There are many methods for consuming CBD oil such as sublingual application, vaping or taking a capsule. Topical CBD comes in the form of lotions, salves, message oil and even bath bombs and bath soaks. Topical CBD is applied directly to the skin. When CBD oil is applied to the skin, it does not enter the blood stream. Instead, it is absorbed by the CB2 receptors found in your skin and then activates the body's endocannabinoid system. We looked into the studies being done with CBD topicals as well as why many of our customers are choosing CBD topicals over other forms of CBD oil.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States. It can have many different causes from injury to hereditary predisposition. The symptoms of arthritis can be debilitating. Joint inflammation from arthritis can cause pain, swelling, joint stiffness and loss of strength. There have been numerous studies done of CBD oil and Arthritis. But why would someone choose to use a CBD oil topical to help with their symptoms of Arthritis?
A study out of the University of Kentucky found that topical CBD application in rats suffering from arthritis. The study examined topical CBD and its effect on the reduction of inflammation and pain from arthritis and concluded that topical CBD has "therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side effects."
Topical CBD salve can be applied directly to the joints or a specific area on the body that is in pain. The Active CBD oil Super Strength Salve contains Arnica, Calendula and Rosemary - all of which have been used as herbal remedies. Arnica and Ibuprofen were examined in which is more effective in pain relief from arthritis. The 2007 Switzerland study found that between Ibuprofen and Arnica "There were no differences between the two groups in pain and hand function improvements." Calendula was also studied as an anti-inflammatory and was actually found to aid in skin elasticity. A 1999 study explored the therapeutic potential of Rosemary and found it to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Then, in 2005 a research group looked into the combination of Rosemary with hops and found it to be an effective treatment for arthritis. Currently in Germany, rosemary is being used in topicals widely for arthritis pain. The Active CBD oil Super Strength Salve is perfectly designed to bring together the properties of arnica, calendula, rosemary and CBD in order to make a potent CBD topical.
First Aid
CBD topicals are very portable and discreet. This makes them a good addition to a standard First Aid Kit. Throw in a CBD lip balm for its potential to decrease the itchy symptoms of a bug bite or to keep skin from getting too chapped. CBD topicals are also great for a gym bag essential. After a hard, long work out muscles can start to feel tight and strained. A CBD topical may be the perfect thing to help reduce and ease the strain and inflammation after a long strenuous workout due to studies on how CBD can reduce inflammation. Recently, CBD has been studied on its potential for help with wound healing and bruising. Now, while it is not suggested that you apply a topical directly to an open wound, CBD topicals may be able to help later on in the recovery process.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be triggered by a multitude of factors including infection, stress and a cold. It typically occurs on the elbows, knees and scalp but can affect the entire body. People can experience a wide range of symptoms stemming from their psoriasis including itching, dryness and pain. Research of CBD has suggested that CBD is a very potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. These qualities suggest that CBD can help inflammation-related skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. CBD topicals can be applied directly to the skin and directly to the site of the psoriasis.
Muscle Spasms
When a muscle tightens and contacts involuntarily, it can cause pain and potentially damage joints. Muscle spasms, or cramps, are most commonly caused by long periods of physical labor or from serious chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis. For those with multiple sclerosis, spasms can be triggered by sudden movements or changes in temperature and humidity. We have discussed how CBD can help generally with Multiple Sclerosis in the past. However, those suffering from muscle spasms may find additional relief when also using CBD topically. Applying CBD topically allows the CBD to be absorbed into the skin and directly to the CB2 receptors found there. Peppermint oil is a great essential oil that has been studied for its role in being a natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. Choosing a CBD topical with peppermint may be the ultimate combo for knocking out muscle pains, cramps and spasms.
Tattoo Care
Right after getting a tattoo, your skin might feel a little more sensitive. We already talked about how CBD has been studied as a powerful anti-inflammatory. This suggests that CBD applied topically can help keep your new ink fresh, vibrant and healthy. Picking a CBD topical with natural ingredients is particularly important when choosing a topical to help your tattoo heal properly. Many of the topicals featured on DiscoverCBD.com contain all-natural ingredients such as the Active Super Strength Salve. The Active Super Strength Salve contains organic olive oil, organic beeswax, calendula, arnica, rosemary and CBD.
Anti-Age/Flawless Skin
After the age of 20, your skin produces less collagen year after year. Collagen is responsible to keep skin firm, elastic and healthy. As your body produces less collagen, the skin can become fragile and less thick. This causes your glands to produce less and causes drier skin. This is a natural process of aging, but can be exacerbated by environmental conditions such as pollutants, smoke and sun exposure. CBD may be able to help stop the visible signs of aging in two ways: CBD working as an antioxidant and your Endocannabinoid system's role in oil production. A study done at the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation in Maryland found that CBD works as an antioxidant that is more powerful than vitamins E and C. Antioxidants speed up the skin repair process and can protect the skin against harmful compounds before they create damage to your skin. In 2008, a study found that endocannabinoids help to regulate the excretion of oil in skin. CBD topicals can help to target the endocannabinoid receptors on the skin directly.
Acne
We just talked about how the endocannabinoid system increases oil production, so why are some people using CBD topicals to help with Acne? When someone is experiencing an outbreak of acne, it is caused by the body over-producing oil. This oil is known as sebum, and is excreted by the skin. In 2010, a Hungarian scientist decided to put CBD to the test. Dr. Tamas Biro isolated a group of skin cells and applied topical CBD directly to the skin. He wanted to see how CBD interacted with the natural endocannabinoids in our body. He found out that endocannabinoids play a major role in determining how much sebum is produced in the skin. In fact, Dr. Tamas Biro found that both CBD and CBG can play a role in the treatment of Acne.
"We think CBG (cannabigerol) might have an effect on lipid production too," he said. "Once you've found that there's something in the plant, why not see if there's other things in the plant that might be effective? CBD, is very efficient actually, in our model system, it was much more efficient than the Vitamin A."
- Tamas Biro on CBD for Acne
There are definitely hundreds of other reasons why someone might choose a CBD topical instead of other methods of CBD consumption and this article barely scratches the surface on why you might want to consider trying a CBD topical today. However, CBD may be the key to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
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