WHAT ARE CBD TOPICALS – AND HOW DO THEY WORK

WHAT ARE CBD TOPICALS – AND HOW DO THEY WORK

How best do CBD topicals work? How can an individual best use CBD topicals?  Which types of CBD topicals are best for an individual? This article explains what CBD topicals are and how best they work when used.

CBD topicals are slowly gaining acceptance with the majority of the masses due to their effectiveness in localized pain relief applications. However, it would be great to understand how they work before using one of these products. This article gives you an insight into how topicals work in the body.

CBD and THC are the two most prevalent and well-known cannabinoids from hemp. The two cannabinoids make up at least forty percent of the hemp’s cannabinoid profile. The rest is occupied by other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBDV, and CBG. In addition, there are other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids which boost the efficacy of CBD. After extraction from hemp, the oils are made into different products such as topicals, tinctures, and vapes used in different administration methods. This is a discussion of how topicals work with the body, their efficacy, and the number of dosages to be used when using topical CBD.

What Are CBD Topicals

Moore (2019) explained that CBD topicals are cannabidiol-infused products designed to be applied directly to the skin. CBD creams, bath bombs, body washes, lotions, and massage oils are all examples of topical CBD. It’s difficult to determine which topical CBD is ideal for your unique needs with so many options on the market. Despite the vast array of topical CBD products available, one constant remains the presence of CBD oil. Indeed, these various topical treatments enable you to get the advantages of CBD oil in several ways. You may now enjoy the benefits of CBD while taking a bath, getting a massage, or even sitting at your computer. CBD topical creams are created by soaking CBD oil in a topical base and combining it with additional beneficial components. Topical CBD cream, which has a liquid viscosity, is frequently substituted for regular moisturizers.

How Does Topical CBD Work?

The skin is the largest human organ, accounting for around 15% of a person’s total weight. It protects the body against external and environmental hazards such as microorganisms, allergies, irritants, and UV radiation by serving as a psycho-chemical barrier. The body’s internal endocannabinoid system (ECS) is thought to regulate various human activities such as sleep, hunger, and stress. This is accomplished through various protein cell receptors found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. ECS cannabinoid receptors, on the other hand, are found on the skin. According to Patel & Lio (2021), CBD and other cannabinoids can function systemically and locally in troubled regions. Human skin contains a large number of ECS cell receptors. Most cannabinoids are thought to work by binding directly to CB1 and CB2 protein cell receptors.

CBD is also considered to have a different effect as it is thought to stimulate other receptors in the body and skin, such as TRPV1 and GPR 18 receptors. Endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG are thought to function in several parts of the human epidermis, including hair follicles and sweat glands. Endogenous cannabinoids such as 2-AG and phytocannabinoids such as CBD impact many skin functions by activating these skin-based protein cell receptors. Furthermore, because topical CBD is absorbed through the skin, it does not enter the blood circulation and cannot induce systemic effects such as “highness.”

Uses Of Topical CBD

Shover & Humphreys (2020) explained that many people use CBD cream to relieve muscular and joint discomfort on their skin. CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities may aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain linked with inflammation in the muscles and joints. Topical CBD was found to reduce discomfort in mice significantly, and following an arthritic simulation, mice were given a range of topical CBD creams of varying doses. Ly & Amici (2018) stated that the most potent CBD lotions provided the most relief from arthritic joint discomfort. CBD has also shown the potential to treat some skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Also, there was a connection between psoriasis and the body’s endocannabinoid system, leading doctors to believe that CBD might be a new treatment option for the disease. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with eczema. CBD is considered to alleviate eczema symptoms by lowering inflammation, restoring the delicate balance of microorganisms on the skin’s surface, and strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. CBD may help with acne treatment by reducing the amount of oil produced on the skin’s surface. Wounds, cuts, and burns may potentially benefit from topical CBD. Ozbay et al. (2021) explained that CBD has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that help cleanse the skin of contaminants while also working with the body’s ECS system to regulate skin growth and repair.

Which Topical CBD Is Best For You

There are numerous topical CBD products in the markets, and knowing which one is the best for you is important before embarking on using one.

CBD Lotions

This is an option to consider if you like a lightweight topical that has the consistency of a standard body lotion. Lotions are ideal for bigger regions that need attention, such as the back, hips, and legs. Because of its lightweight recipe, lotions are also excellent for hurting, tired hands, making them ideal for individuals who work in offices since CBD-infused lotions help loosen and relax hand muscles after hours of typing.

CBD Patches

Patches are unique items that you won’t believe unless you try them for yourself. Each patch contains a particular dose of cannabis and functions similarly to other topicals. Patch users rave about their effectiveness, claiming that they work for an extended period. Furthermore, many individuals clip the patches and utilize a section of them simultaneously, allowing you to be a little thriftier while still getting the effects you’d want with patches.

CBD Balms

CBD balms are a great alternative if you like a thicker product. Habitual exercisers prefer balms because of their continuous effectiveness. CBD balms are commonly kept in gym bags for pre-and post-workout use. Also, if you need mental relaxation, rub a bit into your temples.

Conclusion

CBD topicals offer a great way to enjoy localized relief as its application is targeted in specific areas such as muscles and joints. Topicals may be great for one if they visit the gym regularly or are exposed to work environments that contain a lot of physical activities. Topical CBD works by interacting with various ECS receptors on the skin. Thus one does not need to worry about the risk of medical altercations. However, it is always prudent to ascertain whether using CBD topical products is ideal with your medical practitioner.

References

Ly, S., & Amici, J. M. (2018). Role of betamethasone valerate 2.250 mg medicated plaster in the treatment of psoriasis and other dermatological pathologies: a review. Drugs in Context7.

Moore, E. M. (2019). Combined Therapeutic Potential of Spotted Wintergreen and Botanical Oils in Dermatology. North Carolina State University.

Ozbay, G., Jones, M., Gadde, M., Isah, S., & Attarwala, T. (2021). Design and Operation of Effective Landfills with Minimal Effects on the Environment and Human Health. Journal of environmental and public health2021.

Patel, P. M., & Lio, P. A. (2021). Safety and Sourcing of Topical Cannabinoids: Many Questions, Few Answers. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology14(8), 49.

Shover, C. L., & Humphreys, K. (2020). Debunking cannabidiol as a treatment for COVID-19: time for the FDA to adopt a focused deterrence model?. Cureus12(6).

Ieva Kubiliute

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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