How Much CBD Topicals Should I Use?

There is no exact amount of CBD topical an individual should utilize; what works for you may not work for another user. This article highlights the determinants of the amount of cannabis-infused topicals to use, including tips on how to dosage the topicals.

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is among the more than a hundred compounds in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive component without the tendency to produce any high effects associated with cannabis. CBD-infused products have gained massive traction recently. Nowadays, Cannabidiol-infused products are available online and in psychical stores. One of the most common CBD products is topicals. They come in various products such as creams, lotions, balms, and salves. The products boast various skin rejuvenating benefits. A major concern for many users is the ideal amount of topicals to apply. Different users record diverse responses to cannabis products, making the dosage different from user to user. 

Understanding CBD Topicals 

CBD topicals include products like creams, salves, lotions, and balms. These products contain CBD oil as their main active ingredient from cannabis. They are applied externally to provide relief for localized skin conditions. The cannabis-infused topicals offer numerous benefits, including but not limited to; regulating sebum oil production, treating eczema and acne, moisturizing skin, and dealing with aging signs such as wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and fine lines.

Cannabis topicals are available in three formulations with varying potencies and chemical compositions.

Full spectrum

Marinotti et al. (2020) noted that full-spectrum CBD topicals contain all the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, CBD, and THC. Its THC levels do not exceed 0.2 % in the UK, making it safe to utilize. Full-spectrum is the most potent topical, thanks to its entourage effect. According to Russo & Ethan (2019), the entourage effect is a process in which all the chemical compounds and phytochemicals work in synergy with CBD to boost its health and therapeutic benefits.

Broad Spectrum 

De Assis et al. (2021) observed that broad-spectrum topicals contain most chemical compounds and phytochemicals in the cannabis plant, like flavonoids and terpenes. However, it does not contain THC. It also provides the entourage effect; however, it is not as potent as full-spectrum products, thanks to the absence of THC. 

Broad-spectrum topicals are ideal for users who want to benefit from other chemical compounds, excluding THC.

CBD isolate

CBD isolate topicals, as its name suggest, contain Cannabidiol as the active ingredient in cannabis; all the chemical compounds are pulled out during production. It is an excellent option for users who want to benefit from CBD effects alone. 

The Amount of CBD Topical an Individual Should Use

No size fits all regarding CBD dosage. Users have different body chemistry; what may work for you might not work for another user. It is vital to talk to a dermatologist to help you know the right amount your body can tolerate. 

Below are factors that affect the amount of CBD topicals to use:

Skin Type

There are various skin types ranging from dry, normal, to oily skin. Individuals with dry skin should use more CBD topical to reduce skin dryness. People with oily skin should use a lower amount to avoid making the skin oilier; they are recommended to use water-based moisturizers, which allow faster absorption of the product. 

Body Size

Big-bodied individuals require more topicals to cover the entire body than those with small bodies. 

Contents in the Product

Some ingredient used in the topicals is harsh on the skin. Such products should be applied sparingly on the skin to avoid unwanted reactions. Before using the product, you should perform a patch test to determine whether you are allergic to some of its contents. 

The Region Being Applied

Some parts of the body have thicker skin, while others are thin. For instance, the feet have thicker skin which needs large amounts of CBD topical compared to parts such as the face, arms, and hands. 

Tips on CBD Topical Dosage

Talk to an Expert

Several factors influence the amount of CBD topical an individual should use; these include body mass index (BMI), health history, medications taken, and health condition. Many users who purchased CBD products without medical guidance ended up using a higher or lower dosage. In worst-case scenarios, they developed multiple side effects. It is important to talk to a dermatologist to help you know the ideal dosage. 

Do Some Math

In CBD topicals, the amount of Cannabidiol is listed on the package label. After figuring out the total amount, it is important to know how much CBD is in one milliliter; divide the amount of the bottle by the total milliliters listed on the package. For example, if your lotion jar weighs fifty milliliters and has two hundred milligrams of Cannabidiol, it contains around four milligrams of CBD per milliliter. Using a metric spoon also helps to scoop out the required amount of cannabis-infused topical.

Give Room for Trial and Error

Your doctor will need to adjust the number of topicals until you find desired effects without adverse reactions. It takes a while to get your desired effect; therefore, remain patient. You will need to use the topical consistently to get its desired benefits. 

Summary

Like other medications, an overdose of CBD may lead to various side effects. Consider techniques such as the trial-and-error method and a few dosage calculations. There is no standard dosage for cannabis-infused topical; what may work for you may not for another user. Various factors affect the amount of CBD topical to use. They include; body size, contents in the product, and type of skin. Before using any CBD topical, perform a patch test; the test lets you know whether you are allergic to cannabis-infused contents. 

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.

Marinotti, O., &Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating full-spectrum hemp extracts from CBD isolates: Implications for policy, safety and science. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517-526.

Russo, E. B. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: no “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in plant science, 1969.