Posted On:

April 4, 2024

8 Key Benefits of Topical CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) topical products are available in many forms such as CBD rubs, body lotions, balms, salves, patches, and creams. Whether you’re seeking topical CBD for pain relief or recreational use, applying any of these CBD topicals can provide the desired benefits.

Before we discuss the key benefits of topical CBD, let’s start with some of the basics of CBD and topical CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid compound just like THC. It is derived from cannabis plants. The CBD extracts used in making CBD topicals come from industrial hemp plants. Hemp plants can legally contain up to 0.3 percent THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound. CBD is a non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating compound.

Topical CBD products are formulated to apply on the skin only. When you apply CBD topically on a targeted area, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in the skin. ECS is responsible for regulating various physiological functions such as eating, sleep, pain, reproduction, metabolism, learning and memory, anxiety, and so on.

Now let’s explore the major benefits of CBD topicals.

8 Key Advantages of Using Topical CBD

In addition to being infused with cannabidiol, topical CBD products like creams, lotions, and balms also include other health-promoting components like shea butter, beeswax, essential oils, botanicals, and trace levels of THC. Because of this, you can reap the benefits of the synergistic effects of CBD and THC along with other compounds. Ensure that you’re getting the best topical products from a reputable and reliable CBD online shop. Now, let’s discuss the main benefits of topical CBD.

1. Pain Relief

One of the main benefits of CBD topical is to get you out of physical discomforts such as regular body pain, exercise-induced pain, muscle aches, joint pain, and skin inflammation. Numerous studies have indicated that the analgesic potential of CBD (Pain-Relieving Properties) are one of the reasons that actually help people with pain.

Besides, full-spectrum CBD topicals contain all the essential compounds such as phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Various studies reported that taking CBD and THC along with other necessary ingredients leads to entourage effects. Therefore, applying full-spectrum CBD will certainly bring more benefits related to pain and inflammation.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. Scientists have already demonstrated that CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities in several peer-reviewed journals. This brings us to another benefit of using CBD topicals. As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, CBD can prevent inflammatory mediators. Thus, it can reduce the swelling, redness, and discomfort associated with inflammatory skin conditions.

3. Stress Relief

One can both physically and mentally be affected due to stress. A gentle massage with CBD topicals induces calmness and relaxation. Pre-clinical research on animal models has found anxiolytic, antistress, anti-compulsive, panicolytic-like effects of CBD. This means there is a potential stress and anxiety-reducing capability of CBD which can promote mental repose and help you with distress. In fact, massaging with CBD lotion, cream, or rub into the skin can provide a soothing sensation and help calm both body and mind.

4. Easy to Use

Another great advantage of using CBD topicals is their simplicity and ease of use. Other forms of CBD such as oils, or tinctures need a very precise dosing and administration. In contrast, in the case of topicals, you don’t need to be too much concerned about dosing. You can directly apply them to the skin with minimal effort.

Whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling, using CBD topicals is as simple as rubbing the product onto the desired area. Simply squeeze, scoop, or pump out the desired amount of cream, lotion, or rub and massage it gently into the skin in a circular motion. Now just wait until it is absorbed to obtain the anticipated results.

5. Skin Health

CBD topicals deliver some significant benefits for skin health. That’s why CBD topicals are a popular choice for people who seek natural skincare solutions. CBD topicals are often prepared with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beneficiary herbs. That’s why CBD topicals have the ability to hydrate the skin and secure moisture.

In addition, CBD is abundant in antioxidants which help fight against free radical damage caused by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution. Free radicals can speed up the aging process by leading to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, dryness, and loss of skin tone. Using CBD topical can greatly benefit you by protecting the skin from premature aging.

CBD can also regulate the elevated sebum production which is directly linked with acne. American Academy of Dermatology Association states that there may be potential for topical cannabis to improve conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Here are the skin-related benefits of CBD topicals:

Hydration
Anti-aging
Acne management
Fight Against itching and irritation.
Relief for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis
Promote skin’s natural cell regeneration and tissue repair.

6. Muscle Recovery

Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use cannabidiol-infused skin products to support muscle recovery and lessen post-workout soreness. As we’ve said earlier, CBD has both analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. That’s why people with muscle fatigue, stiffness, and tension are seen to use CBD topicals frequently for faster recovery.

7. Improved Sleep

Both the quality and quantity of sleep can be improved by cannabidiol. It can indirectly help you fall asleep quickly. There are quite a few effects of CBD topicals that can positively affect our sleep duration and sleep quality. For instance, anxiety and stress are the core reasons that make us struggle to fall asleep. CBD helps calm the mind, bring relaxation, and ease anxiety with its mood-enhancing, and anxiolytic capabilities. Besides, overactive stress reactions may result in insomnia. CBD can suppress the dysregulated cycle of overactive stress hormones.

CBD may also influence your body’s internal clock and sleep-wake-cycle by interacting with receptors (CB1, CB2) in the endocannabinoid system. Whether you’re suffering from joint pain, muscle soreness, or headaches, applying topical CBD before bedtime can indirectly contribute to enhancing sleep.

8. Non-Psychoactive

CBD topicals aren’t considered psychoactive. First, topicals infused with CBD extracts are derived from hemp plants. This type of cannabis plant can only contain up to 0.3 percent THC which is too insignificant to cause a “high”. So, there is no risk of psychoactive effects from using topical cannabis products. In addition, do not expect to get the ‘high’ sensation from CBD as you get from marijuana use. However, all topical products are non-psychoactive due to one common reason. CBD topicals can’t penetrate too deep under your skin and don’t reach the bloodstream.

Tips to Maximize the Benefits of Topical CBD

There are a few tips and tricks that you should keep in mind to get the most out of CBD topical products. For instance, don’t compromise on quality. A high-quality product can certainly meet your expectations.

Here are a few tips for you:

Always look for CBD topicals made from high-quality, organic hemp extracts.
Ensure the products are tested by an independent third-party lab.
Purchase CBD topicals from reputable brands— Research the brand and read customer reviews.
Check the COA (Certificate of Analysis) to check the ingredient list.
Ensure the topicals are free from harmful additives, preservatives, or artificial fragrances.
Consider the formulation of the CBD topical, such as creams, lotions, balms, rubs, or patches, and pick the one that suits you the best.
Always start with a lower dosage and increase doses slowly until you get the desired results.
To obtain full benefits, maintain consistency.
Always read the product labeling.
Do not take a shower immediately after applying CBD topicals.

To ensure proper dosage and maximum absorption, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some relevant questions and answers related to the “benefits of using CBD topicals”.

How Do CBD Topicals Work?

When applied to the skin, CBD topicals are absorbed and interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the skin’s endocannabinoid system. Our endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating various physiological processes including pain perception, inflammation, and skin health.

Is There Any Side Effects of CBD Topicals?

CBD topicals are safe and well-tolerated. Yet in rare instances, some people might experience mild side effects such as skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. You can do a patch test and consult with a healthcare professional.

Can You Get High from CBD Topicals?

No. You will not get high for using CBD topicals. Since CBD topicals are formulated to use topically, they are absorbed through the skin. However, they cannot penetrate too deep into the skin and reach the bloodstream. That’s why even if your topical product contains THC, it will not be an issue.

The Bottom Line

CBD topicals deliver natural relief for pain, inflammation, and skin issues without causing any major side effects. They are easy to use, noninvasive, and support targeted relief. If you’re struggling with muscle pain, joint pain, or any exercise-induced pain, you can certainly benefit from using CBD topicals.