LEARN

Here’s what you should know about the technology behind CBD topicals

CBD has become popular in recent times. It has made an as big impact in the health industry as it has done in the sports and beauty industries. It’s versatile nature when it comes to form-and-function adds to its popularity.

Most people think CBD can only be taken as a tincture or tablet to be truly effective. However, the beauty of CBD lies in the fact that it can be as effective even when applied topically. Whether you are using it to treat your skin issues or rubbing some CBD gel on your pained joints, CBD works almost instantly by seeping in through the skin and getting to work. It does not even need to get to your bloodstream to start working.

The reason behind the high-powered efficiency and versatility of CBD is the fact that it is something very similar to what human bodies produce internally. And when CBD is ingested or applied, it does not work like an external influence on the body but helps your body work more efficiently to heal itself.

This the reason why CBD is openly used and endorsed by various celebrities who started using the product after the ban on it was lifted by the federal government. They enjoyed the benefits of the product, in reducing their chronic pains, stress, anxiety, and skin issues without facing any side effects, which other over-the-counter medications might pose.

What is CBD?

CBD is the short form of cannabidiol, which one of the 113 compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Some popular variants of this plants known to mankind are marijuana and hemp. However, due to the characteristic effects of marijuana on people, like causing buzz and high, is also in some way attributed to CBD. Because of this, CBD had been a banned substance for quite some time in the U.S.

However, with further research it was uncovered that along with cannabidiol (CBD), there’s another compound that is present in plenty, especially in the marijuana variants of the cannabis Sativa plants. It is called delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a psychoactive compound, which means, it is THC that is responsible for causing a high and blurring mental faculties in people who consume it in any form.

Therefore, CBD that contains less than 3% THC or no THC whatsoever, is considered safe for consumption and application in the U.S.

A study conducted in 2015, showed that CBD fell into the category of a negative allosteric modulator. This meant that CBD reduces the efficacy and potency of THC. Hence, CBD medications with a THC content of 3% or less will successfully, reduce whatsoever effect a 3% dose of THC could otherwise have on a person.

If you have been contemplating the use of CBD topicals or tinctures but did not want to go ahead with the decision due to the concern of intoxication, you can clearly go ahead with prescribed CBD medication, as they are indeed safe for consumption.

CBD does not pose any side effects. It is only known for the massive benefits it provides in conditions such as seizures, anxiety, stress, skin issues, and chronic pains, among others. People who are allergic to plant and seasonal pollens might be allergic to CBD, but the chances of the same are very less. Please consult a medical practitioner before starting on your CBD medications.

How does CBD work?

Back in the 80s, the U.S. federal government funded multiple research and studies to prove that CBD could lead to cognitive impairment and brain damage. However, during their studies, they started unearthing facts that led to the discovery of an entirely new system in the body, human beings and research circles have been completely unaware of.

Scientists conducting the study stumbled upon the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) when they found cannabinoid (CBD) present within the human body. Humans, who had not ingested CBD of any kind also showed the presence of CBD in their bodies. After further research, scientists concluded that the human body produces its own CBD and named this particular kind of cannabinoid, endocannabinoids. The prefix “endo” came from the fact that the cannabinoid was produced within the body (endo).

These endocannabinoids, work with receptors that are located all over the peripheral and the central nervous system. The nervous system is primarily responsible for a person’s perception of pain and pleasure, and various other factors such as sleep, temperature, stable mood, fertility, appetite, memory, and strong immune response. Therefore, whenever the body is thrown out of balance, for example, if any part of the body is hurt, or a person is not getting enough sleep, the endocannabinoids produced by the body, interact with the receptors (CB1 and CB2) to create a desirable response. In most cases, the response comprises releasing certain hormones that bring the body back in balance. They work to reduce the pain perception, thereby giving the affected person much-needed relief and helps the person deprived of sleep, sleep better.

However, when the body is under stress and is experiencing chronic pain or other chronic health issues, the endocannabinoids produced within the body don’t suffice to treat the sudden onset of a new health issue, for example, skin allergies, amidst the problems it is already facing.

This is where CBD steps in. Plant-based CBD is referred to as phytocannabinoid. Phyto is the prefix used for anything plant-based. CBD works with the endocannabinoids to boost the latter’s ability to produce more endocannabinoids and interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors to address the issue at hand.

In short, when the body is running out of endocannabinoids needed to keep it in balance, also known as homeostasis, ingesting CBD, or applying it topically provides the body with more soldiers to battle out the pain and exhaustion, almost instantly.

The versatility of CBD as a medicinal product is exceptional. Not only does it treat various health and skin conditions, but it can also be produced, packed, and sold in any manner conceivable. Right from tinctures to topical oils, tablets, capsules, lotions, topical creams, edible gummies, to Pain Relief Spray, Pain Relief Roll-On, Pain Relief Cream, Facial Serum, Face Cream, Anti-Aging Facial Serum, Glow Oil, Sleeping Mask, CBD Must, CBD Plus, Relief, Eye Serum, Body Oil, Recovery Lotion, Facial Cream. You name it.

