How Do CBD Topicals Work?

Topical CBD creams are an all-natural method for fighting aches, pains, and skin disorders. Whether it’s a superficial skin problem or deep pain inside of muscles and joints, topical CBD provides localized relief wherever you need it most.

Why Are Topicals So Great?

Topicals are the second-most preferred method of consuming CBD, after CBD oils.

Why?

Topicals have shown potential in treating a range of pain, inflammation, and other symptoms both on the skin, and inside of joints and muscles. Topical CBD is commonly used to relieve pain, minimize inflammation, soothe dry skin, and heal wounds like cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Unlike many over-the-counter medications, CBD doesn’t just mask pain, it actually makes it go away. CBD interacts with certain protein cell receptors inside the body to turn pain off. CBD topical creams can be quickly and easily applied 3–4 times per day (or as needed) in order to provide consistent relief from pain throughout the day.

Moreover, unlike CBD oils, topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream to produce systemic body-wide effects. Instead, it works locally, digging just deep enough to work its magic. There’s never any need to worry about getting ‘high’ or experiencing any of CBD’s sedating effects when using topical CBD.

Where can topical CBD be applied? Just about anywhere it hurts! Our customers have reported success in using our topicals to treat a variety of neck, shoulder, back, and joint pains. Topical CBD may even be an option for neuropathic (nerve) pain.

Additionally, topical CBD can be mixed with a range of other all-natural ingredients in order to boost its effectiveness and provide more comprehensive relief. For example, our 150 mg Intensive Relief Rub With Emu Oil also contains therapeutic herbs like Arnica, Boswelia, and Menthol that may further work to relieve pain. This cream also contains Emu Oil, an all-natural sunscreen, skin protectant, and analgesic agent.

What Is Topical CBD Used For?

Many people use topical CBD to alleviate muscle aches and joint pain. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may allow it to decrease the amount of inflammation and inflammation-related pain occurring in muscles and joints.

A 2017 animal study found that topical CBD was able to significantly reduce pain in mice. After simulating arthritis, mice were treated with a range of topical CBD creams of different strengths. Researchers found that the most potent CBD creams provided the most relief from arthritic joint pain.

CBD has also shown potential as a treatment for numerous skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and more.

Recent research has demonstrated a link between psoriasis and the body’s endocannabinoid system, leading researchers to believe that CBD may be a novel treatment for the condition. Research also indicates that CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may be able to help with eczema. CBD believed to treat eczema by minimizing inflammation, regulating the delicate balance of bacteria on the skin’s surface, and supporting the skin’s protective barrier. CBD is even thought to help with acne by regulating the surface-level oil production that causes it.

Topical CBD may also help to heal cuts, burns, and other wounds. Apart from working with the body’s ECS system to modulate skin growth and repair, CBD also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that purge the skin of impurities.

How Exactly Does Topical CBD Work?

The skin is the largest human organ, comprising about 15% of an average adult’s total weight. It plays a critical role in health, acting as a psycho-chemical barrier that protects against external and environmental threats such as microbes, allergens, irritants, and ultraviolet exposure.

The body’s inner endocannabinoid system (ECS) is believed to be responsible for modulating numerous human functions like sleep, appetite, and stress. It does this through a range of protein cell receptors that are spread throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, ECS cannabinoid receptors also exist on the skin. This allows cannabinoids like CBD to not only work systemically throughout the body but also locally in trouble areas.

There are numerous ECS cell receptors that exist in human skin. Most cannabinoids are believed to produce their effects by binding directly to CB1 and CB2 protein cell receptors. However, CBD is not thought to act the same way. Instead, it is believed that CBD stimulates other receptors found in the body and skin, such as TRPV1 receptors and GPR 18 receptors.

Various elements of the human skin, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, are believed to rely on endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG to function. For instance, researchers believe that the ECS system may be implicated in various biological processes such as skin cell proliferation, growth, and mediation.

By stimulating these skin-based protein cell receptors, endogenous cannabinoids like 2-AG and phytocannabinoids like CBD work to modulate all kinds of skin activity. Additionally, since it is being absorbed through the skin, topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream and is not capable of producing any systemic effects like a ‘high’ or ‘buzz’.

Does Topical CBD help you with muscle soreness or other pain relief? Share your story with us!