Cannabis topicals have seen a significant increase in popularity. If you’ve ever taken a look at the selection, you’ve probably noticed many different types, including creams, lotions, and balms. A cannabis balm, like other topicals, is a cannabis-infused product that you apply directly to your skin. It provides many significant benefits, and it can help to improve your life.
Cannabis Balm Vs. Other Topicals
With so many different types of cannabis topicals, it can be difficult to know where to start. Let’s start with the difference between a balm, cream, and lotion.
A cannabis balm is an infused topical with an oil or wax base. They’re the thickest of the three major types of topicals, and they don’t contain any water. Due to their oil content, they tend to provide superior skin nourishment and protection. One of the most common uses of balms is to treat joint or muscle pain. You can also find products formulated to treat skin conditions or ailments.
Lotions have a significant amount of water (it’s typically one of the first ingredients on the list) and a small amount of oil. As such, they’re very light. They also only provide moisture for a short amount of time. Creams are somewhere in between lotions and balms. They’re mainly oil with a little water. Depending upon how a company formulates the product, it can plump skin and fight signs of aging, or it can help to treat pain.
Benefits of a Cannabis Balm
Balms provide many significant benefits. When it comes to a cannabis balm, one of its most notable traits is that it can’t get you high. Even if you choose a balm with a high THC content, the cannabinoids can’t penetrate deep enough into your skin to absorb into your bloodstream. They can only interact with the cannabinoid receptors near the site of application to provide localized relief. Here are a few other benefits to keep in mind.
Relieves Pain and Inflammation
Cannabis balms provide effective relief from pain and inflammation, right where you apply them. The cannabinoids interact with receptors in your skin, reducing pain signals to the brain while also alleviating inflammation. Both of these functions help to lessen your pain, making it more bearable. You can use a balm to treat:
- Arthritis pain
- Sprained joints
- Pulled muscles
- General muscle soreness
- Migraines
Eases Skin Conditions
A cannabis balm can help to ease symptoms of different skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. The balm itself moisturizes the skin while the cannabinoids help to reduce inflammation and skin cell growth. In addition to helping your skin feel better, it helps to improve your skin’s appearance, too.
Treats Burns and Irritation
If you have a burn or other minor skin irritation, a balm can help to remoisturize the affected area while also sealing out dirt and bacteria so you can heal. The cannabinoids ease inflammation and help your skin to heal faster.
Getting the Most Out of Your Cannabis Balm
How you apply your cannabis balm is important. The following are a few steps to follow that can help you get the most out of your topical:
- Clean the target area and dry it thoroughly
- Apply a generous amount to your skin and massage it in gently but firmly
- Apply a second or third coat if necessary
- Reapply as needed throughout the day
A cannabis balm can help to treat a wide range of issues, all without the risk of getting high. It’s a beneficial tool to have in your cabinet that has numerous applications. If you’re considering a balm (or other topical), check out the selection at your local dispensary on your next visit.