A CBD salve is essentially a topical ointment infused with cannabidiol. Salves, set apart from some other kinds of topicals, are loosely defined as “ointments used to promote healing of the skin, or as a protection.”

While CBD skincare is popular, featuring moisturizers and lotions and even makeup, CBD salves are made for more specific uses and applications. Typically, CBD salves are made using coconut oil and beeswax. The texture is quite unique, taking on a stiff sort of consistency tahnks to the beeswax.

In terms of the best CBD salves, the most important ingredient is (obviously) the cannabidiol. There may be several other beneficial ingredients, including essential oils, terpenes, and natural hydrating components.

One of the draws of CBD salves is that they are easy to use. You simply apply a small amount of salve to a desired area of the skin, massage it in, and you’re done! Note however that without trial and error, it can be hard to measure an exact amount. In other words, it can take a little time to figure out the best dose for a CBD salve.

Reasons to Use a CBD Salve.

Every method of taking CBD has its advantages and disadvantages. Tinctures work quickly, for example, but they often taste bad. So, why choose a CBD salve over any other method?

In case you didn’t know already, CBD is used as a way to support general health. It does this by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. This system has receptors throughout the body, including in most of our organs. It also has a strong prevalence in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). And of course, the skin is loaded with ECS receptors.

When you take CBD orally, such as through a tincture or edible, it can reach receptors throughout the entire body. This is great if you are looking to improve your overall health by using a daily supplement. However, some people are looking more specifically to improve the health of their skin.

How to Use a CBD Salve Effectively

Using a CBD salve effectively is pretty easy. Here are some of our top tips for using a CBD salve in the most efficient way possible.

Figure Out Where You Need to Apply It

There is no point in applying a CBD topical over your whole body. As we said, these products are often expensive, and they tend to come in relatively small containers. It would be a waste to apply the salve everywhere. Instead, consider where it is best to apply it. If there is a particular problem area, you can apply it there to see what happens. If not, then there are some key spots you could try:

• Temples
• Neck
• Joints (i.e. elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, hips)
• Feet
• Shoulders

When applying CBD salves to these areas, try to massage the salve in as much as possible. This should help to release tension while you’re applying the CBD.

Give Yourself a Quick Clean

Before you apply the salve, give the target area and your hands a quick wash. Your skin is constantly in contact with various germs and bacteria, and you don’t want this getting in the way of your topical application. You can just give the area a quick wipe with a wet cloth – it doesn’t require a full shower.

Also, wash your hands after you use the salve. Many CBD salves have heating or cooling agents in them, and that can make your hands feel strange.

Use the Right Amount

With CBD salve, a little goes a long way. You probably won’t need a lot to have an effect, and you don’t want your skin to feel too oily as a result of too much. At first, apply just a small amount to a desired area, making sure to massage it in slowly. Topical applications take effect quickly, so if you don’t feel anything after a few minutes, you can always apply more.

You also want to try and apply enough cannabinoids. If you need a high strength dose, try to buy a potent salve which provides more CBD per application.