How Does Topical CBD Work?

How Does CBD Topical Work?

There are a lot of different ways that you can use CBD oil. Naturally, the different methods can lead to slightly different effects. In this article, we’re going to answer the question how does CBD topical work?

Tim Trithart, Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Center Of The Black Hills

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that can be found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that can provide benefits without getting the user high. 

CBD has also shown potential for use as a topical substance. It can be made into creams, salves, lotions, and other products that you don’t actually have to consume.

Bill Waechter, CEO, Baptist Health System

Different Ways to Use CBD

There are a lot of different ways that you can use CBD. These are some of the most popular:

• CBD oils and tinctures. These can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or made with CBD isolate. These oils and tinctures can be taken directly or made into capsules. Oils and tinctures are the most popular form of CBD.
  
• CBD vape juices and bud. CBD can also be vaped and smoked. Inhaled CBD hits you the quickest.
  
• CBD topicals. CBD products that can be applied directly to the skin include salves, lotions, rubs, and even novelty items like lip balm or hand sanitizer.

The benefits of CBD are similar regardless of how you use it. However, the duration and intensity of effects can vary dramatically depending on what you do with it.

Robert Shields, Chief Executive Officer, Mri Centers Of Texas

How Does CBD Topical Work?

So how does CBD topical work?

When you use a CBD topical, you are applying CBD directly onto your skin. The CBD then soaks into your skin, after which it can reach your muscles and joints.

It’s important to note that if you’re using CBD topically, you won’t experience any psychoactive effects. After an intense workout, CBD topical might help to reduce muscle pain – but it won’t do much to get rid of stress or frustration after a long day.

Generally, CBD topical products are mixed with other natural ingredients that can be useful for helping your skin. Depending on the particular product, these ingredients can vary quite a bit. Some popular ones include:

• Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp seed oil is a natural choice to include with CBD topicals since CBD is generally sourced from hemp. Hemp oil contains a number of skin-healthy vitamins and minerals.
  
• Shea butter. Shea butter is another natural product that is often sold to help people improve the lustre and shine of their skin.
  
• Aloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant that grows in hotter regions that has long been known for its skin-boosting benefits.
  
• Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for anyone who wants to have nice skin.

Joseph Calabro, Founder, Physicians’ Practice Enhancement

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Benefits of Using CBD Topical

So now you know how does CBD topical work – but what exactly does it do? There are a couple primary benefits of using topical CBD products. We highly recommend trying Zilis Ultra Cell Topical as it leads the industry in absorption rates with its advanced water solubility technology.
Tom Clarke, CEO, Kissito Healthcare /Kissito Healthcare International

Helps Support Cartilage and Joint Function

The CBD in topical products can help to support cartilage and joint function. Many of the other ingredients commonly used, such as vitamin E and hemp seed oil, also share this benefit. If you really want to get the most out of your CBD topical, look for a product that’s made with joint and bone-healthy ingredients.

Madeleidys D, CEO, Mdt Home Health Care Agency

Helps Reduce Muscle Pain After Exercise

One of the most annoying things to deal with is post-workout muscle pain.

Fortunately, CBD topicals can help to reduce muscle pain after exercise. Ingredients like aloe vera can also help to soothe your muscles. Some CBD topicals are formulated specifically for this purpose, so keep your eyes open.

Chet Gupta M D, Chief Executive Officer, Carefirst Urgent Care

How Long Does CBD Topical Work?

When you’re using a CBD topical product, the CBD doesn’t actually have to be metabolized by your body. It just needs to be absorbed into the skin, where it can start to work on your muscles and joints.

This means that it’ll generally start to work pretty quickly, oftentimes quicker than it would if you were to eat it (though not as quick as if you were to vape it). People tend to feel their CBD topicals within a few minutes of applying them.

In terms of duration, CBD topical products tend to last about as long as other forms of CBD. This means that you’ll be able to feel the topical for anywhere from 1-2 hours, perhaps a little bit longer if you’re sensitive. Some people have reported finding relief for as long as six hours.

If you’re using CBD oil or capsules, some people report being able to increase its effects by dosing on a regular schedule. This supposedly allows the CBD to build up in their bloodstream, leading to more-or-less permanent effects.

This isn’t the case with CBD topicals. Since very little of the CBD is actually being absorbed into your bloodstream, it’s not going to build up in your body. To continue enjoying the effects, you’ll have to keep reapplying your CBD topical.

Dino Prato, Founder, Envita Medical Center

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Creativan

Is CBD Topical Worth It?

One thing to consider is whether or not a CBD topical product is actually worth your time.

When you ingest CBD oils or tinctures, the CBD enters your bloodstream and affects your entire body. If you only want to work on a certain part of your body, then a CBD topical might be your best best. 

However, it’s also important to note that when you do ingest CBD, it’s most likely going to affect that part of your body anyways, in addition to everywhere else. So from this perspective, some people feel like they might as well just use a CBD tincture or oil and experience the full range of effects.

Jeffrey Hohl, Chief Executive Officer, Onepoint Patient Care

Conclusion

CBD topical products are available for people who want to be able to apply CBD directly to their skin. This leads to more localized effects and allows people to target certain parts of their bodies. 

CBD topical products tend to last as long as other CBD products, if not longer. However, some might question whether or not using a CBD topical is really worth it when they could get similar effects from simply using the oil.

Ryan Thorne, Founder, Thorne Ambulance Service