
- sore muscles
- aches and pains
- arthritis pain
- nerve pain
It can help with other forms of symptomatic relief, too. These are just the most commonly talked about benefits.
One of the reasons CBD has gained widespread acceptance is that it has no adverse side effects. Legally speaking, CBD products need to have a below 0.03% THC content, meaning they are non-psychoactive and non-habit forming.
Whether used internally or topically, CBD will not make you feel ‘high.’ I cant stress this enough.
Exploring the Human Skin
All humans have skin — everyone knows this. What you might not know is that the skin is actually the largest organ in the human body. It’s composed of two primary layers: the epidermis and the dermis.
- The epidermis is the top layer of your skin that you can see. It contains freckles, scars, pores, and other visible characteristics.
- The dermis is the layer of skin below your dermis. The dermis contains hair follicles, nerve and blood vessel endings, and different skin cells than the epidermis.
Check out this image of the skin layers:
There is also a hypodermis, but for the sake of time, we will be focusing on the epidermis and dermis.
How Do CBD Topicals Work?
Unlike over-the-counter topical relief creams, CBD topical balm doesn’t mask the pain or inflammation but instead eases bodily pain and offers natural non-habit forming and irritation-free pain relief.
CBD topicals are able to work so well because of the presence of the endocannabinoid system in your body.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signaling system in your body that comprises cannabinoid receptors (such as the CB1 and CB2 Receptors), enzymes, and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced within.); it is thought to regulate different processes and functions in the body including sleep, memory, reproduction, and fertility, immune response and so on.
When you apply topical CBD products to any part of your body, your skin absorbs the cannabinoid, but it doesn’t get to your bloodstream.
Instead, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors nearby, which sends a signal to the endocannabinoid system to alleviate pain in the affected area of your body.
This is how CBD topicals work at a basic level.
What are CBD Skin Care Products?
There are many different kinds of CBD skincare products on the market. From CBD creams, to gummies, to oil tinctures – there are usually several other hemp-derived CBD products that can offer you relief that goes beyond skin deep relief.
Type: High strength CBD balm
CBD: 1000mg or 2000mg
Features: Free shipping, money back guarantee
As the name suggests, skincare items like CBD topical balms and creams have been infused with CBD extract from the hemp plant and can help heal and soothe the skin.
Although CBD is the main ingredient in these balms, it is usually complemented by other elements like Shea butter and coconut oil to naturally protect, nourish, and moisturize every type of skin.
CBD balm is safe, easy to use, and can be applied to almost any part of the body to relieve several problems like soreness, inflammation, and irritated skin.
Topical CBD Balm Treatments
Like any other organ, the skin needs proper care.
From a young age, your parents likely told you things like “put on your sunscreen” or “make sure you wear your hat.” Our skin, although incredibly resilient, is also damaged periodically as we age. Sun damage, chemical damage, and acne are just a fraction of the things that can hurt our skin permanently.
To prevent and minimize skin damage, dermatologists recommend taking two approaches to a proper skincare regimen:
- Preventative treatment
- Reactionary treatment
An example of preventative treatment would be applying sunscreen to your skin before you go outside. Your skin would be covered in a small layer of sunscreen that protects it from UV rays — the invisible rays in sunlight that burn your skin. Your sunscreen’s SPF rating determines how long you can stay under the sun before reapplying it.
Reactionary treatments, on the other hand, are done in response to something that damaged your skin. For example, after a long day on the beach, you go home and realize you have some sunburn on your cheeks.
The reactionary treatment would be to apply aloe, which soothes the pain and stimulates the repair of skin cells. Some CBD balms and creams are designed as a reactionary treatment to sunburn, inflammation, and pain.
Are There Benefits to the Topical CBD Balms?
CBD topical balm has a wide possibility of use, including the following methods:
Type: High strength CBD balm
CBD: 1000mg or 2000mg
Features: Free shipping, money back guarantee
As we mentioned earlier, the anti-inflammatory effects of using CBD help with managing the constant, nagging aches and pains that accompany arthritis. Customers report feeling a sense of relief after about 10 or 15 minutes of applying soothe CBD balm.
If you haven’t tried a CBD balm for arthritis yet, please, do yourself a favor and try it.
