How to Make CBD Topicals Part of Your Daily Regimen

Many of us take cannabidiol (CBD) in some form on a daily basis to explore its properties throughout the body, either in the form of a vape, gummy, capsule, or tincture. But, there is another way to experience what hemp can offer, and it’s by applying the plant extract directly to the skin. CBD topicals are fast becoming known as a must-have type of hemp product that can offer also offer a completely one-of-a-kind experience.

What is a CBD Topical?

CBD topicals refer to any CBD-infused product that is applied to the skin rather than taken through some internal means. Topicals are unique from other types of products in that they absorb transdermally to offer more targeted and concentrated effects directly to localized areas in need. Cannabinoids absorb effectively through the tissue of the skin to permeate the muscles and joints when applied within minutes. Meanwhile, the effects can last for up to 6-hours, while only promoting effects to the area rather than in a widespread way throughout the body.

CBD topicals are great for daily use as they can address local issues without introducing the properties of hemp elsewhere. They can be taken alongside internally based products like gummies and tinctures or taken on their own.

Are All CBD Topicals Created Equally?

Topicals must have specific factors in place in order to be capable of satisfying the needs of individuals:

Lab Tests

Like all CBD products, topicals should come with lab reports from a third-party facility, to indicate that the hemp extract within the formulas has been tested by a third-party lab for quality and purity.

The Right Potency

We know that CBD products can contain any number of milligrams of pure hemp extract, and this is true of topicals as well. Obviously, if the milligram strength is too low, the product will not contain enough CBD and other compounds to be truly effective.

Quality Ingredients

The ingredients in the formula matter quite a lot. The ingredients should be free of toxins and other unwanted compounds that can enter the body and should be gentle on the skin so as not to cause irritation or inflammation.

Easy Absorption

A product should be made in a way that allows it to absorb easily through the skin so that the CBD can effectively enter the joint and muscular tissue as needed.

Getting Started on a CBD Topical Routine: Defining Your Goals

There are different kinds of CBD topicals out there, and some are better suited for specific goals than others. That being said, it is important to have a clear idea of what you want to get out of a daily topical routine before selecting a specific product.

Goal #1: Relief from Aches and Pains

Topicals are commonly used to address localized aches and pains in the tissue of the muscles and joints, because the properties of cannabidiol absorb easily through the skin to enter the deep tissue and bind to cannabinoid receptors pertaining to inflammation, pain receptor function and more. Most people who use topicals do so to address soreness and other issues pertaining to this tissue of the body.

Goal #2: Maintaining Skincare

CBD skincare is a great solution for anyone who is primarily focused on addressing the needs of their skin – especially the skin of the face. The properties within cannabinoids can play a role in balancing the skin, and many CBD skincare products are formulated to provide moisture, reduce irritation, and offer other properties that address our daily skincare needs.

Goal #3: Using After a Workout

Many companies produce CBD topicals specifically for use after a workout, to address the unique needs of the muscular tissue following more intensive physical exertion. These products are aimed at supporting muscle recovery by promoting circulation to the area, reducing inflammation of the tissue, and easing soreness.

Choosing the Right Topical for Your Daily Needs

At The Calm Leaf, we have an excellent selection of CBD topicals in all kinds of formulas so that you can address your most specific needs by finding the perfect product.

#1: Selecting the Type of Topical

CBD topicals are capable of addressing a whole new set of daily needs, and they come in all kinds of unique formulas so that we can customize every aspect of our routines. You may be surprised by just how many ways you can allow the compounds of hemp to absorb through the skin. All of these product types can also be found on our website.

• Bath: CBD bath products are just as functional as they are luxurious. They infuse our bathwater with the properties of the hemp plant so that we can absorb them in a transdermal manner from head to toe, rather than applying the product to a specific area. Examples of CBD bath products include bath salts, bath bombs and bubble bath.
• Face Serum: CBD facial serums are specifically for using as part of a daily skincare routine. They are applied to the facial skin daily, and often contain ingredients that hydrate the skin and improve its overall condition, while the cannabinoids of hemp work with cannabinoid receptors in the skin tissue.
• Roll-On: CBD roll-ons are formulas that come in an easy and travel-friendly roll-on applicator, so that you can simply glide the product onto the area of need no matter where you are without getting formula all over your hands. These products are perfect for anyone who wants to take a topical with them to the gym.
• Body Oil: Body oils are oil-based formulas that work great for massages, or for simply covering larger areas of the body as their consistency makes them spread very easily. They are intensively moisturizing due to the oils within.
• Gel: CBD gels are water-based gel formulas that are ideal for those with sensitive skin as well as those who want a product that’s as non-greasy as possible. Also, because they are water-based, they may absorb more quickly through the skin tissue to reach the affected areas fast.
• Salt Scrub: A CBD salt scrub doesn’t just introduce cannabinoids into the skin, muscle and joint tissue, but also serves the purpose of exfoliating the body to remove dead skin, offering a smoothing effect while allowing the skin to absorb the CBD more readily.
• Body Spray: CBD body sprays can cover large areas of the body at once, while absorbing almost instantaneously as they are thin, water-based formulas. They’re great for anyone who needs to address larger muscle systems and regions of irritation on the skin.
• Lip Balm: A CBD lip balm can provide relief from chapped, cracked and dry lips with intensively moisturizing ingredients as well as soothing hemp extract.
• Salve: CBD salves are very popular because they moisturize the skin while spreading very easily. Salves are wax-based formulas that melt into the skin quickly, and they often contain essential oils that promote additional properties while giving the product a great scent.
• Cream: CBD creams are heavier products that allow the CBD to absorb through the skin while providing extremely intensive moisture to the skin itself.
• Lotion: CBD lotions are thinner than creams, and therefore spread more easily and absorb more quickly. They also provide a lot of moisture to the skin.
• Essential Oil: CBD essential oils consist simply of a blend of hemp extract and blends of aromatherapeutic essential oils, that can offer topical usefulness while the aromas promote effects on mood.
• Patch: CBD patches are adhesive patches that are applied to the skin to introduce cannabidiol into the tissue through a time-released means. They are great for those looking for more intensive relief.

#2: Milligram Strength

Like we said, the milligram strength of a topical matters a lot, as it determines how effective the product can be based on its potency. Therefore, you want to pay attention to the milligram strength before you buy a specific product. Keep in mind with topicals, you can go with extremely high strengths as needed, because the effects of CBD are only felt within the area of application. In other words, if you’re someone who feels sleepy after taking higher amounts of hemp, you won’t have to worry about this happening with topicals.

#3: Ingredients

Always read the ingredients before buying a topical product. Ultimately, it is best to go with plant-derived ingredients which tend to be gentler on the skin and less likely to introduce toxins into the system. Also, note that many topicals contain additional active ingredients that can be quite valuable, including menthol, capsicum, arnica, and essential oils.

How Often Should Use a CBD Topical?

Once you get your hands on the perfect CBD topical formula, it is time to begin a routine that’s the most likely to be effective. Ultimately, your routine’s effectiveness is dependent on how often you apply the product to the body.

• For Aches and Pains: A person dealing with aches and pains should use a topical at least once a day. If the pain is particularly severe, you can use the topical once every 6 hours.
• For Skincare: We recommend using CBD skincare products once a day, as they work cumulatively. Simply incorporate a CBD skincare product into your existing daily skincare routine.
• For Post-Workout: If you’re using a topical specifically to enhance recovery after a workout, then apply the product within an hour of each workout session.