The advancements in the medical and recreational cannabis sectors have resulted in the launch of so many new products in the market, one of them being cannabidiol (CBD). The effects of CBD on people have been researched and proven to be beneficial in several ways. Also, many new types of CBD products have been introduced due to the market’s expansion and CBD’s impact. Some of the products are CBD topicals, which are products that are applied to the skin in some way to achieve desired results. This article discusses CBD topicals, types of CBD topicals, and how they work to achieve desired results.
What are CBD Topicals?
A CBD topical is typically a product infused with CBD and can be applied directly to the skin, such as a CBD cream, balm, lotion, or salve. CBD is a chemical compound of marijuana, and it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the intoxicating ingredient found in marijuana that gets the consumer high. However, CBD products might contain traces of THC, not more than 0.3%,, which isn’t adequate for the ‘high’ feeling unless it’s consumed in high doses. CBD is usually in oil form, though it is also sold as a vaporized liquid, an extract, and oil-based capsules. Additionally, food, drinks, and beauty products are among the many CBD-infused products found online.
Though research on CBD is still in its early stages, the little we know about CBD topicals are encouraging in some areas. CBD topicals can be very useful in some situations due to their anti-inflammatory characteristics and other health-related benefits for the skin. Also, CBD topicals help relieve certain skin conditions and joint pain to a certain level; hence becoming popular.
Types of CBD Topicals
As earlier mentioned, different types of CBD topicals are available on the market today. Before embarking on any CBD product, it would be useful to go through the dosage guidelines to know how to use cannabis in various forms. Below are some of the topicals one can get today and their functions;
CBD Cream
CBD cream is the most common topical of all the others. Many CBD skin creams use broad-spectrum cannabidiol, the type of cannabidiol that does not contain THC or rather has very small traces of it. According to research, CBD cream can provide relief against some conditions such as,
Arthritis
According to Hammell, et al., (2016) research done on rats, some CBD products might possess long-lasting therapeutic characteristics that have an inflammation effect and behaviors associated with arthritis to a certain degree.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Xu, et al., (2020) research suggests that CBD cream might significantly alleviate pain for persons with peripheral neuropathy, which refers to nerve damage and results in numbness, discomfort, and weakening of the hands and feet.
Jaw Pain
A study by Lee, (2011).,.found that persons who experience temporomandibular disorder shortened as TMD might discover an improvement in their condition once they use CBD products. TMD causes stiffening and pain in and around a person’s jaw.
Generally, people apply CBD skin creams directly to the affected area of the body. Also, these creams might provide relief both at the surface or deeper levels of muscles. Additionally, in certain cases, CBD creams can help with relaxation to improve sleep.
CBD Lotion
CBD lotion can directly be applied to the skin, like CBD cream. Lotions are available in various forms for persons looking to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol together with using a healthy skin lotion at the same time. Besides, consider a cannabidiol-infused lotion similar to the regular hydrating lotion, but with added benefits including lowering inflammation, calming the skin, combating dryness, and reducing dark spots and wrinkles. Therefore, CBD-infused lotions are great for making the skin healthier and restoring damaged skin.
CBD Balm
A CBD balm contains CBD oil and is a great option for people searching for pain relief and anti-inflammation effects. Additionally, a balm is a topical skincare product containing waxes, butter, oils, and active ingredients. Though balms are similar to creams, they do not contain water. You can apply CBD balms to any part of the body where you feel distressed or in pain. Besides, CBD balms offer relatively quick relief and don’t require more than just rubbing them into the skin.
CBD Patches
CBD patches are great for persons seeking to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol without smoking anything. Moreover, you can apply CBD patches to the affected area of the body, and the effects felt within 5-15 minutes. Also, cannabis patches are great for quick alleviation of pain and characterize the anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabidiol. Additionally, CBD patches are a great and simple method of delivering cannabidiol to the body, for starters. Besides, they are affordable, and their effects are manageable as one can take them off when affected in any way.
CBD Oil and Butter
There are several other types of cannabidiol topicals, including oil and butter. There are several types of oil and butter, but there are just a few options, such as face oil and lip butter when it comes to topicals. Face oils, for instance, might be used to reduce wrinkles around the eyes or may be used on the face for additional benefits. Lip butter, on the other hand, is a hydrating and soothing substance that can be applied to the lips. Lastly, CBD oils and butter are meant to be applied straight to the skin.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to select from when it comes to topicals, whether looking for pain relief or for recreational use. Also, this diverse range of products is ideal for those who are new to cannabis and do not want to smoke it but yet want to reap the benefits. Apply the ointment immediately to the skin and wait for a few minutes. Besides, they are easier to control in terms of dosage and do not have the same potent effects as smoking marijuana, thus making them more accessible for a wider range of people.
References
Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., Mcilwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., &Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation And Pain‐Related Behaviours In A Rat Model Of Arthritis. European Journal Of Pain, 20(6), 936-948.
Lee, M. A. (2011). CBD: How It Works. O’Shaughnessy’s
[Internet].
Xu, D. H., Cullen, B. D., Tang, M., & Fang,
Y. (2020). The Effectiveness Of Topical Cannabidiol Oil In Symptomatic Relief
Of Peripheral Neuropathy Of The Lower Extremities. Current Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, 21(5), 390-402.