How Does Topical CBD Get into the Skin?
CBD takes advantage of the skin’s absorption capabilities.
The epidermis has pores all over it. When something goes on the skin, the skin absorbs it.
Have you ever sat in the pool or bathtub for more than half an hour? If you do this for several minutes, your skin will prune up. This is caused by the skin absorbing water, which causes it to puff up and wrinkle.
Similarly, when you apply a topical — such as a lotion or cream — your skin also absorbs some of that substance.
What Does Topical CBD Do Once Absorbed?
Combining CBD extract with a topical cream (like our topical hemp balm called “Soothe”) enables it to be absorbed through the skin, creating an entry point for CBD to enter your body.
For instance, if you have pain in your knuckles from arthritis, applying a CBD cream may provide some relief. Studies show that applying CBD can provide anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe joint pain.
In other words, CBD applied on the skin uses the body’s ability to absorb nutrients through the skin. However, there’s also another advantage to using CBD as a topical.
Our skin is filled with cannabinoid receptors — proteins that are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for modulating critical functions such as sleep and pain response. Research is only beginning to scratch the surface of how CBD interacts with these receptors.
For instance, early studies show that CBD and other cannabinoids create a type of anti-inflammatory action known as keratinocyte cytokine production.
Should I Use a CBD Balm, Lotion, or Cream?
There is no right answer here. Ultimately, it boils down to preference.
- Balms usually don’t have any water (or have very little of it) and are formulated with a base of oil or beeswax. For instance, our Soothe balm is made with a blend of CBD extract combined with beeswax, avocado oil, lavender essential oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.
- A lotion is usually a mixture of lots of water and cream — hence why lotions often aren’t greasy.
- A cream is essentially a thicker lotion with lower concentrations of water.
Some people like a lighter option like a lotion. Others prefer a nice balm like Tiger Balm, famous for its pain-relieving properties. Other companies, like Dove, provide an assortment of skin-nourishing face and hand creams.
It’s all a matter of preference — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
The important thing to remember is to use a product that works best for you. Pick a product from a well-known and reputable CBD company and use it for a week or so to see how your body responds. For instance, I would recommend starting with a basic skincare regimen with Soothe (500mg) to see how your body reacts to the CBD.
How to Use CBD Topical Balm
First, clean the area with soap and water to remove dirt or any residue of previously applied creams. Then generously apply CBD in a gentle, circular motion and allow it to be absorbed for a few minutes. Cover with a bandage or a patch if you don’t want the balm touching your clothing.
The balm effects kick in anywhere from a few minutes to an hour (everyone responds differently) and may last for hours.
That’s really all there is to it! A lot of people enjoy using topical products simply because they are so easy to use.
Choosing the Right Topical CBD Dose
Cannabidiol (CBD) is not just a one-size-fits-all solution. Each CBD product will be listed with the amount of CBD present in the product. That way, you will tell how strong it is and how it will work for you.
The higher the CBD count, the better pain-relieving it will be. A CBD balm with 500mg of CBD per jar might be good for mild aches and pains, while a balm that contains 2000mg of CBD per jar might be able to help you treat nerve damage that’s worse.
The CBD potency of CBD topical creams will always be listed on the label. This way, you can be sure what strength it is you are buying.
Reach out to the company to find out which strength CBD pain cream might be best for your needs.
Does Topical CBD Show Up on a Drug Screen
While highly unlikely, it is technically possible for topical CBD to show up as a positive test result for THC. Urine tests are the most inaccurate form of testing, and for this reason they can also flag CBD as a false positive for THC.
Stick to a broad spectrum topical CBD product, or CBD isolate item. These both have 0.0% THC, and the likelihood for failing a drug test is far less than using full spectrum stuff.
Summary
In summary:
- Our body is filled with receptors that can utilize cannabinoids, like CBD.
- CBD topicals interact with these receptors, allowing the CBD to be absorbed through the skin.
- Choose the best CBD product that works for you and your body.
- Most people respond differently to different CBD topicals.
CBD Balm is a favorite for those with chronic pain and inflammation as it allows them to apply it to the targeted area for quick relief. It is also fast becoming a favorite in the skincare industry because it helps treat a variety of skin conditions and keep the skin moisturized and healthy.
