CBD Lotion Or Topicals: Which Is Right For You?

CBD lotions are highly recommended since they deliver rapid effects. There are three types of CBD topical and lotions; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Although lotions are the best, there are other significant factors such as other elements, price, and lab results.

CBD topicals are one of the most effective skin products providing a long-lasting solution. They are manufactured from active ingredients from the hemp plant or cannabis sativa. These plants have active elements such as terpenes, flavonoids, cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The elements have unique properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants for maintaining your skin's health. Although there are various topical products, lotions are highly embraced since they deliver rapid effectiveness due to their light density. It is important to differentiate other topicals with CBD lotions to determine which would work best for your skin.

Types of CBD Topicals

CBD lotions and topicals are offered in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. It is one of the significant factors that will help you differentiate and understand which CBD is safe for you. Learn more about cbd topicals side effects

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD lotions and topicals are the most dominant. They have been highly embraced for numerous health benefits beyond the skin. Full-spectrum CBD topicals and lotions are manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), flavonoids, and terpenes. The elements work together to provide an entourage effect, and the ability of various elements work together to offer more therapeutic benefits. Boehnke et al. (2022) explained that full-spectrum lotions and topicals offer more skin benefits and are suitable for lowering anxiety. However, unlike other types, it will likely expose you to more risks. According to Fattore et al. (2011), THC has intoxicating side effects that can result in anxiety, dizziness, and poor memory. Although CBD lotions and topicals have low THC potencies of 0.3%, you might get high if they are of high concentrations.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD lotions and topicals are the second dominant. They are manufactured using all the elements of cannabis or hemp except THC. Broad-spectrum topicals are suitable for those trying to avoid the psychoactive side effects of THC. However, they share nearly all similarities with the full spectrum. They both provide an entourage effect due to numerous elements. Notably, the absence of THC shouldn't trick you into using high potencies. According to Liu (2019), CBD can result in psychoactive-related side effects such as causing anxiety and dizziness, especially in high potencies.

Isolate

Isolate lotions and topicals are yet to gain popularity. They comprise a single element of hemp or cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD). They are suitable for those evading THC-related side effects and targeting CBD-related health benefits only. They are limited from the entourage effect since they have a single element of the hemp plant.

Why CBD Lotions

CBD lotions are the most effective compared to other topicals. Unlike other topicals, they are manufactured using higher proportions of water than other essential oils, including CBD. It makes them lighter and less dense, improving their rate of absorption. As a result, the active ingredients from the hemp plant are rapidly absorbed into the skin.

CBD lotions are also effective for making the skin look pulpy. They induce more water in your skin, minimizing dehydration. However, since they have a lighter density, they are likely to be evaporated faster on the skin. Therefore, CBD lotions cannot be effective alone. It is prudent to use it alongside other elements of CBD topicals such as creams for maximum effectiveness. After applying a lotion, cover it with CBD cream for the active ingredients to be maximized by the skin. Creams have a higher percentage of oils than water, making them thicker. Besides, the quality of either CBD lotions or creams determines their effectiveness.

How To Determine The Best CBD Lotions and Topicals?

Since CBD topicals are flooding the market, you must differentiate between good and bad. The following tips will help you shop for the best CBD Balms and Gels;

Extraction Method

Multiple extractions are used to obtain active ingredients from the hemp plant. CBD Cream are likely to contaminate extraction and manufacturing since they involve multiple chemicals. According to Rochfort et al. (2020), the CO2 extraction method minimizes contamination of the end products and environment since it involves fewer chemicals. Although ethanol is also effective, it puts the products in danger of contamination since it involves various chemical solvents. Consider CBD topicals manufactured with minimum chemicals to minimize burns and skin irritation risks.

Other Elements

CBD lotions and topicals are blended with other elements to improve their effectiveness. Checking on the elements prevents you from applying artificial compounds that might damage your skin even further. Arnica, coconut oil, or Vitamin A and C are major elements blended in CBD topicals. Coconut oil is organic and essential for improving absorption rate. Learn more about does topical cbd actually work?

The Lab Result

It is the most crucial and mandatory part of any CBD topical. The lab results help determine the topical's potency and purity levels. Consider brands using IOS-certified labs since they will likely have adequate equipment and personnel to produce more accurate lab results. Confirming the purity potency levels helps you avoid applying contaminated or high potency products.

The Price

Most hemp-based brands manufacturing the best CBD topicals invest a lot of money to produce quality. They have a team of manufacturing experts and chemists ensuring no chemical solvents infiltrate the end products. The more the input to achieve quality, the higher the price to avoid losses. Therefore, low-priced CBD Cream are likely to be poor quality since shortcuts are used during processing. Before being lured by extremely cheap products, access prices overboard and go for average rates.

Conclusion

As more hemp-based brands come into play, it isn't easy to differentiate which one offers the best. Therefore, you need to be careful with the maximum effectiveness of CBD Balms and Gels. The most important thing to confirm is the lab results. Confirm that an IOS-certified lab has assessed your topical product for potency and purity levels; if not, don't buy them. Check on the elements blended since they are also likely to contribute to their contamination, especially if they are organic. There are three types of CBD, broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and isolate. Besides the types, the extraction method is important to help you determine the best CBD topicals. Consider CO2 extracts since they mix with minimal chemicals to avoid contamination.

References

Boehnke, K. F., Häuser, W., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2022). Cannabidiol (CBD) in Rheumatic Diseases (Musculoskeletal Pain). Current Rheumatology Reports, 1-9.

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

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

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