There’s no shortage of innovative new products taking the world of CBD by storm, especially as this plant-powered cannabinoid goes increasingly mainstream. But even as new forms of CBD become available, some of the earliest product options remain the most popular. 

One such example is topical CBD. From CBD creams and balms to skincare, lotions, and roll-ons, topicals are a staple of the CBD industry. But what does CBD cream do, and how does it work? We’re taking a closer look at CBD topicals and what they can do for you.

What is Topical CBD?

Topical CBD is a broad category of products designed to be applied directly to the skin. It’s often an ideal option for individuals seeking highly targeted effects, like fast-acting pain relief or support for symptoms of various skin conditions. 

CBD topical products can include:

• CBD lotions
• CBD creams
• CBD salves
• CBD body oils
• CBD sticks/roll-ons
• CBD skincare

Using CBD Topicals

Interestingly, the history of topical CBD is believed to date back to ancient times. Cannabinoids have long had a presence in the cultures of ancient China, Latin America, and India, including in topical forms. Even so, modern society has only recently begun to recognize the potential benefits of CBD topicals. 

So, who can use topical CBD? Like most forms of CBD, topicals are fairly versatile. CBD lotions, balms, and other topicals are often used by individuals that are interested in:

• Ease of Discomfort
• Tenderness reduction
• Improving skin problems 
• Relief from the effects of intense exercise and other physical activity 

How Do CBD Topicals Work?

The basic idea behind CBD topicals is that their application method allows the skin to absorb the cannabinoid and nutrients, delivering them directly to endocannabinoid receptors in the area. 

One of the unique characteristics of topical CBD is that it does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which means that, unlike other forms of CBD, topical products do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, they facilitate localized effects specifically inside the skin.

Note: Some CBD products are classified as “transdermal,” meaning they are considered skin permeable. These products can generally enter the body through the skin, accessing the bloodstream and affecting the entire body. 

How Does Topical CBD Get Into the Skin?

Once you apply topical CBD, the CBD molecules penetrate skin cells known as “sebocytes.” These cells make up the sebaceous glands, which serve as a protective measure to maintain the integrity of the natural skin barrier. The CBD molecules gain access to these glands via hair follicles. 

What Does Topical CBD Do Once Absorbed?

After the product is absorbed, the body’s endocannabinoid system produces specific responses to the CBD, such as relief from soreness or inflammation. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a massive network of cellular receptors and chemical signals found throughout our brains and bodies. It is responsible for various functions, including pain control, inflammatory/immune responses, emotional processing, memory/learning, and many others. 

Scientists are still learning about this highly complex system, but what we do know so far has opened the door to an exciting realm of possibilities in terms of the therapeutic use of cannabinoids. 

What are CBD Skin Care Products?

CBD skin care products are those that are specifically formulated to support improvements in skin conditions, including:

• Acne
• Discomforts caused by flaky or scaley skin
• Tenderness/redness

These products are infused with CBD extract and often include a variety of other familiar ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter. 

Does Topical CBD Work?

Like any topical product, the effectiveness of CBD can vary from person to person. Your needs, specific conditions, and goals determine how well CBD works for you.

However, when we examine the science behind topical CBD, the evidence is strong:

• A 2019 study evaluated the effectiveness of CBD oil for neuropathic discomfort and found a statistically significant improvement in symptoms, including sharp pain, intense pain, and itchy/tingling/cold sensations. Researchers concluded that the CBD treatment could be more effective than other neuropathic therapies currently in practice.
• Another research study looked at the potential of CBD for arthritis, specifically assessing transdermal CBD products. The results were impressive: significant reductions in joint swelling, pain, and other arthritis symptoms.
• Regarding CBD for skin health, research suggests that topical application of CBD could be an ideal option for individuals suffering from conditions such as inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, and pruritus. 

In addition to scientific evidence collected thus far, many individuals report excellent experiences with topical CBD. 

Benefits of Topical CBD Products

When we combine consumer-reported benefits with research information, the potential benefits of CBD topicals are diverse:

• Pain relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Effective treatment of skin disorders and conditions
• Improvements in muscle soreness

Beyond that, one of topical CBD’s biggest advantages is its ease of use. Individuals can target a highly specific area, applying their choice of product directly to the skin as needed. Also, because there are so many different options to choose from, it is possible to find CBD creams with your ideal CBD concentration level, consistency, and even added ingredients.

Learn More about the CBD Industry 

It can be tough to keep up with all the latest CBD news, especially because the industry is constantly shifting rapidly. There’s a lot to learn, from new scientific studies to innovative products, brands, and companies, but Marijuana Marketing Xperts can keep you in the loop.

We are an industry-leading marketing agency that specializes in partnering with cannabis and CBD businesses, providing digital advertising and branding services. With years of experience and a clear understanding of this unique niche, the MMX team is a trusted source of information for cannabusiness owners from all over the U.S. 

Whether you have an existing CBD or cannabis brand or you’re just now considering a future business, we would love to chat with you. Let’s connect today!

 

Photo Credits: beton studio, IRA_EVVA, WuttikitStudio, Agave Photo Studio, ilona.shorokhova