Why would you buy CBD topicals for summer? Well, I’ll tell you why. But, before I go any further, let’s go back to the basics. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the best-known compound in cannabis. Other compounds found in the hemp plant make up what’s called full-spectrum hemp oil (FSHO). Those compounds include lesser-known cannabinoids and terpenes. In addition, it contains many essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, proteins, chlorophyll, fiber and flavonoids.
Applied to the skin, CBD topicals interact with an already present endocannabinoid system (ECS). Along with the CB receptors, the ECS helps maintain homeostasis in our bodies. The 
According to the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, “The endogenous cannabinoid system—named for the plant that led to its discovery—is one of the most important physiologic systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health.” That’s it in a nutshell. Moving on.
Why use CBD topicals for summer?
CBD topicals are just that, creams, salves, lotions and balms that you apply topically. When CBD and all of the components are extracted together you get topicals with FSHO, but you’ll also probably get essential and carrier oils to add a bit more power to CBD’s already amazingly versatile properties.
During summer, more of your skin is exposed than in winter. You also tend to be more active outdoors in the summer – land and water sports – boating, swimming, hiking, biking, you get the picture.
Two important reasons for using CBD topicals for summer are: skin care and pain.
CBD topicals for skin care
Regular use of CBD topicals for summer protection is beneficial for several reasons. High levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties not only hydrate skin, they protect it. They can help reduce redness and irritation of eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions that tend worsen with sunscreen use.
Another thing you may not know is that CBD is a natural SPF, not a strong one, but it all helps. Dermatologists Aanand Geria, MD, and Loretta Ciraldo, MD, have this to say about using CBD topicals for summer. “The most obvious benefit may be that CBD is anti-inflammatory,” Dr. Loretta says. (Remember, UV exposure causes inflammation in the form of redness and sunburn.) “CBD is known to have some antioxidant properties,” Dr. Geria adds, meaning that CBD can help protect skin from environmental pollution, too. “CBD oil also contains essential fatty acids which help hydrate the skin.” Good reasons to add CBD topicals for summer skin care.
Also important to know is that SPF protects from sunburn by blocking ultraviolet rays. These rays are what allows our bodies to produce vitamin D3. However, SPF hinders the production of this important vitamin. So, consider that when you reach for sunscreen. Yes, it’s good to keep skin cancer at bay, but sun is important to our health.
Sunburn can happen
If you get a sunburn, the anti-inflammatory properties in CBD topicals for burns can soothe the pain of inflammation and prevent scarring. Its antibacterial properties are beneficial because sunburned skin is more susceptible to infection. Burn cream can also be used for wind burn and for that burning sensation your skin gets after too much time in chlorinated water. If your skin is not burned but dried out from the elements, CBD lotions and complexion care can help hydrate and protect your skin from free radicals and other harmful environmental intrusions.
CBD topicals for pain
Spending more time outdoors is what most people love about summer. Playing and working in the elements is a good reason to have CBD topicals on hand. As we already noted, topicals protect and nourish skin, but what happens when you play or work too hard? Joint and muscle pain can throw a monkey wrench into summer fun. Insect bites can cause you to itch, scratch, itch some more, scratch some – the next thing you know the bites are infected.
You can often relieve pain from burns, overexertion, cuts or abrasions, bug bites, poison ivy rash – whatever – with CBD topical applications.
Once again, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties interact with the ECS and CB receptors to put pain to sleep quickly. Applied directly to the skin, CBD penetrates the tissue to get to the pain source within minutes. Skin has its own endocannabinoid system that mirrors our internal ECS. So, topical CBD does a similar balancing act with the CB receptors to maintain homeostasis, getting to the heart of the matter quickly.
“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… .”
When to use CBD topicals
Pretty much any time you have a minor skin issue or injury is a good time to use CBD topicals. Of course, you’d want to consult a doctor for a major condition or injury, so use your better judgment. If you have an underlying condition that requires you to take prescription medicine, it’s important to talk to your doctor. CBD has the potential to affect how your medication works. Learn all you can about the product you want to use and the ingredients in it and discuss with your doctor how it may affect medications you are taking. Usually, a bigger concern for affecting your medications is when CBD is ingested, but it’s better to be safe.
Another word of caution is that there are a lot of imposters out there. Learn all you can about the CBD topical you want to use. Find out what to look for in CBD products. As I noted earlier, the best products are made with FSHO. So do your homework, and then go out and enjoy the summer.