If you put your body on CBD topicals, what can you expect? Before we get into hemp-derived CBD topicals, which are the products Lost Remedy makes, let me give you the lowdown on CBD.
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of more than 60 compounds in the hemp plant. CBD and all of its associated essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, proteins, chlorophyll, fiber, flavonoids and terpenes are extracted from the plant to create a full-spectrum hemp oil (FSHO). Two things you will want to remember about CBD from hemp: it’s nonpsychoactive (won’t get you high), and there are few if any side effects from using it.
Your ECS and CBD
Here’s a fun fact. Every person gets a state-of-the-art endocannabinoid system (ECS) at birth. Within that ECS are receptors, CB-1 and CB-2. The ECS, with its squadron of receptors, monitors the balance in our bodies to keep us healthy. CBD is a cannabinoid or chemical messenger that falls into two categories: endogenous, originating in the body; or exogenous, originating outside the body.
The endocannabinoids occur in the body naturally and regulate basic functions including mood, memory, appetite, pain and sleep, among others. The exogenous cannabinoids, such as CBD, are consumed or applied to the body. Both interact indirectly with receptors to produce physical and psychological effects in the body.
How do you use CBD?
CBD comes in multiple forms. Basically, you can vape, ingest or apply CBD topically. Each method has its purpose. Vaping gets CBD to the bloodstream quickest. Oils and tinctures can be placed on the sublingual vein under the tongue to be absorbed fairly quickly. Edibles need to travel through the digestive system and liver before they hit the bloodstream, so this is the slowest method.
Topicals on the other hand, don’t make it to the bloodstream. They are rubbed onto and absorbed through the skin stopping short of the bloodstream. The friction caused by rubbing the product in thoroughly opens the pores, helping to transfer CBD to the affected area.
For individuals with pain or a condition in more than one area of the body, these kinds of products can often provide relief on more than one location at a time.
Your body on CBD topicals
So, if CBD topicals don’t hit the bloodstream, what can you use it for? Plenty, it turns out. Think about the skin, the largest organ in our bodies. It does so much. Holds us together and protects our vital internal parts. Skin is also the first line of defense to harmful bacteria and viruses that tend to come at us from the air.
Plus, the skin has its own endocannabinoid system that mirrors our internal ECS. So, topical CBD does a similar balancing act with CB-1 and CB-2 receptors to maintain homeostasis, getting to the heart of the matter quickly.
Because topicals are available as lotions, creams, balms and salves, you can apply them directly to an affected area.
Heal burns and wounds faster
CBD can promote faster healing of burns and wounds by activating the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in the area of the burn or wound. While it reduces in
flammation, its antibacterial qualities also protect your skin from bacteria that can cause infection. As an analgesic, it reduces the pain associated with burns. Finally, it keeps the skin moist around the affected area, so healing can continue without the skin cracking open. Its antimicrobial qualities keep the area free of germs and bacteria. A perfect healing environment.
Manage pain
CBD acts 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… .”
An estimated 350 million people suffer from arthritis, dealing 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 it 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.
Alleviate psoriasis, eczema and rash symptoms
CBD topicals for rash promote moisture and relieve dryness. The topical adds essential vitamins and fatty acids to the skin that help promote elasticity and ward off infection. Using CBD for these conditions is especially beneficial and here’s why.
It’s an anti-inflammatory and an antimicrobial. Rashes are essentially an inflammation. Usually they present as red, scaly, itchy patches on skin or scalp. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can relieve the intensity of the inflammation and soothe the itch. But it also interacts with the ECS to promote healing.
Retain youthful skin
There’s no fountain of youth, we know that. But CBD for skin care can help hydrate the skin, keeping it supple and smooth. As an antioxidant it can protect skin from environmental toxins and free radicals and prevent or heal damage. Free radicals lead to wrinkles and fine lines on the face and body. Antioxidants can help prevent this damage and fight the effects of aging.
In addition, because of its ability to adjust the output of oils in our skin, it can help prevent or heal acne by inhibiting lipid production in skin cells.
How much CBD should I use?
Apply the topical generously to the affected area. Massage until it is fully absorbed to help it go to work faster. You can safely apply CBD as often as necessary because there have been no reported side effects associated with the products. Just be sure what you are buying. I know, I sound like a broken record, but not all CBD products live up to their claims. Make sure you’re getting a product that is infused with organic, high-quality CBD that doesn’t contain alcohol, or other impurities. Reputable companies will clearly state what is in their products as well as provide evidence of the purity and whether the CBD has been tested by a third-party lab. Do your homework and treat your hard-working skin.