How does CBD topical work?

While sublingual CBD tinctures, tablets, capsules, and gummies are ingested and immediately get drawn into the bloodstream where it works with the endocannabinoid system and puts the body into homeostasis, many people wonder how CBD topicals work since CBD topicals do not get drawn into the bloodstream?

CBD topicals work very well for conditions such as muscle soreness and various skin conditions. It does so by reaching deeper into the skin rather than sticking just to the surface of the skin. Once applied and massaged in, the CBD topical penetrates deeper into the dermal and subdermal levels.

The CBD then works, as discussed earlier, by activating the ECS. The CBD binds itself with the cell receptors that are present in the muscle tissue, nerves, and skin. This helps in reducing both inflammation and pain. While the receptors in the nerve help in reducing the perception of the pain, the receptors in the tissue and skin work to reduce inflammation.

The beauty of the CBD topicals is that they do not need to enter the bloodstream to work. If a hint of THC is also present in the topical, then it straight away interacts with the CB1 receptors and other receptors such as TRPV receptors, factors such as TNF-alpha, PPAR-gamma, and COX-½.

Through these interactions with multiple receptors, the CBD in the topicals can reduce both pain and inflammation, without entering the bloodstream.

Kinds of CBD topicals

CBD topicals come in a variety of kinds and functions. Sprays, salves, lotions, and roll-ons are the most commonly found and used CBD topicals. Right from reducing muscle soreness to reducing stress, nourishing tired skin, and nursing it back to health, CBD’s multifaceted nature has a solution for all problems.

Lotions: Both lotions and creams are the most popular forms of CBD topicals available in the market. Easy to use and apply, these creams mostly get soaked into the skin and don’t leave any oily residue behind.

Roll-ons: CBD roll-ons contain botanicals along with CBD and offer soothing relief almost instantaneously. The calming ingredients included alongside CBD go the extra mile to provide fast-relief.

Sprays: Much like pain relief sprays, the CBD sprays cover a larger area, without the need to massage in the medicine. The spray seeps through the skin pores and gets to work right away.

Salves: Some CBD salves not only reduce pain and soothe inflamed skin but can also be directly applied to cuts.

How to choose the right CBD topical?

There are a whole lot of CBD topicals in the market. So, how do you choose the right one for you?

There are some basic pointers you will need to be aware of when working with CBD. They are:

• Potency
• Quality
• Source
• Ingredients
• Price

Potency

The strength of the product is one of the first things you should check when buying CBD topicals. CBD does not pass through the skin easily. Therefore, choosing a CBD topical that has at least 200 mg of CBD per container, would be helpful. Some products contain up to 1000 mg of CBD per container. These are truly potent topicals.

Quality

Ascertaining the quality of the CBD topical could be difficult for the untrained eye. Make sure you check where the hemp, from which the CBD has been extracted, had been grown. Try to go for U.S. grown, organic hemp, as the U.S. ensures hemp growers follow the agricultural regulations. Also, buying CBD topicals from manufacturers whose product has been tested by a third party, and are free of molds and pesticides, would be a good choice.

Sources

Be aware of how the CBD had been extracted for your product. Three kinds of CBD are used in products and they are segregated based on the concentration of CBD in them:

• Isolate – The purest form of CBD, without the presence of any other cannabis Sativa compounds.
• Full-spectrum – This extract contains all the compounds found in a single extraction from the hemp plant. These could also include other cannabinoids, terpenes, and a few essential oils.
• Broad-spectrum – This kind of extract is a mix of both isolates and full-spectrum. Therefore, while it contains a considerable amount of CBD, it also carries with it some of the other oils and compounds, thus, compounding its therapeutic effects. However, just like in CBD isolate, THC is removed from all broad-spectrum extracts.

Ingredients

Try to opt for products with all-natural ingredients sans preservatives and pesticides. If this information is absent on the label, you can email the manufacturer to enquire about the same.

Price

Ideally, all CBD products range between $30-$60. If you are paying more than this range or even around a $100, make sure you check the potency and ingredients of the product to ensure it does merit the price.

Conclusion

There is no question that CBD products do work wonders on tired skin and pained joints. Topicals are one of the most preferred products of many CBD enthusiasts who are just starting. They can enjoy the effectiveness of CBD without worrying too much on its effects if it goes into the bloodstream, as topical are only subdermal. Also, CBD has gained a lot of momentum in the market because of its instantaneous results.

Numerous celebrities have taken to the internet to endorse CBD products and also openly acknowledge and encourage the use of CBD. The fact that so many issues can be healed with a plant extract, without facing the risk of intoxication or addiction, is what makes it popular. Moreover, as explained above, CBD supplies the body with some added cannabinoids to help boost its endocannabinoid system. Therefore, CBD is working with your body, not against it.

Study about a product and its reviews before you choose to invest your trust and money in it. Make sure whatever medicine you are applying is legitimate and meets the claims it makes. That way you can be sure to land up with the right CBD topical for your requirements.