There’s a growing population of seniors who could benefit from CBD topicals. As we keep hearing, the baby boom generation is a population with clout. Not only are boomers the wealthiest segment of our population, with 70% of discretionary income, they are credited with 50% of the money spent on consumer goods.
On top of that, interest in CBD has exploded as more states are open to hemp-derived CBD products. Plus a recent Gallup Poll indicates that one in five Americans older than age 50 use some kind of CBD product. But that same poll shows that only 8% of people over age 65 use CBD and 49% of that population don’t know about CBD.
It’s that segment population that could benefit from CBD topicals. So, let the education begin.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, also found in cannabis plants, CBD is nonpsychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. Our products at Lost Remedy are made with hemp-derived CBD. We also use full-spectrum CBD, which contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes. Full-spectrum is important because the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase CBD’s efficacy.
CBD and your body
First, let me explain that every one of us has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is comprised of receptors, CB-1 and CB-2, that troll the body to regulate appetite, pain sensations, mood and memory. CB1 is found mostly in the nervous system and brain. CB2 is found outside the brain and tends to monitor and regulate the immune system.
Basically, the ECS maintains homeostasis, or balance, in our bodies. When the ECS is functioning optimally, you’ll have a general sense of well-being and good health. Our bodies create endocannabinoids to stimulate the receptors. When the balance is off, the receptors can’t do their jobs. Illness or imbalance occurs. On the other hand, to kick-start the system, small doses of cannabinoids from cannabis can signal the body to make more endocannabinoids and build more cannabinoid receptors.
What benefits do CBD topicals offer?
Now we get to the heart of why seniors can benefit from CBD topicals. With CBD, side effects are minor if there are any at all. So, you can use it safely for multiple conditions.
Pain tops the list of reasons seniors turn to CBD topicals. CBD is a known anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant. Because topicals are available as lotions, creams, balms and salves, you can apply them directly to an affected area. So, it gets to the heart of the matter faster for certain conditions.
CBD topicals act quickly for pain such as arthritis and joint and muscle pain. In fact, “Reliable topical CBD products don’t just mask pain or inflammation as some over-the-counter topical pain relief creams do. They actually can make the pain go away for a certain time period, says Matthew Halpert, an instructor of immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “This is because of the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors on the skin. Cannabinoid receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, a bodywide system discovered in the 1990s that affects many important functions.”
It’s estimated that 350 million people suffer from arthritis and deal with swelling, pain and inflammation. A 2019 report from the Arthritis Foundation showed that of 2,600 patients surveyed, 79% said they used CBD or considered using it. But, of the 29% currently using CBD for arthritis symptoms, 55% used a CBD topical applied directly to their joints. Studies have shown that CBD topicals reduce inflammation, which then help relieve the pain and swelling.
More reasons to use CBD topicals
But pain isn’t the only reason people seek out CBD topicals. As we age, the potential to get cancer increases. Often the treatment for cancer can seem like adding insult to injury. However, in the case of radiation treatment, CBD topicals can keep the skin from burning. At Lost Remedy, we created the Burn Formula so you can buy radiation relief CBD cream specifically to prevent radiation treatment side effects.
Aging and cosmetic reasons also have seniors looking for natural, chemical-free lotions and creams for their skin. As we age skin becomes thinner and dryer. CBD lotions and complexion products can help hydrate skin without adding a layer of toxins onto the skin, and subsequently, into the environment. Hydrated skin has a more youthful appearance. But aging skin also injures more easily. CBD balms for cuts, lacerations, burns, puncture wounds, surgery, malignant wounds and more can help heal injuries quickly.
Neuropathy, often a result of diabetes, can cause numerous foot problems including ulcers, infections, deformities and bone and joint pain. It can occur as tingling, burning, sharp or shooting pain or a pins-and-needles sensation. There’s evidence that CBD-infused neuropathy relief cream shows promise. Its antibacterial properties can also help ward off foot infections that can exacerbate neuropathy.
Word to the wise
This is just a brief outline of some of the way CBD topicals can benefit seniors. But don’t just take my word for it and run out and buy CBD topicals. Know what you’re getting. Do some research. Not all CBD products are what they claim to be. Look behind the label to get the inside story of how and where the product was made. The most important consideration should be given to the way the hemp is grown. It should be grown as organically as possible without using harmful herbicides, pesticides or growth enhancers. Second is the manner in which the CBD is extracted. Look for a product derived from CO2 extraction. This is the most expensive extraction method, but by far the safest.