What to Consider in CBD Topicals?
March 31, 2021
There’s a whole lot of information to keep in mind when shopping for a CBD topical.
Potency
The No. 1 thing to look for is potency. CBD doesn’t pass through skin easily, so it’s important to use a potent product for best results.
When it comes to CBD topicals like lotions and creams, average potency products contain between 3 and 8 mg per recommended application. High potency products contain at least 8 mg per recommended application. LabNaturals CBD Pain Balm has 20mg/gm!
CBD source
Chances are, you may have seen the terms isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum before. These terms refer to the ways in which CBD is extracted.
While isolates are ok for consumers who want to be sure there’s no THC in their product, this extraction method strips away other cannabinoids and volatile organic compounds like terpenes, reducing the overall therapeutic benefits of the CBD.
Broad-spectrum products contain most cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they don’t contain THC. This is advantageous for those people getting drug tested in their workplace.
Broad Spectrum CBD maintains the Entourage Effect between the Cannabinoids and the Terpenes in the Hemp plant.
Full-spectrum products preserve all cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product, including THC. This is important because CBD and THC may work better together than they do alone, thanks to the entourage effect. These products contain 0.3 percent THC or less.
Has it been third-party tested?
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products. However, in order to protect public health, they can take action against CBD companies that make unfounded health claims.
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products in the same way they regulate drugs or dietary supplements, companies sometimes mislabel or misrepresent their products.
That means it’s especially important to do your own research and find a quality product. The product’s COA should confirm that it’s free of contaminants and that the product contains the amount of CBD and THC it claims.
At LabNaturalsCBD.com you can look at Certificates of Analysis for all of our CBD products, including our Base Oil Aliquots (used to make our oral oils and pain balms) and Oral CBD Oils, as well as our Pain Balm 1000mg (20mg/gm).
Ingredients
Opt for all-natural, organic, U.S.-grown ingredients whenever available — you’ll get all the benefits of the ingredients without the chemicals and pesticides.
When looking at facial products, look out for ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.
- What to consider while shopping
- Potency
- CBD source
- Quality control-Certificates of Analysis
- Ingredients
- Fair Price
How to use CBD lotions, creams, and salves
Topicals are meant to be massaged into the skin, so you’ll apply them directly to the affected area. Depending on other ingredients in the product, you might feel tingling, warming, or cooling sensations. We recommend heating the painful area first before applying the Pain Balm and massaging in well for over 2 minutes for maximum pain relief.
If you’re using the product for pain, you should start to feel effects relatively quickly. If you’re using it for a skin condition, like acne or eczema, you may have to apply it a few times to see results.
Precautions and side effects
Most topicals are safe to reapply as needed. Pay special attention to the type of carrier oil your product is made with, since products based in coconut oil may melt when exposed to heat. These products should be kept in a cool, dark place.
Be sure to read the packaging, as most topicals are only meant for external use, and many are not meant to be used on broken skin.
CBD is nonintoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high. It’s generally recognized as safe, and there are few side effects, though they do occur occasionally.
Possible side effects of oral CBD, not necessarily topical
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
While CBD doesn’t typically enter the bloodstream through topical application, it’s possible it may interact with some medications.
Some research suggests that CBD may interact with liver enzymes and temporarily stop the liver from metabolizing other drugs or breaking down toxins.
Always consult the pharmacists at LabNaturalsCBD before using products with CBD, even topicals.
Takeaway
Though there’s little information currently available about CBD’s effectiveness as a topical, many consumers report successfully using topicals to relieve a wide variety of ailments.
CBD topicals have the potential to help manage pain and skin conditions like eczema and acne. Those seeking the greatest therapeutic benefit possible should opt for potent, broad-spectrum, organic ingredients whenever possible.
Is CBD Legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.
Buy the best CBD on the market approved and owned by a Pharmacist!!