CBD Topicals vs. Oral CBD: Which One Is Right for You?
CBD is a versatile compound that can be used in various ways to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you want to apply it on your skin or take it by mouth, CBD can offer you many benefits for your wellness. But how do you choose between CBD topicals and oral CBD? Here are some factors to consider.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to how much of a substance is absorbed into your bloodstream and how fast it takes effect. Some hemp-derived CBD products maximize bioavailability better than others by allowing more CBD to enter the bloodstream without metabolizing or breaking it down.
However, receiving the most benefits from CBD depends on why you choose to use it. Even though CBD topicals don’t possess high bioavailability, they do allow for direct absorption into the affected area.
Our skin serves as a barrier of sorts to keep substances and elements out of our bodies. However, the cannabidiol molecules from CBD topicals don’t need to reach the bloodstream necessarily because they bind and stimulate the CB2 receptors within the skin that make up part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Types of CBD Topicals
The several types of CBD topicals include:
- CBD Creams & Lotions: These offer CBD in cream or lotion form. Many are made with arnica montana, cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe, essential oils and botanical extracts for maximum moisturizing and provide a non-greasy, deep absorption that takes effect soon after application. Most creams have a higher content of CBD than lotions.
- CBD Balms & Salves: These are also useful for cracked and dry skin with extra moisturizing ingredients and help relieve sore muscles and joints soon after application.
- CBD Freeze Pain Relief: This is a cooling gel that provides fast relief for sore muscles and joints. Most CBD freezes contains menthol and/or camphor and other soothing ingredients along with CBD. bit.ly/44RPTTA
If your CBD needs are more for internal or cognitive wellness than external or skincare, then taking oral CBD may be a better option.
Oral CBD
Oral CBD – taking CBD orally – means to consume CBD through your mouth. And there are two primary methods of consuming CBD, sublingually and ingestion.
Sublingually
Commonly referred to as “under-the-tongue,” this method requires drops from CBD Oil Tinctures placed underneath your tongue and held for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. The CBD gets absorbed through the capillaries in your mouth and enters directly into the bloodstream and eventually to the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS.
This method of taking CBD has one of the highest bioavailability percentages in comparison to other CBD applications. Because the CBD molecules are sent straight into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the mouth, they bypass the digestive system and liver where they would otherwise be broken down.
Ingestion
Another way to take oral CBD is by ingestion, which means swallowing it as a capsule, gummy, edible or drink. This method is convenient and discreet, but it has a lower bioavailability than sublingual administration. That’s because the CBD has to go through the digestive system and liver before reaching the bloodstream, where some of it gets lost or degraded.
However, ingesting CBD can still provide benefits for your overall health and wellness, especially if you take it regularly and consistently. Some people also prefer this method because it allows them to control their dosage more easily and avoid the taste of hemp oil. bit.ly/3x45dwZ
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between CBD topicals and oral CBD depends on your personal needs, preferences and goals. There is no right or wrong answer, as both methods can offer you different advantages.
If you want to target a specific area of your body, such as your skin, muscles or joints, then applying CBD topically may be more effective and efficient. If you want to support your general health and wellness, such as your mood, sleep or stress levels, then taking CBD orally may be more suitable and convenient.
You can also combine both methods for a more holistic approach to your wellness. For example, you can use a CBD topical for localized relief and an oral CBD product for systemic support. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and experience the full potential of CBD.
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