Using CBD Lotion to Benefit My Body
CBD is literally everywhere. You can buy products infused with it from numerous brick and mortar stores and online shops. These products range from gummies to topical moisturizers and lotions that are applied to the skin. Even better, you don't need a special license to purchase them, unlike products infused with THC.
The real question is: does CBD lotion have any special benefits? Or is it just a trendy product that has taken over the marketplace? (Spoiler alert: it's not just a trend, and yes, it does have numerous benefits.)
But what can CBD lotion do for your skin, specifically? Can it deliver all of the body benefits that it claims? You’re about to find out. Let's explore all you need to know about this special skin cream ingredient.
What Is CBD?
Now, you've no doubt heard of CBD, even if you have no idea what it really is. The initials CBD stand for cannabidiol, which comes from the hemp plant. It contains some compounds that help relieve pain and anxiety, among other benefits. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body in order to elevate your mood, reduce inflammation, and more. There are numerous applications for CBD, such as soothing the skin, clearing up dry skin, and even helping acne.
How Does CBD Differ From THC?
The reason why CBD is legal in most states and THC is not is due to the fact that THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, contains psychoactive compounds that alter your mental state. In other words, THC gets you “high” and CBD does not. Another big difference is the fact that THC comes from the marijuana plant, as opposed to the hemp plant. No matter which CBD-derived products you choose, none will provide the "high" that a THC-laden marijuana plant does because of regulations regarding the amount of THC allowed in hemp plants. If a plant contains more than trace amounts of THC, it cannot be considered hemp.
Why Use CBD Lotion?
Now that we've covered how CBD and THC differ, it's time to explore CBD lotion’s number of different health benefits, making it better to use in certain cases than standard moisturizing lotions. If you are dealing with things like joint pain, inability to sleep, and even dry, scaly skin, then a CBD lotion might provide you with the relief you need. You simply have to choose the right one.
What Makes CBD Lotion Different?
CBD makes a difference, but how? The obvious answer is that CBD lotion contains all of the benefits of CBD in an easily applicable format. With that said, in addition to the CBD, these lotions have a number of additional ingredients, some of which do overlap with standard non-hemp products. Compounds that provide moisture or work as a base for the lotion may be the same. However, if you want all the amazing benefits of CBD, then choosing a product that contains it is your best bet.
The Benefits of Using CBD Lotion
Bring on the benefits! Thanks to the endocannabinoid receptors in your body, CBD is welcomed with open arms. When you apply lotions containing CBD to your skin, you receive a number of important health benefits both external and internal.
These external benefits below are some of the most readily apparent, both to yourself and to others.
Skin Benefits
If you suffer from dry, scaly patches of skin, acne, redness, or obvious inflammation, then a CBD lotion will work wonders. The cannabinoids in CBD work to not only moisturize your skin (along with additional ingredients, like olive or coconut oil and beeswax), but they can also reduce inflammation. This makes it a great suggestion for those who have rosacea as well.
In addition to those types of inflammation, inflammation that causes acne is reduced. Applying CBD lotion to your skin, especially a lotion that includes other acne-fighting ingredients like willow bark, can make your buttne disappear. If clear skin is your goal, then a CBD lotion may just be the answer.
Better Sleep
Want to catch more ZZZs? Generally, CBD oils that are released into the air where they are breathed in are designed to help you calm down and get better sleep. However, a CBD lotion can have the same benefits. Once the CBD enters your system, it's processed by your endocannabinoid receptors who spread it throughout the body. This can calm you down, lower your anxiety levels, and help you take a much-needed trip to Sleepytown.
Plus, if you choose a CBD lotion that also contains an essential oil like lavender, which is known for its relaxing properties, it will ensure that you manage to get the sleep that you need. There are few things more calming than this winning combo of total relaxation.
Reduced Pain Levels
Another great benefit of CBD lotion is pain relief. Studies have shown that those who have arthritis or general joint inflammation see their pain levels go down once they apply the lotion directly to their joints by rubbing it gently into the skin.
Whether you have chronic pain, like rheumatoid arthritis, or temporary aches, like those caused by a sprain or strain, a CBD lotion can help. Just find one that contains the right type of CBD, as well as the correct dosage. Not sure how to do select a CBD lotion that’s right for your unique needs? No problem! We’ve got some tips to help you do just this.
Making a Decision
Deciding to use CBD lotion is only the first step. The next involves picking the right CBD product that will meet your skin or pain needs. Since there are many different products on the market including salves, lotions, and creams, you need to be well-educated regarding the benefits of each product.
Believe it or not, there are differences between salves, lotions, and creams. Although all three tend to be used interchangeably, they are quite different. So, understanding them is the first step towards finding the right CBD product for you.
Salves
A salve is a non-water-based skincare product. Often, these salves are made on a base of beeswax, as well as an oil-based product like olive oil. Combined, the two create a product that needs to be warmed and softened before it can be rubbed into the skin. For this reason, salves tend to last a bit longer than lotions and creams, and they have a much longer shelf life.
Lotions
Lotions, on the other hand, are water-based. They sometimes have beeswax, oils, and other ingredients in them, but the main difference is the inclusion of water. This makes the lotion emollient, AKA soft and easy to apply to the skin. It sinks in easier, ensuring that the CBD and other included ingredients get into your system faster.
Creams
Although creams are water-based, just like lotions, and can also contain beeswax, oils, and water, on top of the CBD, they differ in their thickness. A cream usually feels incredibly thick and rich, as opposed to a lotion, which feels lighter and more watery. If you have very dry skin or love the feeling of applying a thick lotion, then a CBD cream may be the way to go.
CBD Content and Sources
After you decide whether you want a salve, lotion, or cream that contains CBD, the next step requires you to examine the product label. CBD lotions have different amounts of cannabidiol in them, so you need to determine just how much you need and want before selecting a product to apply to your skin.
Start by looking for just how much CBD the lotion contains. The product label will have this listed as the amount of CBD per milligram. Some lotions have more CBD, allowing you to receive more of it when you apply them, while others have less, for those who just want a touch of the cannabidiol. It all comes down to your personal preference.
In addition, examine the label for things like the extraction method used to isolate the CBD. Since some, like CO2 extraction, produce CBD of a higher quality, try to select products that contain CBD obtained in this manner. Also, look for those that contain a high-quality, non-GMO hemp-derived CBD product that was grown in the United States. This way, you know exactly what you're getting, and you'll know that it will work reliably and in the manner that you desire.
In Conclusion
CBD is loved by many and may be a winning combo for you, too. CBD lotions contain an amazing, all-natural ingredient that can help your body in many ways. It can clear up your dry, scaly skin, help reduce redness, lower your pain levels, and even help with inflammation and scarring. With so many benefits, it's easy to see why people choose CBD lotions over many other types. The hype is real!
It's easy to see that CBD lotion is a trend that's isn’t going away anytime soon. In reality, not only are CBD-infused products not going anywhere (they'll be around for some time), but they have real benefits. So, if you’re so inclined, take a little ride on the CBD bandwagon, and see how you enjoy all the unique benefits CBD can bring to your life.
Sources:
https://cutanea.com/what-is-cbd-lotion/
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/do-topical-cbd-products-work