CBD topical users guide

Because of the growing quantity of products, CBD topical users may need a guide. You don’t really need to be a CBD topical neophyte to use a guide. This blog is to help you look into CBD topicals with some guidance for what they are and when and why to use them.

Why use CBD topicals?

CBD, the abbreviation for cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Hemp is a cannabis plant and the one we use for Lost Remedy products. The CBD oil from hemp can be used as an oil, tincture or edible. Or it can be combined with carrier and essential oils to become a topical, such as a balm, salve, lotion or cream.

When you swallow the oil, tincture or edible, CBD is metabolized by your liver. What’s left moves to the blood stream and travels through the digestive system. Finally it’s distributed through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in every body. As a result, it can take hours for you to feel the effects of CBD.

CBD topicals used on the skin, on the other hand bypass the whole digestive process because they are applied directly to the skin. The CBD interacts with the ECS receptors located throughout your skin getting to the heart of the matter much faster. In addition, the results can last longer when used for a localized condition such as pain, rash, wounds or nerve issues.

What CBD topicals benefit

CBD is a known anti-inflammatory, which can help relieve pain. It also can help alleviate neuropathic pain according to this study. But there are other conditions that benefit from applying topicals to a localized area such as:

• Acne
• Nerve pain
• Contact dermatitis
• Neck and back pain
• Bacterial infections
• Eczema
• Itchy rashes
• Muscle pain
• Psoriasis
• Inflammatory skin conditions
• Joint swelling
• Joint pain (arthritis)
• Wounds and burns

CBD helps these conditions because, as I mentioned before, it bypasses digestion. But, it also penetrates deep into the skin, going beyond the first layer. The skin has its own ECS with CB-1 and CB-2 receptors that help maintain homeostasis, or balance. When an imbalance occurs, the above conditions can crop up. Applying a topical supplements the ECS, helping to restore balance.

When to use CBD topicals

Because CBD tends to calm irritation and therefore, reduce discomfort, here are few conditions that may benefit from using topicals.

Help relieve pain and inflammation

Research has indicated that, in addition to being an anti-inflammatory, it has analgesic, antispasmodic and neuroprotective properties, which can help alleviate pain. The best part is that CBD does not have the side effects often associated with over-the-counter pain medications.

Reduce symptoms of shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chicken pox. CBD has been shown to inhibit virus. The blisters and rash associated with shingles are painful and there isn’t a cure. It attacks the nerve cells in your body, causing pain, itching and inflammation. In addition to reducing inflammation, a major cause of the pain from shingles, CBD can provide relief from the pain and itching.

Alleviate chronic skin conditions

CBD has been shown to mimic healthy skin. It engages with the receptors throughout the skin to help reduce inflammation and irritation. Skin, the largest organ in the body, has an active ECS that responds well to applied CBD, improving skin health and restoring balance. Allergic dermatitis, sunburn, skin itching, seborrhea, eczema and psoriasis respond positively to CBD, without harmful side effects.

Help clear acne

Acne is often the result of the inability of dead skin to reach the surface of your skin, where it’s carried away by natural oils. Your immune system reacts to the trapped bacteria by creating pimples. CBD topicals can help balance oil production to reduce acne outbreaks by reducing inflammation. Its antimicrobial properties can help keep the skin free of bacteria.

Reduce the signs of aging

Diet and exercise play a part in healthy skin. So, CBD can’t alter the effects of poor diet and lack of physical exercise. What it can do is protect skin and repair damage from external forces such as pollution and overexposure to sun. The value of CBD in reducing the signs of aging goes beyond skin deep. It can increase turnover of skin cells, act like natural lipids and balance oil production to reduce dryness and minimize collagen loss.

Cold sores and CBD

A cold sore is not only prominent and unsightly, it hurts. A cold sore (a.k.a. fever blister) is really a lot of little blisters clumped together. These fluid-filled sacs usually occur on or around the mouth. The blisters pop and release fluid, which dries and forms a crust.

CBD is, once again, a good choice for treating cold sores for its healing properties as well as its ability to help avert future cold sores. The more immediate results are that CBD’s anti-inflammatory components help cool the blisters and relieve the dryness that keeps the cold sores cracking open and oozing. Smooth on CBD oil, lip balm or first-aid balm to kick-start healing and at the same time protect and moisturize the affected area.

 CBD topical users guide for what to buy 

First, you need to know what to look for when buying CBD topicals. There are a lot of products available, but not all are what they claim. So do your research and be sure you are buying clean, organic products that don’t have chemicals or toxins.

Next, take it slowly. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, perform a patch test on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 to 48 hours to ensure you don’t react. If you’re applying it to your face, test it on your forehead or jaw.

Always apply to clean dry skin. Gently rub the topical on the affected area and massage the product into the skin fully. The act of massaging produces heat, which opens pores, allowing deeper penetration. You can safely apply CBD as often as necessary because there have been no reported side effects associated with the products.

There you have it. A users guide to CBD topicals.