If you struggle with sore muscles, joint pain, or other issues with inflammation, you may have heard of the potential benefits of CBD topicals like balms and lotions. CBD lotions can be a non-invasive, non-intoxicating solution to find relief from pain and inflammation. The question is, though, how long does it take for cbd lotion to work?
How CBD Lotion Works
When you apply CBD lotion to a problem area, like a sore joint or muscles, you may feel the effects anywhere from 15-45 minutes after applying.
CBD lotion works by introducing cannabinoids into the cannabinoid receptors in your skin. The skin is full of receptors, and introducing these cannabinoids can help alleviate pain, calm inflammation, and even potentially help with some skin conditions. CBD lotion only works where you apply it, unlike other CBD products. This localized effect is great for spot-targeting certain areas of the body.
How much you apply, the condition of the skin you apply it to, and the severity of your pain all play a role in determining how long it will take CBD lotion to work. The more you apply, the faster you may feel the effects of the lotion.
How Often Should I Use CBD Lotion?
CBD lotion can be used in a variety of ways at different times. For consistent care and to maintain balance in your endocannabinoid system, you can use CBD topicals once or twice a day for steady balance. If you’re just looking to ease pain and inflammation, you can use CBD lotion as needed. For more consistent relief, you can use topicals between 1 and 3 times a day.
When deciding how often to use CBD lotion, remember that everyone is different! Just like any other product, we recommend you start slow and use a small amount of the topical at first to see how it makes you feel. And, as you would with any other skin care product, be sure to spot-test the topical and check that you aren’t allergic to any of its ingredients. CBD topicals can include a variety of ingredients depending on the manufacturer, so some topical products may work well for you while others may not.
Also, every product varies in cannabinoid type and concentration. You can experiment with different quantities of CBD in topicals to find what works best for you. You can also try reapplying your product in thin layers every 20-30 minutes to find how much you need to feel the effects.
Does CBD Lotion Work?
Everyone is different, which means one person’s go-to product may not work for someone else. The same goes for topicals. Depending on you, your body, and your needs, CBD lotions may affect you differently than they do someone else.
There is ongoing research, however, concerning the efficacy of topicals in treating different ailments. The most common medical reason people start incorporating CBD into their wellness routine is to use it as a form of pain management. There are also a variety of studies concerning CBD topical products and their potential to treat pain by reducing inflammation.
It’s important to note that CBD topicals are not the same as using a numbing topical or product like Biofreeze or IcyHot. CBD works best with consistent use, as the overall goal is to maintain balance within your endocannabinoid system. As you continue to use it, you may notice the effects are longer-lasting or more noticeable with consistent use.
I Don’t Like Topicals. Can I Still Use CBD for Pain?
If you find that topicals irritate your skin or just aren’t really your thing, using CBD orally may still benefit you. When you ingest CBD orally, you can get the same benefits as a topical on a more widespread scale as the cannabinoids bind with receptors all over your body. Instead of experiencing the localized effect of a topical, you may experience relief and other benefits of CBD on a larger scale throughout your body.
This does, however, introduce CBD into the bloodstream. So, if you’re looking to avoid that, taking CBD orally may not be the best option for you.
In Closing
CBD topicals can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to take effect. The timing depends on multiple factors including your needs, the product itself, and how much product you’ve used.
CBD lotions may be a great pain management option for certain ailments related to soreness or inflammation. Depending on product ingredients, cannabinoid content, and your body, you may find CBD topicals to be a good product for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about topical CBD, you can read more on our blog page or view the lab results for our products. Shop our topical CBD products here. Questions or comments? Contact us! We’d love to hear from you.
