CBD tinctures are everywhere. By now, you’re probably quite familiar with the drops-under-the-tongue routine and maybe even started adding tinctures to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. But man cannot live on tincture alone, and there are a ton of other options for taking CBD.
While CBD oils and tinctures might be the most common form of CBD, other methods of consumption can provide great benefits. As one part of his role as Chief Scientist for Mary’s Nutritionals, Dr. Jeremy Riggle oversees research and development of new products and methods for consumers to get the benefits of CBD without using tinctures. “All forms of CBD have different advantages. Often times, it is a matter of personal preference and convenience.” Multiple delivery methods mean the consumer can choose a product that comfortable for them and effective for their reason for use.
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Topical Preparations
Your skin is loaded with cannabinoid receptors, making topical application of CBD kind of a no-brainer. “Topical CBD application has several potential benefits due to the presence of the endocannabinoid system in the skin,” explains Dr. Riggle. “Pre-clinical and animal model studies have shown the potential for cannabinoids in skin indications such as pain and itch, inflammation, dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis.”
The topical application of CBD has a ton of potential for fixing what ails your skin, and there is a glut of topical products on the market. Creams, lotions, and massage oils are readily available and provide the benefit of moisturizing your skin in addition to giving your endocannabinoid system what it needs. Win-win!
Transdermal Patches
Similar to topical preparations in that the compounds are absorbed through the skin, transdermal patches are a new player in the CBD market. Applied to the skin like a sticker, CBD is released over time. “Time-release transdermal patches have the advantage of being discreet,” explains Riggle. “Which allows a greater level of dose control and delivering cannabinoids into the bloodstream for systemic benefits.” By placing the patch on an area of relatively thin skin, like your wrist or ankle, CBD is released slowly over time, absorbed through that thin skin and directly into the bloodstream, bypassing that troublesome digestive system where some efficacy can be lost.
By delivering the compounds almost directly into the bloodstream, you get more of what you need faster.
Beauty Products
The skincare market has exploded with CBD products lately, and companies are marketing everything from CBD eye cream to CBD infused makeup. CBD can work synergistically with other, more common skin-care ingredients, to bring out the best in both. “Skincare products combine the therapeutic potential of topically applied CBD with other skincare ingredients to maximize all included ingredients,” Riggle explains. “So, it’s essentially a way to optimize the benefits of both skincare ingredients and CBD.”
CBD companies, like Mary’s, for example, are marketing beauty products like hyaluronic acid serums, eye creams, body scrubs, and mud masks, all infused with CBD goodness. By incorporating CBD into your beauty regimen, you are doubling down on healthy, glowing skin, and providing your body with the cannabinoids, it needs to stay balanced.
Oral Use
The old tried-and-true method for taking CBD – by mouth – is always a great option. Whether it’s a tincture, capsule, or CBD gummies, down the hatch definitely has its appeal. Dosing for these methods isn’t as specific as, say, a transdermal patch, but its definitely discreet and easily portable for on-the-go use.
One drawback of taking CBD edibles is that products like capsules and gummies that must be swallowed have to make the trek through the digestive system where they’re broken down before hitting the bloodstream. The onset effect can be a little slower this way, and some efficacy is lost as the compounds get flushed through your liver, but if ever there was a traditional way to consume CBD, this is it.
The CBD market is absolutely flooded with great products to help you along on your wellness journey. Whether you choose topical, transdermal, or oral use depends on your specific goals and your unique situation. Do your research and dip your toes in the CBD waters. You’re sure to find something that suits you perfectly.