You Just Bought CBD Lotion — Now What?

CBD skincare products are so hot right now! But there are a few things you should know before slathering it on. Cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere, from convenience stores to high-end retail shops. While there are a lot of CBD converts out there, there’s a large percentage of people who use CBD topicals without knowing what the compound is and what effects it produces.

The CBD found in lotions and creams has much of the same effect as it does when consumed orally. The compound treats pain and inflammation, making it a great addition to lotions and products that target chronic pain, muscle soreness or just general skincare. One of the biggest draws for people is that CBD topicals are a very low stakes way of getting to know a trendy compound without having to ingest it.

While you won’t get any of the stress and anxiety relieving properties of topicals, some scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests CBD can treat inflamed skin and muscles, lending itself for pain management, relaxation and the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Before you start using these products, you should keep a few things in mind. Since CBD is a relatively new compound (at least when it comes to its inclusion in so many of these new brands), you should always read the ingredient list and check that the product contains CBD and not hemp oil. Since the industry is so new, many brands are taking advantage of the misinformation that surrounds the compound. You should also read the ingredients list in order to make sure that there are no harmful agents present or compounds that you might be allergic to.

In order to avoid purchasing a product that could harm you or that simply produces no effects, look for products that have Certificates of Analysis (COA), which basically ensures that you’re buying a thoroughly tested product.

If you’re nervous when using your CBD product for the first time, do a spot test. Apply the product to a small patch of skin and check for rashes, itchy skin or any type of reactions you might have to the product (which is useful advice for anyone who has sensitive skin, no matter the kind of product you purchased).

You may feel the effects of the CBD within 10 minutes or so after application, though everyone is different. It also depends on what product you’re using and your dosage. Because of all of these variants, it’s important to be patient and consistent. If you like the product and don’t have any adverse reactions to it, use it for a couple of weeks to make sure it’s a good fit for you — just like with any new product.