How To Choose The Best CBD Topical You Need

The hemp plant is gaining popularity due to its potential health benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and flavonoids are the dominant elements of the hemp plant. Also, these elements are found in marijuana and cannabis sativa. However, marijuana-based products are restricted in most parts of the US. Hemp extracts are infused in various products, including tinctures, capsules, vapes, gummies, and topicals. Although topical products are only meant for the skin, they can also deliver an entourage effect. The three types of CBD topicals are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. However, you need to know which type is suitable for you and other factors to determine the best CBD topicals you need for your skin. Some of the tips you can use to choose the best CBD are;

Type Of CBD

As noted earlier, CBD topicals are of three types; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

Full Spectrum

There are different opinions regarding the effectiveness of full-spectrum CBD for topicals and edibles. Fattore et al. (2011) explained that full-spectrum CBD is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant, including THC, a psychoactive element. THC is the second most dominant element of the hemp plant after terpenes. Besides, full-spectrum CBD has numerous anti-bacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties from terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabidiol. The properties are suitable for improving skin conditions such as acne, irritation, and eczema. Gallily, Yekhtin & Lumir (2018) suggested that THC has anti-inflammatory properties suitable for improving your skin health by reducing wrinkles. However, neither research has been approved by the FDA; thus, users should bear the risks.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD topicals are the second dominant, sharing most similarities with the full spectrum. They are manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant except THC. Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum offer entourage effect. The entourage effect is the ability of multiple organic elements to work together to provide more therapeutic benefits than a single one. Hyson (2022) explained that, besides the topical benefits, broad-spectrum CBD also lowers your stress and anxiety levels, providing a suitable environment for sleep. CBD and other elements in broad-spectrum, such as terpenes and flavonoids, are suitable for preventing you from harsh UV rays and free radicals that damage your skin due to their antioxidant properties.

The absence of THC shouldn't trick you to higher CBD topical potency levels. Despite being topical products, Liu Tina (2019) explained that they are absorbed in the bloodstream, causing potential side effects such as dizziness, anxiety, migraine, and a change in appetite. Therefore, you should be keen on the potency levels to avoid overdosing.

Isolate

Isolate and broad-spectrum CBD are suitable for those wishing to evade the side effects of THC. However, unlike broad-spectrum CBD, isolate has only one element from the hemp plant (cannabidiol). It makes it suitable for people targeting CBD-related skin benefits only. Since isolate CBD topicals only have one element, they are limited from entourage effect, unlike broad and full spectrum.

Other Elements

CBD topicals are manufactured along with other elements to improve their smell and effectiveness. The elements are important since some might contaminate the products, especially artificial ones. Therefore, it is important to confirm the list of elements and ensure they are only organic for maximum effect. Organic elements are also friendly to the skin and minimize burns and irritation. The commonly used element is MCT oil, containing bioavailability properties for improving absorption rate making CBD topicals more effective. Organic elements such as arnica and those with Vitamin C and A are also blended for skin protection.

The lab Results

It is one of the fundamental and mandatory aspects you should pay attention to. It helps you avoid exposing your skin to chemical solvents and high potency levels. There are two crucial parts of the lab results;

Potency Levels

High potency levels can easily trigger either of the above side effects. However, the impact of CBD depends on your experience. If your body has adapted, you can use higher potency levels than beginners. Since the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has been conflicted with various hemp-based brands regarding posting wrong potency levels, even forcing it to send them warnings, you shouldn't rely on posted potencies. It is important to compare the actual potency levels from the lab results (preferably an IOS-certified) to avoid overdosing.

Purity Levels

The purity levels of CBD topicals are critical, especially for topical products. Although most hemp-based brands offer organic alternatives, the products are likely to be contaminated during manufacturing with some chemicals. The topicals are likely to be contaminated with chemical solvents, making them riskier for the skin since they might result in irritation.

The Extraction Method

CBD and other hemp-plant elements are obtained using various methods of extraction. However, the most dominants are CO2 and ethanol. Although ethanol is suitable for large-scale production, it endangers the topical products to chemical solvents. CO2 is the most effective method of extracting hemp chemical compounds without contaminating them and the environment. Therefore, prioritize topicals obtained from CO2 extracts since they are likely free from chemical solvents. The best topical producer has hired a team of chemists and manufacturing experts to minimize contamination of their products by choosing less distractive chemicals.

Conclusion

CBD topicals are the most effective since they are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties suitable for skin protection. The properties minimize wrinkles and give your skin a smooth and youthful appearance. However, before applying any CBD topical, it is important to determine its reaction to your skin type. Therefore, apply small amounts to your elbow and give about 30 minutes to determine its impact. The skin around the elbow and knee is hard, meaning the impact won't be diverse. If the impact is positive, you can proceed to apply it to other body parts. Notably, avoid CBD topicals that have not been assessed for potency and purity levels. The price might also help you determine the best CBD topical products. Avoid extremely cheap products since they are likely to be of poor quality.

 Reference

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.

Hyson, P. (2022). Best CBD Oil for Cats: Top 7 Brands Reviewed. ORDER, 1, 00.

Liu, T. (2019). What is CBD Oil? Learn the Facts: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects.

Watt, G., & Karl, T. (2017). In vivo evidence for therapeutic properties of cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's disease. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 20.