HOW TO SHOP FOR CBD CREAMS, BALMS, AND OTHER TOPICALS

CBD topical products are getting better in the market due to their effectiveness. However, to obtain their effectiveness, consider quality. Check on the lab results to affirm potency and purity levels. There are three types of CBD topical products; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

CBD (cannabinoid) is found in the cannabis plant. CBD creams, balms, and other topicals are the best solutions to skin problems. This article discusses more information about CBD creams, balms, and other topicals. They are used by athletes, sportspersons, and also at home for self-care and soothing ways to deliver direct CBD relief to sore, inflamed, itchy, and dry parts of the body.

How do CBD Topicals Work

It is crucial to know how CBD balms and creams work within the human body. Williams et al. (2021) discussed the comparison between CBD modes of consumption. CBD topicals are ingested differently in the body. It can be eaten, drunk, held under the tongue, or inhaled. There are different products of CBD such as creams and balms. CBD doesn’t get the user high. They interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system. The system combines the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and systems that control mood, sleep, digestion, and the immune system. Receptors interact with the cannabinoids ingested. When the CBD is put under the tongue, it is absorbed by a sublingual membrane. It then enters the bloodstream quickly. The CBD enters the bloodstream through the lungs when inhaled.

CBD Topicals and the Endocannabinoid System

There is a big difference between applying and ingesting CBD and its products. Scientists are still working to extract drugs from CBD but FDA has prohibited us from claiming CBD is a treatment for a certain condition or illness. The CBD balm and cream go straight to the neurotransmitter and then block signals of pain and itching.  The body produces anandamide and 2-AG endocannabinoids. Within the endocannabinoid system is where CBD balm and cream differ from other products. Learn more about the endocannabinoid system the impact of cbd oil versus marijuana

CBD Topicals and the Skin

Baswan et al. (2020)noted that CBD topicals are beneficial for the skin. The body absorbs anything between 60% and 70% of what we take in it. CBD is directed to the problem by the skin and body tissues. The skin also filters what enters or leaves the body. Meanwhile, every chemical has a different rate of absorption in the body. The skin has a different absorption rate from what we apply or put on it. Brown et al. (1984) showed that the skin can absorb an average of 64% of contaminations in drinking water. This article emphasizes using clean products and chemicals that are harmless to the body. It also educates on using ingredients that are beneficial and natural pain relievers for our bodies. Peer in to understand more.

CBD and the Entourage Effect

When different types of CBD are taken together, they work in harmony to achieve the entourage effect. But when CBD with another cannabinoid is taken, each works hard than when taken separately. When multiple cannabinoids are taken together, one gets more out of it. Both terpenes and flavonoids are highly beneficial to a plant since it gives scent and color to that plant. Learn more about full spectrum cbd and the entourage effect

Quality CBD

The best product is brought by the best ingredients. The hemp plant is known for removing toxins, heavy metals pesticides, and chemicals from the soil in which it grows. Make sure that the CBD you use comes from organic, pesticide-free, and non-GMO farms. The cream or balm used should be extracted using the CO2 method of extraction because the CO2 method does not leave any harmful residues in the end product. Get a report from a third party about the presence of pesticides or toxins in the product. Note that human skin should not absorb harmful products. What kind of CBD should be ingested?

Broad-spectrum CBD and Other Types of CBD Oil

Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate are three types of CBD oil.

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is the most popular type in the US. Russo (2011)claimed that it is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant including THC. The main elements of full-spectrum CBD from the hemp plant are terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and CBD. Most people prefer full-spectrum CBD since it offers an entourage effect. The entourage effect is the ability of various elements to work together to offer more therapeutic benefits to a single one. However, the effectiveness of full-spectrum CBD is doubted due to the presence of THC. It is the second dominant element after CBD associated with psychoactive effects. Some of the side effects include anxiety, poor memory, and getting high. However, the side effects only appear if THC accumulates in the body. Due to its intoxicating side effects, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited it to 0.4%.

On the contrary, some research shows that THC has a positive impact on our health if taken considerably. This is because it has anti-inflammatory properties that would regulate the excess production of hormones in the body. However, the FDA is yet to approve the claims.

Broad-spectrum CBD

This type is commonly used in creams and balms. It filters out the harmful traces of THC leaving a mixture of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Learn more about 

CBD Isolate

Isolate CBD is yet to gain popularity across various brands and hemp-based users. It is manufactured using pure CBD. Isolate CBD is void of terpenes, flavonoids, and THC, meaning it cant offer an entourage effect. However, it's suitable for those targeting health and wellness benefits associated with CBD only. The users should be careful with potency levels since it is likely to be concentrated with CBD. The absence of THC in the broad-spectrum shouldn’t trick the user into taking too much of it. Although CBD has various health and wellness benefits, too much of it results in THC-related side effects including getting anxious, having a poor memory, and having red eyes. Learn more about understanding spectrums how to make cbd isolate

Conclusion

CBD creams can only be beneficial to our health and wellness program if they are of quality. As more brands emerge, quality becomes a concern. Pay attention to some factors contributing to quality CBD creams. Check on purity and potency levels from the lab result to ensure your CBD topical product is void of contaminants and potency variance is not exceeding 10%. Confirm on other elements to ensure they are only organic to avoid exposing your skin to too many chemicals that would damage it instead of repairing it.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N.

(2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational dermatology, 13, 927.

Brown, H. S., Bishop, D. R., & Rowan, C. A. (1984). The Role of Skin Absorption as a

Route of Exposure for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Drinking Water. American Journal of Public Health, 74(5), 479-484.

Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and

Phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid Entourage Effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.

Williams, N. N. B., Ewell, T. R., Abbotts, K. S. S., Harms, K. J., Woelfel, K. A., Dooley, G.

P., ... & Bell, C. (2021). Comparison of Five Oral Cannabidiol Preparations in Adult Humans: Pharmacokinetics, Body Composition, and Heart Rate Variability. Pharmaceuticals, 14(1), 35.