While the general mindset is shifting around cannabis being more than just for smoking or gummies, you’d probably be (a little bit) shocked that it’s also making waves in skincare! If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, especially a wellness-minded woman, looking to level up your self-care routine, cannabis-infused topicals might be your new best friend. Cannabis lotions, balms, salves, and oils are created by infusing cannabinoids like CBD and THC. When applied to the skin, they assist with creating moisturising and nourishing benefits to your skin. The budtenders at our friendly Muskoka shop, The Green Bouquet Cannabis, are more than eager to chat about what cannabis topicals are, how they work, and how they can support healthy, happy skin. Dry skin can be hydrated and soothing comfort can be applied to sensitive areas without any intoxicating effects or over-the-top medical claims.
What Are Cannabis Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are any skincare or wellness products, typically creams, lotions, balms, salves, or oils that have been infused with compounds from the cannabis plant. The most common cannabinoids in topicals are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), often alongside other natural ingredients. Unlike cannabis products you eat or inhale, topicals are used externally. You simply rub them onto your skin like you would any moisturizer or ointment.
One big appeal of topicals is that they don’t make you “high.” The cannabinoids work on receptors in your skin but don’t usually reach your bloodstream or brain in significant amounts. In other words, a cannabis-infused lotion can offer targeted relief to the area you apply it, say, on dry elbows or a tense neck, without any psychoactive effects. This makes topicals an ideal choice for people who want the benefits of cannabis for their skin without the buzz. Whether you have zero experience with cannabis or you’re a regular user, topicals offer a gentle introduction to its wellness perks.
Researchers have discovered that our skin has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a network of receptors (including CB1 and CB2 receptors) that help regulate things like inflammation, pain, and even skin homeostasis (balance of cells and oils). Cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with these local receptors in the skin. Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the spot where you apply the cannabis topical, helping to restore balance and comfort in a more localized way. Because they work where they’re applied, topicals are fantastic for targeted care.
Deep Hydration for Dry Skin
One of the standout benefits of cannabis topicals is serious hydration. Those of us who are struggling with frequently dry or flaky skin, cannabis-infused creams and oils can help nourish the skin to regain its healthy glow. Many of these products use rich base ingredients like hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or shea butter, all popular components known for their moisturizing properties, and then supercharge them with cannabinoids. The result is a lotion or oil that doesn’t just sit on the surface, but deeply nourishes.
Cannabinoids such as CBD even appear to help balance the skin’s natural oil production and prevent moisture loss. This means a CBD-infused balm might actually assist your skin in retaining hydration. When combined with a hydrating carrier oil, cannabinoids create a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. It’s possible that a CBD-enriched ointment can boost skin hydration levels significantly over a short period of time (three months or so), which is a promising sign for those of us with parched skin!
What does this feel like in practice? Imagine massaging a velvety cannabis-infused lotion into your hands or legs. You’ll likely notice that dry patches feel smoother and more comfortable after application. Because these topicals are often rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, they provide both instant moisture and long-term nourishment. Over time, regularly using a cannabis topical could help strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier, so your skin stays hydrated longer on its own.
Calming and Soothing Sensitive Skin
With all of the research done on this topic, they have found that anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids can help promote better hydrated, calmer, and happier skin when applied topically. Redness, itchiness, and general irritation are often signs of inflammation in the skin. The compounds in cannabis, including CBD and THC, can help soothe signs of inflammation when used in a cream or salve.
For example, applying a cannabis-infused balm on an area of irritated skin (think after shaving or a day in the sun) may help reduce the appearance of redness and calm any itch or discomfort. Research suggests that topical cannabinoids help with common skin nuisances like itching, swelling, and even pain by reducing local inflammation. Many people find that CBD creams or oils give a gentle, comforting sensation that takes down the “angry” look and feel of aggravated skin.
Another plus is that cannabis topicals are often made with natural, plant-based ingredients and tend to be gentle on the skin. If you’re someone whose skin reacts to harsh chemicals or fragrances, you’ll be happy to know that most hemp or cannabis creams are formulated to be soothing and non-irritating. They can even help shield your skin from environmental stressors. Some evidence points to cannabinoids helping to defend skin cells against things like pollution and UV light exposure, which is great news for maintaining a calm, resilient complexion. In short, cannabis topicals act like a comfort blanket for stressed-out skin, helping to calm flare-ups and sensitivity in a natural way.
