CBD Body Oils: A Comprehensive Guide
Skin is the body’s largest organ and is vital to general health. The skin helps with temperature regulation, protects the body from pollution and bacteria, serves as a shield from UV rays, and has nerve endings that enable the sensation of temperature and pressure. Skin is a complex system that also contains cannabinoid receptors. Applying CBD body oil supports skin health as it soothes and hydrates and is believed to offer other essential benefits, like antioxidant power. A soothing CBD-infused body oil used for massage or added to tub water increases relaxation, promoting better sleep. Following is a review of CBD body oils and how they may promote skin health.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
CBD body oil is a topical product infused with cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant. CBD oil for the body may contain other ingredients that support skin health, including essential oils, vitamins, and botanicals. Various studies have found CBD body oil may have potential therapeutic benefits for the skin. It can hydrate the skin and has antioxidant properties. CBD body oil for sleep is formulated to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension, and improve sleep. CBD oil for body massage supports increased circulation and calmness.
Table of Contents
What are CBD Body Oils?
CBD body oil is made by extracting CBD oil from the hemp plant. You can apply it directly to the area you want to address. However, usual oils and tinctures are not usually designed to penetrate the skin. They are formulated to work internally through the endocannabinoid system.
For a skin product, CBD extract may be mixed with one or more essential oils to deliver the “entourage effect,” which describes the synergistic interaction between CBD and other cannabinoids and terpenes in the hemp plant. This means the oils produce a more significant effect working together than when used separately. Many CBD body oils have a mix of hemp extract and essential oils.
There is scientific evidence that essential oils may positively affect the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the same system CBD interacts with. For example, lavender is widely studied and frequently used in aromatherapy to soothe the skin.
CBD body and massage oils often contain essential oils like lavender, chamomile flower, or valerian root oil to promote skin health while soothing the senses.
CBD hydrating body oil may contain a blend of CBD extract, hydrating carrier oil like jojoba or hempseed oils, vitamins like vitamin E, a fragrant essential oil, and other oils known to have moisturizing properties, like rosehip oil and botanical extracts.
How to Shop for the Best CBD Body Oil?
Here are several things to consider when shopping for the best CBD body oil.
✔ CBD spectrum
There are three CBD spectrums. Full spectrum CBD contains all the hemp plant cannabinoids, including less than .3% THC and other compounds like terpenes. Broad spectrum CBD has all the compounds and cannabinoids, except THC, removed from the extract. Isolate CBD is pure CBD.
✔ Potency
CBD oil has a potency or concentration. It is the amount of CBD per milliliter of oil. If you are trying CBD body oil for the first time, you should start with a low-potency product to test for any reactions. You can do a patch test.
✔ Ingredients
Most CBD body oils have other ingredients, as discussed. Reviewing the ingredients to ensure you understand what is in the product is essential. Some people are allergic to various botanicals.
✔ Price
The price of CBD body oils can vary across brands and depends on multiple factors, including additional ingredients, the extraction process, CBD potency, spectrum, product certification, and more.
✔ COA
Always review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to make sure the CBD potency matches the amount stated on the label. A COA is a document from an accredited laboratory that shows the quantity of various cannabinoids in a product and verifies there are no contaminants present. An independent laboratory should prepare the COA. It ensures product safety in an unregulated industry.
How to Read a COA?
What are the Benefits of CBD Body Oils?
Consumers often turn to CBD body oil for its soothing and hydrating properties, finding comfort in its ability to treat dry skin. This natural solution provides relief and shows promise in delivering various other benefits. Following are some of the ways CBD may support and restore healthy skin.
1. Hydration
CBD oil may hydrate skin, making it ideal for treating dry skin. CBD can permeate the skin. Various factors, like the skin’s pH and other substances in the CBD product, influence how deep it permeates.
2. Antioxidant
CBD is an antioxidant, so body oil may help protect the skin from free radicals due to exposure to UV rays and environmental pollutants. Free radicals cause skin aging.
3. Emollient
Itchy skin can make a person miserable. Clinical research found that a topical application of CBD oil, considered an emollient, can reduce itching by up to 86%. Study participants applied a cream containing CBD oil twice daily for three weeks. CBD is believed to calm the immune system by affecting mast cells, helping to ease discomfort.
4. Relaxation
Applying CBD body oil, especially a product with skin-soothing botanicals, can promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Rubbing the oil on the skin before bedtime can help reduce feelings of muscle tension, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. This potential for improved sleep can bring a sense of ease and comfort to your nightly routine.
How to Use CBD Body Oils?
You can use CBD body oils in various ways.
Targeted relief
Apply to a localized dry skin area, rubbing it on the skin in circular motions.
Full body relief
Add drops of CBD body oil to tub water for a relaxing soak.
Massage the skin
Apply CBD body oil to the skin after a shower and while the pores are open to maintain hydration and ease muscle tension.
Create a unique formulation
Add CBD body oil to your favorite skin lotion or cream.
First-time users should start with a small amount of oil and monitor how the skin responds. You can gradually increase the quantity based on your needs. Most people use body oil once or twice a day, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
What Does CBD Oil Do for Massage?
Because of its properties, CBD body oil is ideal for use during a massage. Combining massage’s health benefits with CBD’s properties elevates the experience.
Applying body oil to the skin enhances relaxation by hydrating and calming it. The cannabinoids in CBD massage oil may support greater muscle relaxation and comfort. A massage therapist stimulates circulation, and oil creates a holistic experience.
FAQs
Can You Rub CBD Oil on Your Body?
Yes, you can rub any CBD oil on your body. However, CBD body oil is specially formulated to maximize the effects and promote healthy skin. Many products contain essential oils, botanicals, and vitamins known to promote healthy skin.
What Does CBD Body Oil Do?
CBD has antioxidant properties that can slow skin aging. Some people use body oil because rubbing it on the skin or soaking in tub water with oil promotes relaxation before bedtime, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep. CBD body massage oil is designed to improve the massage experience through aromatherapy and by supporting the enhanced circulation a massage produces.
Is CBD Oil Hydrating?
CBD oil is considered skin-hydrating. Researchers have found that it increases moisture retention by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates oil production. CBD oil also has antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage. Healthy skin retains moisture.
Maintaining Healthy Skin with CBD Body Oil
CBD body oil offers a natural way to relieve discomfort, improve skin health, and improve overall well-being. By understanding its benefits, proper usage, and how to choose quality products, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs. Whether seeking relief from muscle soreness or simply aiming for healthier skin, CBD body oil could be a valuable addition to your self-care routine.
Sources
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- Xu DH, Cullen BD, Tang M, Fang Y. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2020;21(5):390-402. PubMed
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