CAN CBD BE ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN?

If you’re here, you’re probably curious if there’s a way to get the amazing benefits of CBD without using CBD tinctures/oils, smoke or food – so let’s put an end to that confusion.

People are using CBD in different forms because of the potential health benefits it offers.

Which form works for you is determined by your personal needs, health, and the CBD product.

Now, to understand whether we can get the benefits of CBD through topical usage, let’s understand this.

CBD is a fat-soluble compound and what’s our skin largely made of? Fats.

The skin, being the largest organ, is a great spot for CBD absorption.

When you rub CBD topicals on your skin, it gets taken up by the outer layer of skin, which is called Stratum Corneum.

Once it’s on top, it reaches your pores and gets into the sebocytes and sebaceous gland that make sebum and keep our skin supple and strong.

Topical CBD products won’t penetrate much further than that.

However, your skin is loaded with cannabinoid receptors and an endocannabinoid system and CBD works its magic there.

Topical CBD that can get into your bloodstream is transdermal CBD. Transdermal CBD, applied through a patch, can get to the thicker middle layer which has stronger blood flow, making it easier to get into the bloodstream.

HOW CAN CBD AFTER ENTERING THE BLOODSTREAM HELP YOU?

After entering the bloodstream, CBD travels throughout our body to interact with cannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

This network of receptors helps regulate things like mood, pain, and inflammation.

However, we must note that it’s not always necessary for us to get the relief and benefits of CBD by using a topical product that penetrates deep into the skin and engages with the cannabinoid receptors in the bloodstream.

Not all CBD topical products are made to deeply penetrate the skin, and they don’t need to. Some topical products like creams and lotions are designed to stay on the surface.

For example, sore muscles after working out or stiff joints can be soothed with a CBD Gel and if you have really dry skin, CBD Lotion can do the trick.

HOW CAN CBD HELP WITHOUT ENTERING OUR BLOODSTREAM?

As cannabinoid receptors are present within our bloodstream, where transdermal CBD interacts, these cannabinoid receptors are also present in our skin. And when we apply CBD on the skin, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors to produce the benefits of it.

Some factors that affect whether the cream will penetrate the skin or not are:

1. CBD concentration: It’s more likely to penetrate deeper if the overall concentration of CBD is high in the product.
2. Thickness of the individual’s skin: Thicker skin makes it difficult for the CBD topical to penetrate deep into the skin.
3. Carrier Oil type: Certain carrier oils may have additional beneficial properties as well. For example, our CBD Cooling Gel contains argan oil, which is used in hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy as a massage oil for easing minor aches and discomforts.
4. Skin health of the individual: Healthier skin makes it easier for the CBD topical to penetrate than dry or damaged skin.

After all this knowledge blast, you must be wondering which CBD out of the above may be better, the one that penetrates or the one that stays on the surface of the skin, and which out of the two may have lesser side effects.

To answer the first one, it really depends on individual needs.

CBD topicals that enter the bloodstream which is referred to as transdermal CBD may provide systemic effects such as relief from discomfort, relaxation, and calmness.

Since these topicals have to penetrate the skin first and then enter the bloodstream, they may take longer to work compared to CBD topicals that stay on the skin and they may also be more expensive in comparison.

CBD topicals may provide relief from pain, inflammation and skin irritations while keeping your skin nourished and hydrated.

So, while selecting a CBD topical, look into your needs for the product and then decide if you need transdermal CBD or not.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF USING CBD TOPICALS

CBD topicals may improve skin indirectly by tackling inflammation and irritation. CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may help protect skin from damage.

CBD topicals may also help keep skin hydrated by helping to attract and hold in moisture.

Here are some of the potential benefits of CBD lotions for the skin:

1. Reduces inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which may help in reducing the inflammation in the skin. This may also help to improve the appearance of redness, swelling, and irritation.
2. Improves hydration: CBD may attract and retain moisture in the skin, which can help to keep the skin looking plump and youthful.
3. Helps with relaxation: CBD has relaxing properties which may help in relaxation ultimately helping with stress-related issues as well.
4. Anti-microbial properties: Some bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections can be possibly killed by CBD due to its antimicrobial properties.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD TOPICALS

Transdermal CBD products go deep into the skin and may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue etc. but these are not at all common with CBD topicals.

Most people never even feel these side effects.

FAQ

CBD products have gained crazy popularity in the last few years, thanks to their potential health benefits and the fact that people have been using hemp as a natural solution for more than a millennia.

And recently, we got a storm of questions from you all about CBD. Here are the questions we found which are rare and whose answers are not always commonly available:

FOR HOW LONG DO CBD TOPICALS USUALLY LAST?

Usually, you begin to feel the effect almost immediately and may last up to 6 hours depending upon various factors such as:

1. Concentration of CBD: Of course, a higher concentration would mean long-lasting relief here.
2. Metabolism of the individual: People who have a higher metabolism will metabolize CBD and put it out of their system faster compared to people with a lower metabolism.
3. CBD topical type: CBD gels and balms tend to last longer than lotions and creams typically.

CBD oil lasts longer because it’s a more concentrated form and it is ingested, providing a systemic benefit. Therefore, CBD oil may be a better option than CBD cream if you want long-lasting results

IS IT FINE TO USE CBD TOPICAL ON MY FACE?

Yes, you may use CBD topical products on your face however it is important to select the right product as all products are not made the same, some may contain ingredients that may be too hard for your delicate skin.

WHAT’S THE CORRECT WAY TO STORE CBD TOPICALS?

There are certain things you should keep in mind:

1. Sensitive compounds when exposed to heat can degrade. CBD is a sensitive compound, you’d never go wrong by storing it in a cool and dark place.
2. Kids do not understand the risks of CBD or how to use it properly, keeping it out of their reach would be advisable.
3. Avoid using a CBD which has changed color or consistency at all. It means it got damaged.
4. Storing a topical CBD in a refrigerator or a freezer will damage it. Avoid it completely.
5. All CBD topicals come with an expiration date past which they should not be used. Always make sure to check that expiration date.
6. Make sure that you keep the lid tightly closed if your CBD comes in a jar, it’ll improve its shelf life.
7. If you are using a CBD topical that comes in a tube, make sure to twist the cap closed tightly when you are not using it.
8. CBD topical that comes in a pump bottle needs the pump dispenser to stay clean and dry.

HOW TO SELECT A GOOD CBD TOPICAL PRODUCT?

There are a few important points to remember while buying a CBD topical product:

1. Make sure to read the ingredients. It should be made of high-quality materials only.
2. It should contain a list of all ingredients.
3. It should be checked and tested by third-party sources.
4. It should contain a label of the recommended application details.
5. And lastly, it should be paraben-free without phthalates, and no artificial colors or fragrances.

We tried answering all your important questions. You now know too much about CBD topicals to not try them.