CBD Topicals – How Do They Work?

CBD Topicals – How Do They Work?

CBD (short for Cannabidiol) has found a home in many products, from beverages to e-liquids, pills, edibles, and even creams and lotions.

CBD-infused topicals (creams and lotions) are specially designed for health concerns, including skin anomalies, muscle pains. These skin applications offer you an ideal alternative to ingestion and are most effective for specific conditions.

How much do you know about CBD-infused topicals?

Quickly, this article discusses CBD topicals in good detail – including how (if at all) it works, potential benefits, as well as safety and legal concerns.

Before anything, we assume you know little or nothing about CBD. So, quickly…

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabis extract. The compound is one of over a hundred compounds (called cannabinoids) in the controversial plant. The cannabinoid, according to growing research, contains some properties that may help specific health concerns, including pain, inflammation, stress, insomnia, even cancerous symptoms.

Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD is non-toxic and won’t get you ‘stoned.’ THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for the dreaded ‘high’ marijuana users experience.

According to federal law, CBD is concerned legal only if it contains not more than .3 percent THC.

How Do CBD Topicals Work?

Many resources and anecdotal reports say CBD works in different ways to manage pain, inflammation and as well boost the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids. These topicals are applied directly to troubled areas, for a quick soothing effect.

For instance, CBD may help reduce acne, one of the most common skin conditions. This condition is triggered when excess sebum is produced.  While sebum helps protect the skin from external threats, too much supply may trap dirt, dead skin cells, and other pollutants, which may block the pores and cause acne.

Away from cosmetics, CBD topicals, as mentioned, may help handle pain and inflammation in target areas. Although studies are yet limited, the few reports are promising.

For example, a 2017 animal-based research shows CBD can help reduce joint inflammation.

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD Topicals?

CBD-infused topicals are widely safe for skin applications. However, check the carrier oil used for the particular product you wish to buy.

Coconut oil, for instance, quickly melts under heat. Hence, they may be best stored in a cool, dry, dark place.

Do well to read the labels as some topicals are intended only for external uses while some are not advised for use on broken skin.

While topical CBD applications may not typically get into the bloodstream, they may cause drug interactions.

With scarce research, do well to discuss with your dermatologist or a general healthcare provider before you use CBD topicals.

Final Thought

So, do CBD topicals work?

Anecdotal claims and early results from ongoing research thinks so. The evidence so far suggests CBD may help improve skin health and manage conditions like eczema, acne, and even pain.

While research is currently limited on CBD-infuse topicals, reports from firsthand users are highly promising.