A Beginner’s Guid to Using Topicals

Topicals 101

There are many ways of incorporating cannabinoids into your life, but applying topicals is one of the most simple. Topical cannabis is applied externally before being absorbed into the skin to give more targeted relief for such conditions as joint pain, muscle soreness, chapped skin, minor burns, eczema and arthritis. Available in several formats including ointments, lotions, salves, balms and sprays, topicals are rapidly becoming popular since they can be applied several times and provide a focused solution for faster benefits.

The Benefits Of Topicals

 

Topicals come with their own unique benefits as well as the potential health-promoting properties that they provide. Not least of those advantages is that fact that they act quickly, however they also offer the benefit of being quick, easy and discreet to use and also, even when the products contain THC, they do not cause a high meaning that you can enjoy the effects without any cognitive impairments.

 

Choosing The Right Topicals

 

Not every type of topical product is the same, and not all work for everybody so you need to do your research to find the best product for your needs. Some products, for example, are designed for everyday use, such as the CBD hemp oil soap & Dippy Hippy Soap which nourish the skin, while others are designed to produce either a hot or cold sensation, such as the Mota’s Green Balm or the MJ Heat formulation, to address swelling and pain.

 

Where To Apply Topicals

 

Before you start to apply your topical, you need to think first about where you should be putting it. While it might sound obvious, in fact, you need to look for the source of the pain rather than where it is being experienced. For example, a headache could be coming from neck tension, and therefore an application to the neck would be most beneficial.

 

The most common places for applying topicals include:

 

• Neck
• Temples
• Knees
• Elbows
• Wrists
• Feet
• Shoulders

 

Cleaning The Area

 

Our skin is covered in contaminants and bacteria, so before you apply your topical, clean the area thoroughly using a moist cloth. Dry well before application.

 

Applying The Topical

 

When applying topicals, be generous in your application. Second and third applications are quite normal. Use a vigorous massage technique when rubbing the balm or cream into the skin, and while you shouldn’t use so much pressure that you cause more pain, you should be quite firm.

 

Washing Your Hands

 

Once you’ve applied the topical, always wash your hands thoroughly. Many topicals contain mint, capsaicin or citrus and these compounds can cause stinging or pain if they get into your eyes or other sensitive areas inadvertently.

 

Be Realistic

 

It’s important to note that cannabis isn’t a cure-all, but it can be very helpful in reducing the discomfort you experience on a daily basis. Having realistic expectations is essential. For example, if you’ve suffered from arthritis for years, it won’t magically go away, but you should experience subtle relief and soothing. Remember that topicals are there to make life more bearable and not to take away all your pain entirely.