How to Choose the Best CBD Topicals

Given the popularity of cannabidiol products, most individuals have had a tough time choosing the appropriate CBD topicals to combat certain surface-level skin conditions. The article below outlines the proper method of choosing CBD Balms and Gels, by considering the source of CBD, certificate of analysis, and the type of CBD product, among other factors.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is an organic compound sourced from cannabis. Since its benefits surfaced, the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries have developed CBD-infused products like CBD Cream and balms. CBD Balms and Gels are used to combat pain and soothe inflammation on the skin's surface. One cannot use CBD topicals to address health issues such as anxiety and headaches because they are not formulated for oral consumption. CBD topical products are recommended since they are ideal for soothing pain and nourishing the skin supple, given their ingredients.

Defining CBD Topicals

Baswan et al. (2020) stated that CBD Balms and Gels are products applied directly to the skin's surface, such as lotions, salves, gels, and creams. CBD Cream are often infused with other ingredients besides CBD and oil like menthol and capsicum to boost their effects on the target area. CBD Balms and Gels are commonly prescribed to individuals to combat chronic pain or inflamed skin.

Choosing CBD Topical Products

There has been a boost in local and online shops that deal with CBD products. Beginners and amateurs alike may have a hard time purchasing these products, primarily since the FDA does not regulate the sale, possession, and use of CBD. Below are some guidelines individuals may need to know concerning purchasing CBD topical products.

Source of the CBD

Determining the source of the hemp employed in formulating the CBD is vital since it gives one perceptiveness to several factors. The source of hemp also determines how it was grown and the environment it was grown in. Hemp is grown in sub-standard environments and typically has traces of impurities such as fertilizers, heavy metals, pesticides, etc., which reduce the quality of the CBD topical. For example, Portela et al. (2019) observed that hemp plants subjected to nonorganic chemicals could alter their chemical composition and thus reduce their effectiveness while exposing the skin to harmful conditions such as skin cancer. Learn more about topicals: an easy addition to your routine

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

The certificate of analysis, also known as the lab test results, gives a detailed account of all the compounds in a product. It is found on the product's packaging, while others can access it through the company's website. Dermatologists typically advise against purchasing CBD Balms and Gels from brands or websites that do not avail their COA because chances are that their products contain contaminants. A truthful COA should contain the following;

• Pesticide analysis – Pesticide analysis gives an in-depth analysis of the traces of chemicals used during the farming process in the final product. When hemp is subjected to pesticides, it hampers the effectiveness of the final product, which in this case, is a CBD topical product.
• Cannabinoid analysis – The cannabinoid analysis shows the potency and weight of the CBD contained in the product.
• Heavy metal analysis indicates the number of heavy metals in the end product. Heavy metals include mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Prolonged or intense exposure to heavy metals causes dermal exposure, which may cause skin cancer.

Types of CBD Topicals

CBD Creams

Eskander et al. (2020) established that CBD creams are a blend of water, oil, and CBD, which gives it its thick consistency. CBD creams are infused with other ingredients to offer intense moisturization to the skin. Such ingredients may include vitamin B6, glycerin, and white willow bark. Romero & Morilla (2013) noted that CBD creams mainly combat skin inflammation and muscle and joint pain and hydrate the face. It is worth noting that the ingredients added to a CBD cream depend on what it tries to combat. For example, one cannot use a CBD cream infused with menthol on the face since menthol is for relieving aching joints.

CBD Lotions

CBD lotions have an almost runny consistency since their water content surpasses that of oil. Lotions are often infused with ingredients such as lemon peel oil, aloe leaf juice, grapefruit peel oil, etc. since they offer added benefits to the skin. The carrier oils in CBD lotions attach to the CB2 receptors on the skin's surface to moisturize and heal various skin conditions.

CBD Gels

CBD gels are formulated using water and CBD. It is the main reason gels have the highest bioavailability since they are easily absorbed into the skin. Dermatologists often advise individuals predisposed to pain to infuse a CBD gel into their daily regimens for faster pain-relieving effects. Most cannabidiol gels available are roll-ons which are convenient for combating pain in localized areas of the body.

CBD Lip Balms

CBD lip balms are regular lip balms but with the added benefits of CBD. Most cannabidiol lip balms are infused with almond oil, shea butter, and Vitamin E to boost the suppleness of the lips. CBD lip balms are typically used to heal dry and chapped lips while reducing the effects of environmental damage on the lips.

Types of CBD Topicals

• Full Spectrum CBD Topicals – Full spectrum refers to products containing all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes in the cannabis plant. They also contain trace levels of THC and tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.
• Broad spectrum CBD Topicals – Broad spectrum topicals contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of the cannabis plant but zero THC since it is removed during the manufacturing process.
• CBD isolate – CBD isolates cannabidiol topicals are the purest since they only contain CBD. All the other properties of the cannabis are extracted.

Pros and Cons of CBD Topicals

Cons

• Low bioavailability levels since they do not contact the upper layer of the skin, which means they can't be absorbed into the blood.
• The dose of CBD is not always on point
• Chances of experiencing side effects are high
• The absorption rate is low, meaning the user must apply it regularly to feel the effects.

Pros

• There are many topical CBD products to choose from
• Easy to use even for beginners
• The effects are centered on the affected region

Conclusion

Given the widespread availability of cannabidiol products, most people have had trouble deciding which CBD topicals to use to treat specific skin issues on the skin's surface. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an organic substance derived from cannabis. Since its global advantages, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors have developed CBD-infused goods, including CBD Cream and CBD balms. CBD Cream are applied topically to the skin to reduce pain and inflammation. They are not designed for oral intake; thus, they cannot treat conditions like headaches and anxiety. Topical CBD products are advised since they are excellent for relieving pain and promoting supple skin, given their components.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927.

Eskander, J. P., Spall, J., Spall, A., Shah, R. V., & Kaye, A. D. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) As A Treatment Of Acute And Chronic Back Pain: A Case Series And Literature Review. J Opioid Manag, 16(3), 215-8.

Portela, R., Leal, C. R., Almeida, P. L., & Sobral, R. G. (2019). Bacterial Cellulose: A Versatile Biopolymer For Wound Dressing Applications. Microbial Biotechnology, 12(4), 586-610.

Romero, E. L., & Morilla, M. J. (2013). Highly Deformable And Highly Fluid Vesicles As Potential Drug Delivery Systems: Theoretical And Practical Considerations. International Journal Of Nanomedicine, 8, 3171.