TOPICAL VS ORAL CBD - WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?

You can buy CBD products in various forms, each with a different use based on your needs and intentions. You can inhale CBD as a vape oil for a nearly instant effect, use a CBD oil tincture to help with stress or a restless night, or ingest a CBD gummy for a tasty treat.

The two most common ways people use CBD are through oral applications and topicals. They really are opposite administration methods – one is used outside of the body while the other works on the inside. However, whether separately or together, they both can work to achieve homeostasis based on your needs and uses.

WHAT ARE CBD TOPICALS?

CBD topicals can work to help soothe mild discomfort; they’re typically infused with CBD and applied externally to a specific part of the body. The CBD in these topicals becomes absorbed transdermally - into the epidermis and pores. 

Hemp-based CBD topicals may also contain various beneficial nutrients that can help protect the skin from daily exposure to outside elements. Additionally, they are often full of other essential oils and ingredients that invigorate and moisturize the skin.

Many people choose to use CBD topicals because they can quickly and easily apply the CBD directly where they need it, when they need it. CBD topical is minimally invasive for CBD newcomers; it doesn’t have to travel throughout the body for it to work.

Because you apply CBD directly to the area of discomfort, the effects could be immediate and more centralized than other application methods. However, CBD topicals have low bioavailability – no matter how much you apply, your skin isn’t permeable enough for the CBD to reach the bloodstream.

WHAT ARE ORAL CBD PRODUCTS?

Taking CBD orally is where users consume CBD through their mouth. There are two primary methods of consuming CBD: sublingual and ingestion.

Sublingually, commonly referred to as under the tongue, requires drops from CBD oil tinctures placed underneath your tongue and held for 30 to 90 seconds before swallowing. The CBD is absorbed via the capillaries in your mouth and enters directly into the bloodstream and eventually to the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

This method of taking CBD has one of the highest bioavailability compared to other CBD applications, given that the CBD molecules are sent straight into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes found in the mouth. 

Ingesting CBD is to direct way to swallow CBD either in the form of a pill, capsule, gummy, or other type of edible. When eating CBD, the CBD components have to first travel through your digestive system and arrive at the liver where they are initially broken down.

After the liver metabolizes the CBD, the remaining compounds are then sent to the bloodstream. Research has suggested that the effects of ingested CBD last longer than any other application method.

TOPICAL VS ORAL CBD - WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

If you have difficulty deciding which is better between using CBD topically versus orally, you may need to rethink your question to which one better suits your needs. There are distinct differences you should consider when choosing which type of CBD is best for you.

Using CBD topically allows the cannabidiol compounds to attach to the skin's cannabinoid receptors where the topical cream is applied. It works best if you have a targeted area where you need CBD the most.

With CBD topicals, the effects may be more concentrated because it isn’t spread thin throughout the entire body. It’s a good choice for people trying to relieve minor discomfort in joints and muscles or revitalize skin in distressed areas.

Between taking CBD sublingually and ingesting it, the sublingual method offers faster effects because of its higher bioavailability, which allows more CBD to enter the bloodstream and even though ingesting CBD may not let as many cannabinoids reach the bloodstream, its effect usually lasts longer than any other application method.

TYPES OF CBD TOPICALS

The several types of CBD topicals include:

• Creams - Nanocraft CBD offers a cream called CBD Sports Cream. Each one is infused with Superior Broad Spectrum CBD and provides a non-greasy, deep absorption that works soon after contact.

• Roll-On - CBD Roll-Ons often combine wholesome CBD with moisturizing ingredients to maintain healthy skin. For example, the CBD Roll-On from Nanocraft CBD infuses premium CBD with ginseng, aloe, menthol, and broad-spectrum hemp to deliver the benefits of phytocannabinoids where you need them most.

• Balms - CBD balms are also useful for cracked and dry skin. And with the CBD Muscle & Joint Stick from Nanocraft CBD, you get 250 milligrams of CBD with the moisturizing effects of cocoa butter, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter – along with the refreshing scent of grapefruit and a stick applicator for easy use.

If your CBD needs are more for internal or cognitive wellness than external or skincare, then taking oral CBD may be a better option.

TYPES OF ORAL CBD

 Many types of CBD products created for oral consumption are available:

• CBD Drops - CBD tinctures are a quick and easy way to integrate CBD into your daily life. Place a half to full dropper underneath your tongue and hold it for up to 90 seconds, then swallow. You can use a CBD dropper either in the morning or at night, up to you.

• CBD Capsules - CBD capsules and softgels are probably one of the most convenient ways of ingesting CBD. Take a capsule or two with a glass of water in the morning or at night. Each pill contains the same amount of CBD oil, so you know how much you’re taking exactly.

• CBD Gummies - CBD gummies are another convenient and delightfully tasty way of getting your daily serving of CBD. Similar to softgels, each gummy piece has the same amount, miligram-wise, of CBD infused into it. 

Most people that take CBD orally enjoy its convenience and simplicity. But again, achieving the best results depends on your purpose for using CBD.

BENEFITS OF TOPICAL CBD VS ORAL

Many people are eager to discuss the benefits of topical CBD  versus oral CBD, but they are very different in function. CBD topicals like roll-ons, lotions, creams, and balms may give users the best of both worlds. 

One of the biggest benefits of topical CBD versus other forms is that it can be applied in a targeted and direct manner. Users can apply the skin-soothing CBD Topical to exactly where their need it most. While adored by CBD devotees across the spectrum, topical CBD is often seen as an excellent option for those who are new to using CBD and are interested in exploring the benefits of hemp-derived oils topically.

METHODS OF CBD DELIVERY: ORAL VS TOPICAL APPLICATION

The differences between topical CBD and oral CBD are significant in that one oral CBD may offer more overall support, whereas topical CBD offer targeted skincare support. 

This is due to one of the key differences: how CBD enters your body via an ingested product vs. how it’s found naturally in hemp-derived oils. When using a topical cream or balm that contains hemp extract, the oils offer incredible skin-soothing perks. 

By contrast, oral CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and may support inner balance and functioning. Topical CBD may only be able to affect the area where you apply it, offering a more targeted skin-soothing support.

IS IT BETTER TO TAKE CBD ORALLY OR TOPICALLY?

 Ultimately, choosing between topical and oral CBD comes down to the type of support you’re looking for. If you are looking to support your skin with nutrient-rich hemp-derived oils, a topical CBD cream or lotion will likely be your best option.

 If you’re after overall support for your endocannabinoid system or aiming for mental wellness and clarity, oral CBD is probably the better option.

CAN I USE ORAL CBD AS A TOPICAL?

 If you’re having a challenge deciding which is better between using CBD topically vs. orally, you may need to rethink your question to which one better suits your CBD needs and intention.

Typically, CBD topicals allow the cannabidiol compounds to attach to the skin's cannabinoid receptors where the topical cream is applied. It works best if you have a targeted area where you need CBD the most. However, CBD oils may also do the trick being applied topically too. 

CBD oral application requires the cannabinoid compounds to enter the bloodstream and go to the endocannabinoid system. Nonetheless, applying them to the dermal skin may work similarly to CBD topicals as well. 

Between taking CBD sublingually and ingesting it, the sublingual method offers faster effects because of its higher bioavailability, which allows more CBD to enter the bloodstream since it avoids the first-pass metabolism. And even though ingesting CBD may not let as many cannabinoids reach the bloodstream, its effect usually lasts longer than any other application method.

CBD TOPICAL VS ORAL

 If you’ve recently begun to question if using topical or oral CBD may be a viable option for you, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding the difference between topical and oral CBD uses is key to getting the most out of a CBD routine and product.

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