Why Do CBD Topicals Work?
Unfortunately, our bodies aren’t invincible and they acquire some wear and tear after years of using them to go places and do things we love. It may only be delayed-onset muscle soreness, resulting from a day of strenuous activity that your body isn’t accustomed to. Or it could be chronic pain stemming from arthritis, muscle dystrophy, or a number of other diagnoses. Fortunately, Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated its soothing properties in studies that have supported its anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits.
But how exactly does topical CBD relieve muscles and joints?
Targeting the ECS
Topical products are applied then absorbed via the skin, which is part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The skin is more than just a cover for your organs and bones! It is an organ itself; the largest organ, in fact! It has various biological processes that are essential to your body’s functioning. These include proliferation, skin cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and cytokine, and hormone production of numerous cell types.
Each layer, gland, cell, and nerve in the skin naturally produces endocannabinoid molecules, such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, that are received by cannabinoid receptors. Thus, the skin reacts appropriately when outside cannabinoids are introduced!
The skin’s epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin. The epidermis contains CB1 & CB2 cannabinoid receptors which become activated when a CBD topical is applied to the skin. This interaction assists in regulating the epidermis’ defense barrier and suppressing inflammation.
The ECS monitors and controls the skin’s immune and inflammatory system, so when immune cells are experiencing any sort of flare-up they send in endocannabinoids (due their anti-inflammatory effects). However, immune cells only trigger the ECS when it’s essential to maintain homeostasis, which is the ultimate goal of CBD!
This is similarly the effect in the sebaceous glands. These glands function to maintain a waterproof barrier for your skin’s epidermis layer. Cannabinoids are crucial to healthy functioning with CB2 receptors increasing lipid synthesis and apoptosis within the sebaceous glands.
The sensory nerves within the skin have cannabinoid receptors located at the very ends. When the receptors are triggered, they block pain structures from spreading and suppress itching
Studies show..
CBD topicals are great for relief after a long day of work, but they are also helpful for those dealing with chronic disease. There have been numerous studies done that have concluded the beneficial nature of CBD for those with skin diseases and chronic pain.
A study done in April of 2019, investigated the therapeutic effects of CBD-ointment on 20 patients with severe skin chronic disease. The skin disorders studied included psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and outcome scars. They measured their results using skin evaluations (hydration, TEWL, elasticity), clinical questionnaires, photographic evidence along with investigators clinical assessments. The study concluded that CBD topicals significantly improved the skins quality (including symptoms and their Psoriasis Area Severity index score). Additionally, the patients reported no allergic reactions or evident side-effects while using the topical!
Another study conducted just this year concluded that topically applied CBD can significantly improve pain and other disturbing sensations in patients with peripheral neuropathy. The study lasted four-weeks and was composed of 29 patients with symptomatic neuropathy, with a treatment and placebo group. They measured their results using the Neuropathic Pain Scale that was administered biweekly. The CBD treatment group demonstrated statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations with no adverse side effects.
Salve-ation
The effectiveness of a topical is influenced by the amount of CBD present in the product. CBD Livity offers both regular salve and extra strength salve based on a user’s symptom severity. Our CBD salve contains 200+mg of CBD, while the Extra Strength has double that with 400+mg! CBD Livity’s salves are 100% natural, using organic and contain pleasant, aromatic terpenes that assist in the healing benefits of CBD.
While our salve is not a cure to any disease or illnesses, they do assist in easing symptoms so you’re able to continue doing things you love!
We encourage you to discuss CBD with your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have any specific health related questions or concerns. There are also many independent research studies about CBD available on the internet.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.