If you have some CBD salve or lotion that doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you aren’t alone. While many people swear by topicals to help them with various aches and pains, some people find themselves disappointed with the results.
We all know CBD is not cheap, so before you relegate that pricey jar of ointment to the trash bin, have a look at some of our solutions.
1. Check the Potency
For most topicals, the concentration of CBD is given in milligrams. The amount of CBD in each container is what determines how much you should apply to your skin for the best results. If your product doesn’t seem to be working as it should, check the milligrams.
Consider this: You have a four-ounce jar of cream that contains 100 mg of CBD and a one-ounce jar with the same amount of CBD. Obviously, you would need to apply more product from the four-ounce jar to get the same effect as you would from the one-ounce jar.
It’s easy for consumers to get confused on this point. A small tin of salve containing 750 mg of CBD may seem drastically expensive next to a large jar containing the same amount. However, in many cases, the smaller, pricier product will be a better value since you will need to use less overall.
2. Use More of the Product
If you find yourself in the situation above and have purchased a low-milligram product, no worries. You might be able to remedy the situation simply by layering the product more frequently. Try massaging it into the skin once until the product is absorbed and then repeat. Instead of applying every four hours, apply your topical every two hours. There is no reason to let the bottle go to waste.
3. Add More CBD
If the concentration of CBD in your topical is the issue, you can always add some hemp oil. Make sure the ingredients are safe to use on the skin and use an oil that is formulated to be taken orally. Add a few drops whenever you use your topical for a boost in potency.
Keep in mind that CBD oil is likely to have a strong earthy smell, and the dark color of a full-spectrum product could stain your clothes. If you aren’t worried about smelling like hemp, this method can be very effective. Clear tinctures made of CBD isolate are also a great choice.
4. Make Your Own CBD Topicals
If you want to have more control over the potency of your topicals, you might consider making your own. The process is not that difficult and could save you money in the long run. Customizing your own formulation can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. For instructions, head over to our article on How to Make Your Own CBD Topicals.
5. Make Sure Your Condition Will Respond to a Topical
CBD topicals are specially formulated to penetrate the upper layers of your epidermis and the tissues near the surface. They don’t go deep enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Some problems respond remarkably well to salves and lotions. Other issues might require a different approach.
If your doctor has said its safe for you to use CBD tinctures, taking the product orally might be a better option for you. A combination of both methods might even be a winning approach. Experiment to see what works for you and have patience. Everyone responds differently to hemp. A different brand or supplier might also be better suited to your chemical makeup.
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