How Does CBD Rub Work?

What Exactly Is CBD Rub, and Why Do People Use It

It's okay if you’re new to CBD and don’t know what CBD rub is and why so many people are using it. CBD is a short form of cannabidiol. It’s one of the most prevalent cannabinoid compounds present in cannabis plants. 

However, you should not mistake it for recreational cannabis. CBD compound is actually derived from hemp plants that have up to 0.3 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike recreational marijuana, it won’t cause high or intoxicating effects. 

So, if we put it plainly, CBD rub is a non-intoxicating skin product infused with CBD extracts that permeate relaxation, help manage numerous body aches, and nourish the skin. It’s just like any other lotion or cream, but the texture is slightly thicker. 

People, especially athletes and fitness enthusiasts who experience various body pains including muscle pain, exercise-induced pain, and joint pain often use CBD muscle rub. Also, young and elderly people can benefit from CBD-infused rubs if used correctly and consistently. 

However, though CBD rubs are safe, non-intoxicating, and legally accepted, it should be noted that they are yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage, cure or mitigate pain. Plus, the FDA strongly recommends not to use any form of CBD products in replace of prescribed medicines. 

Related Article: Can CBD Body Rubs Make You Sleepy? 

So, How Does CBD Rub Work?

Now the question that triggered your curiosity is how CBD muscle rub works. Since it’s applied to the skin, you might have assumed that it works just like any other skin product such as cream or body lotion. Let us clear up all your doubts and confusions. 

To understand how topical CBD rub works in our body, we’ll need to go over the following: 

• Human Skin 
• Endocannabinoid System 
• Cannabinoid Receptors 

Human Skin

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It’s made of water, protein, fats, and minerals. It has three main layers – Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis. Here, we’ll just focus on the epidermis and dermis. 

The epidermis is the top layer of our skin that you can feel and touch. You’ll find freckles, scars, pores, and other visible characteristics here. 

The dermis is the middle layer and makes up 90 percent of the skin’s thickness. The roots of hair follicles are attached to the dermis. Both sweat glands and oil glands are present here. Plus, there are nerve receptors in the dermis that signal you when something is too hot, soft, or itchy. They even help you feel pain. 

Endocannabinoid System

CBD rubs work in our body due to the presence of the endocannabinoid system (ECS System). The endocannabinoid system is more like a messaging system (Chemical signaling apparatus) in our body. It’s comprised of three main parts – cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. 

The ECS system supports different physiological activities, such as the proper operation of internal organs and the regulation of the central nervous system. This system helps our body maintain homeostasis (the tendency to maintain internal stability that is best for survival) by sending necessary signals to the receptors. 

Here's what ECS helps to regulate in the body: 

• Mood 
• Pain sensation 
• Sleep 
• Memory and learning 
• Appetite 
• Metabolism and digestion 
• Reproduction 

Cannabinoid Receptors

As we’ve mentioned, CBD is a cannabinoid. Surprisingly, our skin has its own endocannabinoid system which is comprised of cannabinoid receptors – CB1, and CB2, and endocannabinoids like anandamide, and 2-AG. 

You must have seen puffed-up skin and wrinkles after sitting in the bathtub or pool for a long time. This happens when your skin absorbs water. It occurs as the topmost layer of our skin (the epidermis) is covered in pores. 

Similarly, when you use CBD rubs, your skin absorbs them, and the cannabinoids in the product interact with cannabinoid receptors present in the epidermis and dermis. Our porous skin allows substances like CBD to penetrate through the layers and reach the underlying tissues. 

What Does CBD Rub Do Once Absorbed?

Once CBD is absorbed, it starts working to provide the desired benefits such as reduced pain, and relaxation. Since CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the skin’s ECS, it can help modulate pain perception and reduce inflammation. 

Several studies demonstrate that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. For instance, one study about topical CBD indicates that the anti-inflammatory effects of topical CBD may mitigate the painful symptoms of joint damage. 

Besides, the absorbed CBD into the skin can help to nourish your skin as well. Most CBD rubs are formulated with essential oils, beeswax which is beneficial for dry, itchy, and sore skin. Plus, the addition of eucalyptus or peppermint extracts also provides a cooling sensation and soothes the skin. 

Does CBD Topical Rub Get into Your Bloodstream?

Although topical CBD rub penetrates the skin, it does not reach the bloodstream. It doesn’t go beyond the sebaceous gland which is why you should use a generous amount of rubs to obtain the expected effects. Plus, topical CBD rub will only work on the area where it is applied. That’s why it’s best suited for localized relief, mild discomforts, and muscle soreness. 

So, there is a difference between topical and transdermal CBD rub. If you intend to de-stress yourself through CBD, applying topical rub to your knee won’t work. But this is not the case with transdermal CBD. 

Both transdermal and topical CBD are applied locally to the skin but they are not the same. Transdermal CBD can penetrate deeper into the skin layers and get mixed with the bloodstream. That’s why, it is considered effective at reducing stress throughout the day. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some relevant questions and answers related to how CBD muscle rub works. 

Does CBD Rub Work Similarly to Other Topical CBD Products? 

Ans: Yes, topical CBD products are actually designed to apply to a localized area of the body. So, they work in a similar mechanism. This means we can say that a CBD cream and CBD balm or rub, both will be absorbed into the skin and interact with the endocannabinoid system to help you with physical discomforts like Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and mild pain. 

How Is A Transdermal CBD Rub Different From A Topical CBD Rub?

Transdermal CBD indicates that when applied topically, it permeates deeper into the skin and gets into the bloodstream. Topical CBD rub, on the other hand, can only permeate the skin's dermis layer and cannot go beyond the sebaceous gland. Furthermore, the purpose of using these forms of CBD rubs is different. 

How Long Does It Take for CBD Rub to Work?

Topical CBD including rub, cream, and ointment can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes to feel its effects. Plus, it can last for up to 6 hours. However, there are other key factors such as individual body chemistry, weight, and metabolism that can affect this duration.  

The Bottom Line

You should now understand how CBD rub works. To sum up, CBD rubs are topical products made for applying to the affected area of your body. Once the rubs are fully absorbed, they interact with the endocannabinoid system abundant in the skin and begin to help with muscle soreness, joint pain, or exercise-induced pain. 

Sources: 

• Mlost, J., Bryk, M., & Starowicz, K. (2020). Cannabidiol for pain treatment: Focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), 8870. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870 
• Hall, N., James, B., Bhuiyan, M. a. N., Crane, E. A., Falgout, C., & Murnane, K. S. (2023). Topical cannabidiol is well tolerated in individuals with a history of elite physical performance and chronic lower extremity pain. Journal of Cannabis Research, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00179-8.