Did you know that CBD comes in all kinds of product forms, such as vapes, gummies, tinctures, capsules, drinks, you name it? But one product really isn’t like the others, and that would be topicals. CBD topicals are a totally one-of-a-kind formula type, as they’re the only product that doesn’t involve taking the cannabinoid internally in some way or another, like through inhalation or ingestion. Instead, with topicals, CBD is applied directly to the skin, and this acts as a game-changing delivery method that has given many people the relief they’ve been searching for.
In fact, we wanna take a deeper dive into the topical side of the hemp market, exploring the way in which CBD topicals work, how to use them properly, and the different options you have while shopping for your new favorite go-to formula. As you’ll soon discover, just about everyone could benefit from having some topicals in their daily routine.
What Exactly is CBD Anyways?
First, let’s talk about CBD itself, to better understand what’s actually happening when we use a topical product containing the compound. CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it’s the dominant chemical compound found in the industrial hemp plant. CBD is not intoxicating, and it’s also, fortunately, completely nontoxic to mammals.
Cannabidiol belongs to a class of compounds known as cannabinoids, with other cannabinoids including Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC, THC-P, THCV, HHC, CBN, and CBG. CBD’s effects are unique from other cannabinoids, and it’s the cannabinoid most closely associated with various forms of relief. Because CBD is so naturally abundant in hemp, while other cannabinoids exist in much tracer amounts, the compound has actually been studied extensively over the years (it was discovered all the way back in the 1940s, in fact), while other cannabinoids often find themselves lacking in any real scientific research.
CBD and the Body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Since CBD is a cannabinoid, cannabinoids do behave in a very unique way in the body. You see, cannabinoids serve the role of interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) by attaching to cannabinoid receptors located in various areas of the body. Cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) use cannabinoids like CBD to regulate processes like sleep cycle, mood, cognitive function, neurological function, immunity, pain tolerance, inflammation, and more.
CBD acts on the two key categories of cannabinoid receptors simultaneously:
Category 1: CB1 Receptors – Located in the central nervous system.
Category 2: CB2 Receptors – Located in the nervous system, digestive system, and immune system.
CBD Delivery Methods and Bioavailability
Now, how we take CBD affects its bioavailability – that is, how efficiently it absorbs into the body; determining its onset time, duration of effects, and potency of effects. Other delivery methods include inhalation, ingestion, and sublingual administration, all of which permit cannabinol to enter the bloodstream before making its way to different cannabinoid receptors to begin the process of regulation.
Topicals are a bit different. Instead of taking the CBD into the body, the CBD is applied directly to the “problem area”, whether that be a tense shoulder, irritated skin on the face, or an inflamed hip – and so on. This offers a faster onset time, as the CBD absorbs through the skin and into the deep tissue where the problem lays directly, rather than working its way through the bloodstream, often after having to first get broken down by the liver.
Does Topical CBD Actually Work?
Let’s look at what ‘the science’ says about topicals. By and large, studies have shown that CBD topicals are an effective way to manage physical discomfort, whether caused by inflammation, or neuropathic in origin. Basically, CBD seems to effectively attach to cannabinoid receptors in the nerves and deep tissue, to work its wonders. Simultaneously, CBD may also regulate skin homeostasis, helping with things like irritation, etc.
Understand, topicals are intended to target a specific area of the body, and it turns out that in that regard, they’re incredibly bioavailable, which can be seen through their fast onset time, in which it can take as little as 10 minutes to find relief. The CBD in a topical solution is actually quite good at absorbing through the skin and reaching the deep tissue, at which point it attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the muscle and joint tissue to regulate things that pertain to sources of discomfort.
Can You Have a Skin Allergy to a Topical Product?
While it’s rare, a person may experience an allergy to a topical product, which can cause symptoms like:
- Irritation
- Redness
- Itching
- Peeling of the skin
- Dry patches
- A feeling of the skin being hot
- The skin becoming very sensitive in that area
Keep in mind though, an allergy to cannabidiol itself is particularly rare, and it’s far more likely that the culprit is another ingredient in the formula. This can be anything from an essential oil used to give the topical product a fragrance, or it can be an additive used to preserve the formula or enhance its consistency. If you already know that you have skin allergies, we recommend reading the ingredients carefully to avoid those ingredients. And should you develop an allergic reaction without any previously known allergies, stop using that product, and start keeping track of what other products give you the same reaction, in hopes of isolating that problem ingredient in the future. If it gets worse though, make an appointment with your doctor/physician at once.
