The Different Types Of CBD - How To Shop For CBD Creams, Balms, And Other Topicals

There are three types of CBD topicals, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. There are various ways of determining the best CBD topicals, including the method of extraction, the prices, and lab results.

CBD has potential health benefits, including addressing skin problems. The skin is the largest body part vulnerable to UV light and free radicals. Although skin products have been in existence for ages, not all are effective. Most people now prefer organic topicals since they offer a long-lasting solution and minimize skin damage such as burns and irritation. CBD Cream are one of the best organic topicals addressing various skin problems, including reducing early aging. There are three types of CBD topicals, manufactured in creams, balms, and other topicals. Understanding the three types of CBD and other factors to consider while shopping for CBD Balms and Gels such as balms, lotions, and creams is important.

Types of CBD

Understanding the types of CBD helps you determine which one works best for you. Each type has potential health benefits and risks.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD is manufactured using all the chemical compounds from the hemp plant. It has terpenes, flavonoids, cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Full-spectrum CBD products are the most popular, with numerous health benefits. However, it has been getting a lot of attention due to THC. Fattore et al. (2011) explained that, unlike other elements of hemp, THC has psychoactive side effects. Marijuana THC remains restricted in the USA because its THC levels are over 2.5%. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and marijuana-based-THC because their THC levels are below 0.3%, which can't easily trigger the psychoactive side effects. Full-spectrum CBD delivers more health benefits due to the entourage effect. THC also contributes entourage effect due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Gallily et al. (2018) stated that full-spectrum CBD could help lower anxiety, among other health benefits.

Although neither of the above researches has been approved, they show promising outcomes on the health benefits. However, the side effects are likely triggered by high potency levels. Therefore, full-spectrum CBD users should have considerable concentrations to avoid getting "high" with THC.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant except THC. It is convenient, especially for those trying to evade THC's side effects. Broad-spectrum CBD is also popular and has similarities with the full spectrum. They both have numerous chemical compounds from the hemp plant, making them a suitable option for an entourage effect, unlike isolates. According to de Assis et al. (2021), a broad spectrum can help reduce pain and create a conducive environment for sleep.

You might be interested in knowing the recommended concentration of broad-spectrum. The absence of THC shouldn't be a reason for taking too much broad spectrum. It can damage you just like any other medication. The amount depends on the potency levels and experience as veterans can take higher potencies, unlike novices. Too much THC can cause psychoactive side effects, including dizziness, anxiety, and a change in appetite.

Isolate

Isolate CBD is gaining popularity among those who are only interested in the health benefits of CBD. Unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, it only has a single element of the hemp plant, cannabidiol. It limits it from the entourage effect, although it is a suitable option for those evading THC's side effects.

How To Shop For CBD Topicals, Including Creams

CBD Balms and Gels are one of the best natural solutions for your skin. Besides, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum work beyond the skin benefits. Due to their entourage effect, they can also address pain, anxiety, and sleep. However, this can only be achieved if they are of high quality. Some tips you can use to determine the best CBD topicals are;

Method of Extraction

Extracting useful elements from the hemp plant determines the end product's purity. There are over 5 effective methods of obtaining hemp extract. However, ethanol and CO2 are the most popular. Although many hemp-based manufacturers use ethanol, it is likely to contaminate the topical products due to multiple chemicals. Rochfort Simone (2020) explained that most companies prefer CO2 since it minimizes contamination of the end products and the environment. Therefore, consider CBD Cream manufactured from CO2 hemp extracts.

Other Elements

CBD topicals might not be effective on their own. As a result, most brands blend in other elements to improve their effectiveness and quality. Organic elements with vitamin A and C are considered alongside arnica and coconut oil. The main role of coconut (MCT) oil is to improve absorption rate. THC has bioavailability properties useful for improving the rate of absorption. The elements are important to determine the purity levels of CBD Cream. Avoid products with artificial elements since they are likely to cause skin irritation or burns. Such elements also offer short-term solutions.

The Lab Results

It is the most significant and mandatory requirement for all CBD products besides topicals. All CBD products must be assessed for purity and potency levels using an IOS or FDA-certified lab. Confirm the potency and purity levels to avoid overdosing or taking chemical solvents that might have infiltrated the products during manufacturing. Notably, don't consider brands failing to meet these requirements since their topicals are likely to be contaminated. Lastly, avoid cheap products since they can lure you to poor quality. The best CBD topical manufacturers have average or higher rates.

Conclusion

CBD topicals are of three types, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. They have all proven effective due to various elements' unique features. Terpenes and flavonoids are found in most plants and have been used in various clinical trials for therapeutic use, including cancer treatment. Their antimicrobial and antibacterial properties make them suitable for protecting the skin against infections. However, the health benefits of CBD topicals can only be effective if it of high quality. The main tips for determining the best CBD topicals are other elements, the lab results, extraction method, and the price. Avoid it if the brand is unwilling to provide the lab results as an affirmation of quality. Besides, the price is also a key determiner of quality. Most companies producing quality products spend a lot to achieve good quality. It has a direct impact on the price to avoid losses.

References

de Assis, P. M., Ferrarini, E. G., Baldasso, G. M., Paes, R. S., Gouvêa, M. C., Segundo, C. E. N., ... & Raposo, N. R. B. (2021). Broad-spectrum Cannabis oil alleviates behavioral symptoms associated with stress-related anxiety and depression in mice. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 28(2), 239-250.

Fattore, L., & Fratta, W. (2011). Beyond THC: the new generation of cannabinoid designer drugs. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 5, 60.

Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). The anti-inflammatory properties of terpenoids from cannabis. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 282-290.

Rochfort, S., Isbel, A., Ezernieks, V., Elkins, A., Vincent, D., Deseo, M. A., & Spangenberg, G. C. (2020). The utilization of design of experiments approaches to optimize supercritical fluid extraction of medicinal cannabis. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-7.