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If you are a CBD oil user (or potential user researching the topic) you will find there are basically 2 types of product categories with CBD products. Simply stated there are products that are used orally and then others that are topic.
Oral products would be brick and mortar CBD Oil extracts and tinctures but may also include edibles and food products. Now there are some pros and cons to each of these including some legal grey areas with CBD edible products.
Read More: Pros and Cons To CBD Edible Products
Topical CBD products are lotions, balms and skin care products. As time increases I would believe you would see the amount of topical CBD products increase. There will be some marketing gimmicks and fads that come along in the CBD market but there will also be some practical and purposeful products and will be able to fulfill the needs of the consumer as well.
However, questions arise with topical products as well. Specifically with CBD lotions and balms.
How does CBD lotion work?
How do you use CBD oil lotion?
Let’s dive in and give some answers to those questions and also give a little background information.
Quick Background on CBD Oil
CBD oil (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. It has a variety of uses and benefits that has led many users to praise its usefulness to relieve a variety of different symptoms.
Be careful not to confuse CBD with THC. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that does cause a psychoactive high and is found primarily in Marijuana. CBD production comes primarily from Hemp which is also part of the cannabis family yet contains very scare levels of THC and very high levels of CBD.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp at the federal level which essentially opened the door for Hemp in the United States and growth of CBD. There were restrictions. One major restriction is that Hemp could not contain more than 0.3% THC. Hemp is already very low in THC but these were the levels set through the law.
Hemp is very useful for CBD oil production but other than medical use it can be used for many purposes. Some which include food, health & beauty, clothing and other industrial uses. You could buy hemp products (including hemp seeds in your grocery aisle) with merchants in the United States. However, hemp products were imported from other countries.
Read More: Hemp: The Beneficial Plant Makes A Comeback
Domestic hemp production which is now legalized federally may begin to show changes with merchants and also open doors for farmers to have another cash crop.
CBD Oil In Lotions and Balms
One of the benefits of CBD oil topically (on skin) is that it can help relieve pain, inflammation, relieve skin irritations etc. It’s obviously very important to have proper oils and lipids present in common lotions and creams. However the unique qualities of CBD seem to take it another step forward.
This may offer potential relief to those that may have nagging skin irritations or even deep joint or muscle pain. Some of the lotions and balms may be formulated specifically for some of the general topical skin discomforts or irritations. There may be some more sophisticated balms and lotions that are formulated for deep joint or muscle pain.
Choosing the right product that suits your needs shouldn’t be that difficult. You can start by reading the label and even looking at the active ingredients.
General Topical CBD Lotions and Balms
These are the products that are designed for some of the general skin irritations. These include dryness, eczema, scratches, insect bites etc. There are some anti-microbial qualities of CBD that may also be able to assist with a combination of different uses.
CBD is utilized as one of the active ingredients in the lotion. Its calming, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial qualities can help some of the pain and irritation.
Using your CBD Lotion is very easy. Simply apply to the area affected and rub in. For some skin irritations you may find it helpful to apply after bathing as it can be optimally absorbed to increase moisturizing effects.
My Personal Take On General CBD Oil Topicals
I think they can be helpful. I have one that we use in our household. My 4 year old son seems to love it and asks for it. Typically the cases are if he scratched himself, has some general irritation (sometimes he gets nicked up playing at school) or even recently with some insect bites.
It seems to do the trick but I’ve often wondered if he just likes to say CBD lotion and that’s why he asks for it. My non-scientific experiment was that I grabbed a common balm I had in the medicine cabinet one time (instead of the CBD lotion). Honestly, at the time it wasn’t an experiment it was just more convenient to reach (and it’s a good balm by the way).
He was insistent and said “No Daddy, I want CBD lotion” and promptly grabbed a tissue to wipe it off. Then he wanted to put it on.
Secondly, in just the last week he got a nasty bug bite (I believe a mosquito) and was scratching the heck out of it. It was looking rough and he was beginning to draw a little blood. I cleaned it up and added the CBD lotion (per his request). No lie, I looked at it a little later in the day and it had begun to clear up and the redness was gone.
CBD Balms and Lotions For Deep Tissue Muscle & Joint Pain
These are the products that are developed more specifically for deep tissue pain, muscle pain, joint pain. In addition to the CBD it may also contain ingredients such as lidocaine or menthol. Some people may find that using the lotion in conjunction with an oral CBD product (such as a CBD Oil tincture/extract) may help optimize the relief.
Using these products is also simple. Just apply to the area of discomfort. The lotions work by using other ingredients as well as utilizing the anti inflammatory qualities of CBD oil to decrease inflammation and relieve pain
My Take On CBD Lotions and Balms For Deep Tissue & Joint Pain
I do have a jar of this in my house but I have only been utilizing the general CBD topical cream. I have seen and read where people are seeing great success and relief from utilizing the topical cream alongside an oral CBD tincture.
Due to all the scrutiny and nasty side effects with common medications people are looking for a safer and more natural solution for pain. If that is the case then this may be worth giving it consideration.
Read More: How To Use CBD Oil For Pain. Here Is What You Need To Know
Are CBD Balms and Lotions Even Worth It?
You are ultimately the one to make the decision, I would say yes. It is not as simple as popping a pill but people are finding it helpful. Often the alternative is taking medication which often comes along with adverse side effects (specifically for those utilizing it for pain).
If you are using it as a general topical I would tell you to give it a shot. If you have skin irritations on your hands it will always be a significant challenge with anything. Regardless if it is a brick and mortar lotion or CBD lotion. Using your hands daily and washing can take off anything you put on it. You may have to consciously use gloves during the day to wash dishes or other activities not wash it off.
In those cases you are never able to really give it a chance to succeed.
If you are really suffering from pain speak with your physician about trying a CBD oil regimen. For joint pain, arthritis etc you may be great relief using both an extract and topical. If you are going to utilize an CBD extract you may need to help develop your individual dosing sweet spot. Below is some guidance on how you can do that.
Read More: How Do I Know My CBD Oil Is Working? What Should I Do?
A Little Word Of Caution On CBD Products
On any CBD product it’s important to remember that not all are created equal. There are some highly reputable companies that create high quality products that are exactly what they state on the label. There are others that do not.
High quality products are not the cheapest either and ultimately you will get what you pay for. Additionally, it’s very important that you use CBD oil products that utilize Hemp that is organically grown within the United States.
Some may use cheaper Hemp from countries such as China that have questionable agricultural practices. Failure to do so can lead to potential toxins and heavy metals making it into your CBD oil product.
Read More: How To Choose High Quality CBD Oil
When you do your proper due diligence and find a high quality product from a reputable manufacturer you will be able to determine if CBD will work for you.
I hope you found this helpful.
Be empowered and informed as a consumer.
Comments or questions? Leave a comment below of contact me.
