The Best Ways to Use CBD Balm for Healing

Cuts, scrapes, rashes, burns–if you’ve had someone recommend CBD for one or more of your topical skin concerns you may be wondering–what is a CBD healing balm and how exactly can it help?

Here, we’ll break down all of the potential uses for a CBD healing balm and how it differs from other CBD topical formulations, plus how to use it most effectively for every skin concern. If you're ready to try a CBD skin balm for yourself, just keep reading (or check out our VidaDerm Collection!).

Key Takeaways

• CBD healing balm is a thick, nourishing topical application for cuts, wounds, rashes, burns, and more.
• Skin balms usually avoid harsh botanicals, like camphor or menthol, that may irritate sensitive skin conditions.
• You can usually apply as needed or combine topical CBD with an oral dose for more healing power.

What is Topical CBD Balm?

Topical CBD balm is simply a practical application of CBD that helps to target localized areas (compared to oral doses that have a total-body, systemic effect). CBD, or cannabidiol, is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that doesn’t get you high. Because of its hemp source, it’s federally legal and highly accessible. Thankfully, despite its differences from THC, it still interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a similar manner and can provide many of the same therapeutic effects as medical marijuana.

CBD topicals can be made using a variety of different formulations and may be lotion-based or oil based. They can also include a variety of secondary ingredients that boost or alter the therapeutic effects. CBD healing balms, also called CBD skin salves or CBD healing salves, are a unique formulation with specific uses that differ from other types of CBD topicals. Let’s discuss:

CBD Balms vs Other Topicals

We mentioned that different topical formulas have different compositions and uses, so what makes CBD healing balms unique?

Well, healing balms are typically thicker, balmy formulas made with rich, nourishing oils. Often, the oils chosen contain powerful antioxidant and nourishing properties that help add to the healing benefits of the balm. The composition of CBD skin salves may include hemp oil, shea butter, beeswax, or other plant oils. The balm formula will obviously contain CBD, but may also contain other powerhouse botanicals, like chamomile, lavender, or other gentle plant derivatives designed to moisturize the skin without further irritating a rash, cut, or blemish.

CBD balms typically avoid any ingredients that may penetrate deeper or irritate sensitive skin, like the menthol or camphor found in some CBD muscle rub formulas.

Our CBD Skin Balm, for instance, combines nourishing rosehip oil and shea nut butter with rejuvenating essential oils to help support optimal skin health and healing.

CBD, when applied topically in this salve form, also has unique benefits for the skin. Let's discuss:

Benefits ofCBD Balms

More research is needed to further understand the potential benefits of CBD when applied topically, but many experts do agree that CBD may have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Limited evidence also suggests that CBD may be useful for managing itchiness related to pruritus. Thanks to its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may help to speed the healing process of scrapes, burns, and other skin injuries.

As far as this unique application goes, healing balms are designed specifically for managing concerns at the skin surface. Unlike muscle rubs and other topicals designed to penetrate deeply, healing balms typically include thicker oils that help provide a nourishing layer of healing botanicals for ailments affecting the top layers of the skin.

To sum it all up, some benefits of CBD healing balms may include:

• Increased skin hydration
• Localized applications
• Creating a healing layer of moisture for packing wounds when bandaging
• Reduced itching
• Faster healing of cuts or burns
• Relief from burning or topical discomforts
• Reduced redness
• Faster healing for blemishes

How isCBD BalmUsed For Healing?

We mentioned that CBD healing balms are designed to focus on localized symptoms of the skin surface, but how do you actually use a CBD healing balm?

In general, topicals are designed to be applied as needed as long as they don't contain botanicals that may irritate the skin with every use. To be safe, follow the direction on the label concerning frequency and reapplication.

A balm or salve is usually a thick, buttery concoction that can be applied in either a thick or thin layer over the skin. How you use your CBD balm is up to you and depends on the issue you hope to treat. For instance,

For cuts or scrapes that need to be bandaged:

You may want apply a thicker layer over a scrape or cut that you intend to bandage. You may use more healing salve each time the bandage needs to be changed.

For burns:

You may also want to apply thicker layer over a burn to help rehydrate and heal the skin. You may do this several times a day until the burn has healed. You may also want to loosely bandage the burn.

For rashes:

You may apply a thin layer several times a day to rashes and other widespread irritation.

For blemishes:

Use CBD healing salve as a spot treatment or overnight for speedier healing.

The best thing about CBD topicals, however, is that they do not reach the bloodstream. That means that you can use them in combination with a systemic CBD product, like an oil tincture or gummies, without taking too much. In other words, you can double down on your CBD dosage to target serious concerns from both angles.

Where to BuyCBD Balms

Although CBD derived from hemp is legal, CBD oil and topical products are still mostly unregulated in the U.S. Currently, they're only subject to state regulations, which might be inconsistent from state to state. That means that it's the consumer's job to verify the quality of a CBD product before they buy. Here's what to look for:

• Third party tested
• Made from high-quality, pesticide free hemp
• Is free of heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and other contaminants
• Made in a cGMP compliant facility
• Produced by an experienced manufacturer
• Includes accurate potency and ingredient information

The label of the product should include:

• all ingredients, including botanicals, fragrances, and other additives
• CBD and other cannabinoid content
• type of CBD extract used, whether it is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
• instructions for use