Comfort and Relief – Without the High
Aside from making your skin look and feel great, cannabis topicals can also provide a sense of relief for minor aches and tension in the body. Many regular cannabis users love topicals for managing everyday discomforts, whether it’s sore muscles after a workout or general stiffness from sitting at a desk. When you rub a THC- or CBD-infused salve onto a tense neck or achy feet, the cannabinoids get to work on those local receptors in your skin and underlying tissue, providing a potentially soothing, subtle relief in the targeted area within minutes.
Cannabis topicals have become a go-to for those seeking natural support for discomfort. Think of massaging a CBD/THC balm into your lower back after gardening, or rubbing a cannabis lotion on your temples and neck to unwind in the evening. Along with cannabinoids, many topicals include soothing botanicals like menthol, arnica, or lavender, which add a pleasant cooling or warming sensation. Cannabis-infused creams and balms offer localized benefits for the skin without causing a “high.” These products often combine cannabinoids with natural oils and butters to nourish and comfort your skin. The overall effect is a relaxing, spa-like experience that can help melt away minor aches. It’s self-care at its finest: you’re easing tension in your body and nourishing your skin all at once.
Antioxidant Power for Skin Resilience
Beyond immediate hydration and soothing, cannabis topicals may also help boost your skin’s long-term resilience. How so? It turns out cannabinoids like CBD are also antioxidants, meaning they help neutralize free radicals, you know, those pesky molecules from UV rays, pollution, and stress that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. By combating free radical damage, which is a major contributor to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity, the antioxidants in cannabis might help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
Tips for Using Cannabis Topicals in Your Skincare Routine
So, you’re ready to pamper your skin with some cannabis-infused goodness. Awesome! Here are a few friendly tips to help you get the most out of your cannabis topicals:
- Start with clean, dry skin: Apply your cannabis lotion or oil after washing, so it can absorb fully. For facial products, use them after cleansing and toning, and usually after any serums but before heavier creams.
- Use a generous dollop and massage it in: Don’t be shy! Scoop a good amount and rub it into the target area with firm, circular motions. The massaging not only feels great but also helps stimulate blood flow and spreads the product evenly.
- Give it time to work: Most people notice effects from topicals within 15-30 minutes, but it can vary. If you’re using it for comfort on sore spots, allow some time to relax and let the cannabinoids penetrate. There’s no harm in reapplying later in the day if you need a touch-up; since it’s not entering your bloodstream in significant amounts, you can use topicals multiple times as needed.
- Patch test if you have very sensitive skin: Though cannabis topicals are generally gentle, it’s always wise to test a new product on a small patch of skin first, especially if you have allergies.
- Consistency is key for skin benefits: If you’re aiming to improve skin hydration or calm ongoing sensitivity, make cannabis topicals a regular part of your routine. Daily use will yield more noticeable results over time.
Lastly, choose a product that fits your needs. There are topical formulations for different purposes. Some are mentholated muscle rubs for post-workout relief, while others are silky face creams for beauty routines. Pay attention to the cannabinoid content (CBD-only, CBD:THC ratio, etc.) based on what’s legal in your area and what you prefer. CBD-only products are widely available and great for skin-focused benefits. If you have access to dispensary products with THC, don’t be afraid of them; a little THC in a topical can add extra therapeutic oomph without intoxication and help CBD travel to where it needs to go better than CBD alone.
Embrace the Glow of Cannabis Skincare
Incorporating cannabis topicals into your skincare and wellness routine can provide heightened nourishing benefits. These topicals can hydrate your skin deeply, soothe and calm irritation, and provide comfort to tired muscles or tense areas, all while delivering a dose of antioxidants for long-term skin health. Just smooth-on and enjoy.
As with any self-care product, listen to your body and find what works best for you. Part of the fun is experimenting with different textures and formulations, such as choosing a cooling CBD gel for your legs, and a lush THC-infused body butter for your elbows and knees. Over time, you’ll learn exactly how cannabis topicals can best support your unique skin needs.
So go ahead! Treat yourself to some cannabis-infused care and immerse yourself with a plant-powered, healthy, and happy glow. Your skin will thank you for it!