With so many different kinds of CBD products available for purchase on the market, it can be difficult to choose between them. What you select is going to be largely based on your health goals and the specific results that you are looking for.
Today we are breaking down the subject of topical CBD versus CBD oil and comparing the pros and cons of each. This will help you to make an informed decision about what you should choose for yourself to get the best possible results.
Topical CBD Pros
Topicals are Easier to Start with
Topical products are simply easier to start with for those who are hesitant to try CBD oil to begin with. They are less invasive and for this reason those who are new to CBD oil often feel more comfortable and less anxious about using them. They also make a great gift for those people on your list who are into natural health and deal with little aches and pains.
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Topicals Work on a Local Area
Topical products work only on the specific area that you apply them to. The narrower target can mean that you will likely feel relief a bit faster than taking it orally. This works great for acute issues rather than by popping a pill that has to pass through your digestive system. That being said, there is a drawback to this that we will discuss further in the next section.
Topical CBD Cons
Topicals Only Work on Symptoms
As we mentioned in the previous section, topicals work only on a small section of the body. While they can work faster, the downside of this is that unlike taking CBD oil internally, topicals do not work on bringing the system back into balance. They really only work to manage the symptoms in the short-term and not as much promoting general health.
Topicals Have Poorer Absorption
Topicals have to pass through the skin meaning that less of the CBD is able to be used by the body. Yes, this is somewhat better than going through the ineffective process of digestion. However, you are still going to lose out on some of the benefits with the lower absorption. If you are dealing with pain, any extra amount of CBD is useful, and can help you save money too.
The Bottom Line: Topical products are great for short-term and localized issues but less so for long-term and systemic issues. They are sometimes a better option for beginners as well as they can be easily applied for acute problems.
CBD Oil Pros
CBD Oil Works on the Whole Body
It is able to offer more health benefits than topicals. CBD oil works on a systemic level through the endocannabinoid system. This helps to promote healing from the inside out by actually resolving the underlying issues. It can also be used for a wider range of health issues like stress, anxiety, and sleep. Therefore, CBD oil is definitely a better long-term solution for those dealing with chronic health conditions.
CBD Oil is More Effective
When you take CBD oil internally the directions are to hold it under the tongue for the best absorption. This allows you to get the most out of the product as the majority of the active CBD passes through the blood vessels in your mouth. Therefore, the CBD gets absorbed into tissues almost instantly by avoiding digestion. This is a much better value for your investment and allows you to get better results.
CBD Oil Cons
CBD Oil Can Be Intimidating
For those who are hesitant to try new supplements or are brand new to the world of CBD, taking something internally can be scary. We totally understand and of course you should be concerned with what you are putting into your body. This is where doing your research and ensuring that you are purchasing a product from a brand that you can trust will go a long way.
Check out our brand new beginner bundle which comes with convenient trial sizes of CBD!
CBD Oil Can Have Interactions
CBD oil is just like any other supplement and should be treated with care. While it is an incredibly safe option, there are a few possible interactions with other prescription medications that need to be considered. We suggest talking to your doctor if you are taking any other drugs and thinking about trying CBD oil. This is less of a concern with topicals.
The Bottom Line: CBD oil is a better option for long-term and systemic issues but can also be used for more acute concerns. CBD oil is generally preferable for those dealing with chronic health problems as it works to bring balance back into the body.
What CBD Product Should You Choose?
Again, what you select depends primarily on what your health goals are and what kind of results you are expecting. You should also take into account your general comfort level with using CBD and start where you are at.
We often see that those new to CBD will prefer to start with a topical product to build up their confidence. Then will switch to, or add in, CBD oil to boost their results. Ultimately, CBD oil is going to act more on the entire body and give you a higher dose for maximum results.
You can also definitely use both CBD oil and topical products together in combination for a natural solution that packs an extra punch. You do not have to worry about taking too much CBD. There are not any harmful side effects to worry about.
