Almost all of us use, or have used, CBD of some sort. There are quite a few different modes of use with CBD, but one, in particular, gets overlooked by many: CBD topicals. Since there isn’t a lot of buzz surrounding topicals, many faithful CBD users never get to use them.
Topicals come in balms, creams, lotions, and even 4 Corners Cannabis’ own salve and massage oil options. They are all meant for direct application to the skin but have different properties that provide differing potential benefits for customers’ preferences.
Read on to find out how CBD Topicals might be a great addition to your daily routine either instead of oils or edibles or even in addition to them! We’ll also cover things to consider when you are shopping for the perfect topical for you!
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TOPICAL:
CBD topicals come in balms, salves, creams, lotions, and massage oils. It’s important to understand the differences between each to get the right product for you. Here at 4 Corners Cannabis, we offer a salve, massage oil, and lotion for our customers’ different needs.
The four things that you want to consider when choosing a topical solution are glide, absorption, ingredients, and value. As with any CBD product, Lab reports are important as well!
- GLIDE
Glide refers to how smoothly the product moves across the surface of the skin as it’s being applied. Does it sit in one spot like glop, or does it spread evenly and seamlessly.
Salves will need a little more time and effort to rub into the skin, while a lotion should go on smooth. Massage oils will sit on the skin surface for longer and slowly absorb.
- ABSORPTION
How easily and quickly does the product penetrate through your skin and pores? Is there a lingering residue at the point of application? Some products, particularly some lotions, remain greasy on the surface of the skin even when massaged into the area of application.
- INGREDIENTS
Aside from hemp extract, what else is in there? Menthol, for instance, expresses dermal receptors and allows for easier passage of CBD to deeper layers of the skin.
Many CBD lotions and topicals have harmful ingredients like petroleum, parabens, and phenoxyethanol that can do more damage than good for your skin. Stick with companies who use natural ingredients that aid the CBD, not fight against it!
- Value
How long does one container last you? How much relief do you get for the money you’ve paid?
By now, 3rd party lab tests are the standard for legitimate CBD companies. You should be able to view lab reports for the product you are curious about at the company’s site.
In the case of 4 Corners Cannabis, you can enter the batch number on your product’s label to find the exact lab report that corresponds to your product. If reports are difficult to find, companies should still at least be able to provide you with a lab report if you reach out to them and ask for one.
WHY USE A TOPICAL WHEN I CAN USE A TINCTURE?
You’ll have to determine whether or not the topical route is right for you. For obvious reasons though, topicals aren’t going to help anyone soothe digestive problems or calm a hyperactive nervous system.
Medical Marijuana, Inc Author Kim Nunly outlines the importance of topical CBD products in her CBD Topicals Guide. She writes, “CBD topicals are often the first point of contact for curious consumers who are new to CBD.”
Given the fact that topicals make or break so many people’s impressions of CBD products, topical product research and development deserve as much attention as the R and D allocated for any other product. A poorly performing product may turn someone away from CBD completely.
DO CBD TOPICALS SHOW ON DRUG TESTS?
Due to this transdermal revelation, it’s important to assess one additional factor: THC content. If topical CBD can make it to the bloodstream, you can be sure that THC will make the same journey.
The fact of the matter is that CBD will not show up on a drug test. THC, on the other hand, will. This is part of the reason that lab reports are so important. They prove the actual quantities and substances in the products you are using!
There are numerous anecdotes of people who haven’t ingested or inhaled anything from a cannabis plant, and still tested positive for THC with the use of topicals. If you have to drug test for any reason, THC-free topicals offer a safer alternative to full-spectrum products containing trace amounts of THC.
THE PHYSICAL APPLICATION OF TOPICALS
The manner in which we apply topicals matters more than most people think. You won’t get maximal benefits by just smudging some on your skin and leaving it there to set. You’ll also ultimately waste a good portion by applying it that way.
Instead, take 10, 20, or even 30 seconds to gently massage the product into the affected area. This approach promotes blood flow to the area and expresses the pores. Additionally, the friction stimulates some of the same dermal receptors that ingredients like menthol stimulate, facilitating the pathway to deeper tissues. Remember, the more of the topical you can get beneath the surface, the better.
As an added precaution, Author D. Dutt of CBDhemp.com recommends one last check before generously applying your product. She says,
“CBD oil is classified as a low allergen and is highly unlikely to cause any allergic reactions. However, it may cause skin irritation in some users. Make sure to test the product in a small area of the skin before applying on damaged skin.”
CBD TOPICALS – SUMMARY
You now know the considerations and proper application of topical CBD. For those who haven’t tried any topicals yet, they can now try them. If you know somebody else who wants to try CBD, but is apprehensive, you can help them make a more informed decision.
If you are like us, you’ll likely add CBD topicals to your daily routine. When a topical makes sense, like for a sore muscle, we go that route. Before bed we are more likely to go with a tincture. Both have their place in a wellness routine!
If you’re an experienced CBD user, maybe you want to try a new topical. Whatever you do, just don’t overlook them! To read about the specific benefits of menthol in 4 Corners Cannabis’ Menthol Salve, click here.
