Not everyone likes the taste or oily residue that a cannabidoil leaves behind. As an alternative, many have turned to CBD cream and based topicals in the past. If you fall into this subsection of society, then welcome to our ranks! We have everything you need to know about CBD cream and topicals, right here in one article!
CBD– The Answer to a Hundred Problems!
CBD is used to treat a wide range of conditions, some of which you probably haven’t thought of before. It is made from the miracle-supplement CBD, which is an extract from the Cannabis species of plant. You can take CBD from hemp or from Cannabis, but either way it isn’t psychoactive, won’t make you high, but will contain all of the healthy nutrients to be found therein.
Scientifically speaking, CBD oil has a positive impact both internally and externally. It can be used to treat sprains and muscle aches when in cream form – but used internally, studies have shown it to be neuroprotective. Some epilepsy medications even contain cannabinoids because they are so useful in this area of medicine.
So What About CBD Based Topicals?
All of this makes us wonder how a topical CBD based topicals actually works. When you take the pain relieving qualities of CBD such as anti-inflammation and add it to the endocannabinoid system in the body and brain, your body’s receptors lap it up. They turn it into pain relief. The other main use for topical CBD balms, and salves, is as a skin conditioner. It is known to reduce the effect of scarring, help treat acne, and lead to softer skin.
Don’t forget that CBD doesn’t lose its stress relief or anxiolytic (it can be used to assuage anxiety) while it is working. Even by absorbing it in through the skin, it will mitigate your cell walls and eventually end up in your bloodstream. So, if you are using a CBD based topicals for an injury then notice a health difference when you stop using it, you should move on to an oil.
Let’s just cover the obvious before we go any farther… Don’t rush off and replace your prescription anxiety medication with CBD just yet. Before you make any such move, consult your doctor. In addition, you won’t treat your anxiety in the most effective manner with a cream. Consider an edible product for a more internally focused effect.
CBD Vs Regular CBD
If you have a skin condition, your doctor might suggest something that is anti-inflammatory, or that treats your acne by medicating the pores of your skin. It helps if you consider topical CBD to do the same thing. It applies soothing nutrients to the skin, allowing it to heal. These same nutrients penetrate down through the epidermal layers in order to reach the source of the problem.
You might choose to use a cream or balm because:
- You don’t like the taste of the oils or edibles
- You don’t like the residue CBD leaves in your mouth
- You want to apply the supplement straight to the point of pain
- You do not like to ingest anything that is non-prescription
- Most acne is treated with topical medications
- CBD based topicals begin working the moment they touch your skin
Or for any other reason. When you take CBD by mouth or by vape, you end up losing some of it through the digestive process. This is why we usually recommend that you take it sublingually, under your tongue. However, CBD salves, balms, or tinctures will go straight to the source of the pain and start soaking in. You will effectively receive more nutrients, faster than you might gain relief from an internal CBD product.
If I Choose CBD Topicals Over Oils – How Do I Use It?
That’s a good question! Obviously, the creams are for external use only and you should never eat it. Even although CBD isn’t poisonous, the other ingredients used in the making of the cream base might well be toxic.
One of the best things about applying your daily dose of CBD through topical creams is that it is incredibly difficult to take too much of it. As a general rule of thumb, a cream is applied 2-3 times a day, straight to the source of your pain. If you were to up that dose to five applications, it wouldn’t have much effect. This is because the rate at which your body absorbs the cream, and the percentage of strength of the cream, has not changed.
As with all creams or ointments, read through the list of instructions and guidelines carefully. If you are allergic to any of the other ingredients, then don’t take it. Do a test on a small patch of skin to ensure that you are not allergic. If an hour passes and you have had no reaction to the cream, then it is safe to use. Keep in mind that you can wash it off again, should you develop a rash.
Apply the cream liberally to the point that is causing you pain. Do not use it on cracked or damaged skin. Make sure that the area is clean and dry before application. Use around a fingertip full of cream to begin with and see how much of the area of pain it covers. You can add more if you need to.
Repeat this process whenever you need to. This is often discerned by the area feeling dry or aching again. Three times a day is fairly normal. You might even want to bandage the affected area after application to keep the cream from evaporating and get the maximum effect.
We have heard tell that those used to applying CBD based topicals often do it in the evening, so that it has the added benefit of helping them sleep.
Final Thoughts
CBD based topicals are just another in the long line of ways to take your daily dose of CBD. If it isn’t for you – that’s fine! Try a capsule, some tablets, or even a vape, instead. Everyone can get the benefits of CBD if they just use a little imagination!