How To Use CBD Topicals
Chronic pain is a condition too many people live with every day. Oral over-the-counter or prescription medications can control pain, but very few are approved for long-term use. Some medicines even come with a risk of dependency. So it's no surprise that many people seek alternatives like CBD to treat pain.
Cannabidiol or CBD is an all-natural substance derived from hemp plants. It's part of a class of chemicals called cannabinoids. Unlike its more famous cannabinoid cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD isn't derived from the cannabis plant and doesn't have any of the mental effects associated with cannabis use.
You can safely use CBD products without feeling "high," and there is no indication that it can be habit-forming. It's also legal throughout the United States, thanks to federal laws that permit hemp production and products made from hemp derivatives.
CBD products offer pain-relieving effects without the downsides of some medications. There are injectable forms of CBD, but topical CBD products may be just as helpful for managing pain. Lotions, balms, and skin oils containing CBD can bring relief to the exact spot where you need it.
Wondering how CBD topicals work? Keep reading to learn more.
What Are CBD Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are products you apply directly to your skin instead of ingesting them. You can find CBD topicals in several forms, such as balms, creams, lotions, or oils. They can provide localized relief for joint and muscle pain when you apply them to a painful spot on your body. The skin can absorb cannabinoids, which bind with the body's natural endocannabinoid receptors to deliver anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Some studies have shown that CBD topicals may help alleviate pain associated with arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain, and nerve damage. There are also reports that CBD products can improve symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
If you already take medication for chronic pain, talk to your doctor before incorporating CDB topicals into your routine. There can be interactions between CBD and some medications commonly used for arthritis or other chronic pain conditions.
Types of Topical Products Available
There are several types of CBD topical products. They all have similar benefits, but the non-active ingredients are different.
Lotions: CBD lotions offer the effects of cannabinoids alongside the usual moisturizing properties of a good skin lotion. Different formulas exist for different body areas, such as facial moisturizers or body lotion. The products come with varying concentrations of CBD and various other ingredients that are good for soothing sensitive skin or relieving dryness.
Balms: CBD balms for topical use are similar to the familiar waxy texture of lip balm. The CBD ingredients are added to a base of waxes and fatty oils and skin-friendly ingredients like tea tree, peppermint oil, butter, and eucalyptus. The balm is molded into a solid stick that you can apply precisely where you need pain relief.
Oils: CBD topical oil, sometimes called massage or body oil, is a CBD oil mixed with a carrier oil that's easy on the skin. It offers the same benefits as lotions or balms. It can help with pain or muscle tension, particularly as an addition to massage. You can also use it for intense moisturizing, acne care, or to ease discomfort from skin irritation and dryness.
CBD Topical Application for Pain Relief
Using CBD topicals for pain can provide temporary or long-term relief of pain from injuries or chronic conditions. Studies show that people who use CBD to treat pain may rely less on other pain medications, including opiates. Topical CDB products can be used directly on painful areas, making them an excellent choice for targeted pain relief.
One word of caution: CBD products are often made with gentler, natural ingredients, but even natural products can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
As with any new skincare product, it's wise to do a patch test before you use the product all over your skin. Pick an area, such as your wrist, and apply a small amount of the product. Wait 24 hours to see if you develop any irritation or allergic reaction to the topical. If you have a reaction, discontinue use.
Choose Between Different Options for CBD Cream Products
Picking which type of CBD topical to use is largely a personal preference. One thing to consider is the degree of pain you need to treat. That will determine the concentration of CBD you want in your product.
The milligram strength in topical products tells you how potent each application will be, and you can pick a strength that reflects how severe your pain is.
You should also consider the hemp extract. Full-spectrum CBD topicals contain every naturally occurring hemp compound except for THC. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in broad-spectrum hemp extract ensures that you get all the benefits of CBD when applying the product to your skin.
Your skin type and skin care needs can also inform which products you pick. Lighter lotions and oils might be better for oily or sensitive skin, while dry skin might do better with a rich, creamy formula.
It's also important to make sure you choose a high-quality CBD topical. Find a reputable company that is transparent about ingredients and production methods. Make sure they use third-party testing companies to guarantee their products' quality, safety, and purity.
Apply to Your Skin for Temporary Relief
Using CBD topicals is as simple as rubbing lotion — or oil, or balm — into your skin. They are formulated to absorb easily and deliver CBD directly to the areas that need relief.
If you are looking for targeted relief in specific areas, you can apply the topical directly to the place where you notice pain. If you want more widespread pain relief, apply the product to a larger area of your skin. Using a CBD topical once daily as part of your skincare routine may provide the best effects for pain management.
The Benefits of a Pain Relief Cream That Has CBD
Using CBD topically can provide pain relief exactly where you need it. It can help ease temporary pain from injuries, arthritic pain, joint inflammation, or other conditions. And it won't make you feel high like using a THC product will because CBD doesn't have the psychoactive properties of THC.
Includes Natural Ingredients
At Muscle MX, we believe that natural products are the best partners for high-quality CBD. Our topicals include additional ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and olive oil.
We also use skin-friendly ingredients like peppermint oil, Vitamin E, and tea tree oil, as well as ingredients like arnica to boost pain-relieving properties. We don't rely on harsh artificial fragrances, so you can count on our products to be gentle on your skin while delivering pain relief.
Relieves Inflammation and Chronic Pain
Using CBD directly on painful spots is useful because CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors located in all bodily systems. It doesn't need the digestive process to enter the bloodstream in order to have effects.
Studies have suggested that applying CBD products to the skin creates an anti-inflammatory response by regulating the body's natural inflammatory functions. Topicals are great for localized treatment of affected tissue. It offers concentrated pain relief where you need it most.
The anti-inflammatory effects also work on chronic pain like arthritis. We recommend daily application to ensure consistent results.
It's also safe to use topical CBD products while taking oral CBD. The widespread effects of ingested CBD can boost the pain-relieving capacity of the topicals.
Seek Relief From Joint Pain, Sore Muscles, and More
If you have temporary pain from sports injuries, muscle strain, or other short-term concerns, CBD balms can help reduce that pain and get you back to your usual routine. Applying a balm directly to the site of the injury can bring down inflammation. You'll feel less pain and swelling in the affected area. It may even shorten the duration of healing time until you're back at 100%.
Balms are great for fitness enthusiasts because the solid formula is easy to transport. You can slip it into your gym bag or pocket to use before or after workouts, with no worries about spilling or leaking like a lotion or oil.
If you have chronic pain, getting into a routine of applying CBD topicals will provide consistent relief. A lotion or oil can become part of your regular skincare regimen. You can use it after your shower, before bed, or at whatever time works best for you.
At Muscle MX, our full range of CBD topicals is manufactured using strict protocols. We rely on rigorous testing procedures to ensure our lotions, balms, and oils' consistent quality, purity, and potency.
We also rely on a third-party laboratory to review each product batch. They verify our ingredients and CBD content. You can feel assured that Muscle MX CBD topicals will give you the pain relief you want without harmful ingredients.