Can You Apply a CBD Topical if You’re Using Any Other Topicals?
A question we’ve been asked before is if it’s safe or recommended to use a CBD topical if you’re already using another type of topical product. This could include:
- A skin topical, to address problems related to the skin, like an anti-inflammatory ointment used to treat eczema.
- A prescription topical for pain relief, such as a powerful anti-inflammatory that is meant to provide relief to the muscular tissue.
- An over-the-counter topical for pain relief, such as a menthol-based gel.
Overall, there’s no real risk associated with adding a CBD topical into the mix. CBD topicals aren’t known to interact with other topicals in any notable way. Basically, there really is no reason why you cannot incorporate a CBD topical into your routine should you already be using a topical-based formula.
What Types of CBD Topical Products are There?
There are different kinds of topicals out there, and we want to discuss how they all distinguish themselves from one another.
Different Consistencies
You can find topicals in various consistencies, including:
- Salves
- Lotions
- Gels
- Creams
- Adhesive patches
- Balms
- Body butters
- Massage oils
- Serums
The type of consistency affects how quickly it absorbs into the skin, how easily it spreads, how much it moisturizes the skin, and how the skin feels after application.
Different Formulas
Naturally, each company has their own formula, which refers to the ingredients they use. For instance, some companies use all-natural ingredients, and some do not. Some incorporate extra botanicals and herbs, like menthol or lavender, to add even more relief after application.
First, consider if you want a scented or unscented topical, and if you want a scented topical, be mindful that some products contain natural fragrances like essential oils, and some use artificial fragrances. Also, in general, we always suggest reading through the list of ingredients to generally stick to formulas that are as natural as possible, to avoid potentially harmful ingredients.
Different Purposes
Some CBD topicals are meant for pain relief, some are meant for skin relief, and some are skincare products that are intended to improve the skin’s condition without necessarily addressing major issues. The label of the product will indicate what its main purpose is, and even offer instructions as to how to use it to get the best results.
Different Strengths
CBD topicals do come in different milligram strengths, just like many other product types. Remember, this directly affects how potent the product is, and how likely it is to provide relief. We generally recommend going with a product that contains at least 500mg CBD per fluid ounce for the best results.
Unlike other product types that are taken orally, topicals don’t put you at any real risk of side effects should you go with a stronger formula. Products that are taken orally, like gummies, tinctures, and vapes can make you feel drowsy if you take high doses, as they’re affecting nervous system functions through their interaction with cannabinoid receptors located in the nervous system. Topicals only interact with localized cannabinoid receptors in the deep tissue, so the effects stay put, so to speak.
Using CBD Topicals for Success
Another fantastic thing about CBD topicals is that they really couldn’t be easier to use. Simply apply a good amount to the affected area – enough to cover the area with a thin layer of product – and massage it into the skin until it’s absorbed. It should take effect within 15-30 minutes. Generally, effects last for up to 6 hours, and you can apply them as many times as needed.
Here at Friendly Hemp, we offer two sublime CBD topical formulas that’re both crafted with clean ingredients, potent servings of purely lab-tested CBD extract, and fast-absorbing consistencies, in order to get you the potential skin and muscles & joints relief that you deserve, on demand:
Friendly 3000MG CBD Soothing Lotion: Our ultra-nourishing lotion massages into the skin easily, infused with bergamot and orange to offer a soothing citrusy aroma, along with the benefits of these essential oils. Shea butter adds an extra moisturizing component to make the skin feel smooth after each application.
🌿 Quality Shea butter for extra smooth skin.
🌿 High concentration of broad spectrum CBD with every pump.
🌿 Light and soothing citrus scent.
Friendly 3000MG CBD Freeze Gel: This shea butter-enhanced CBD freeze gel uses menthol alongside CBD to offer intensive relief to physical discomfort, all while absorbing fast into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.
🌿 Quality Shea butter for extra smooth skin.
🌿 High concentration of broad spectrum CBD.
🌿 Soothing, cooling sensation with every pump.
