It’s important to focus proactively on health and wellness, such as eating better and exercising regularly; however, as we age we also pay the price for the activities in our younger years. Aches and pains, whether from old injuries or new sports, exercise routines and illness, are challenges that can stop us from continuing on our wellness journey.

One new avenue that has come to the forefront when seeking relief from chronic aches, pains, soreness, skin conditions and even insomnia is the use of innovative cannabis-infused topical products. Topicals, which include lotions, balms, salves and oils, are non-psychoactive cannabis products which are absorbed directly through the skin for localized pain and inflammatory relief. The healing ingredient in all cannabis topicals is CBD oil, short for cannabidiol, which has anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins A, D and E, and essential fatty acids.

Different topicals are created for a variety of conditions. People with mild to chronic joint or muscle pain can use specific topicals as an alternative to opiates and pain-killers, while other creams have demonstrated marked results in alleviating symptoms from skin conditions such as eczema and acne. A variety of applications are also available including moisturizing lotions, creams, oils, skin patches, salves, liniments or ointments designed to produce hot or cold sensations alongside their beneficial botanical and cannabis chemistry.

CBD oils are also popping up in high-end skin care creams, gels, and serums. CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system and helps the skin look more radiant and youthful, while also helping with inflammation due to acne or other skin issues.

It is important to speak with an expert to best identify which products will address your issues. Many topicals are designed to treat specific pain and are applied directly to the site, such as a sore shoulder, elbow, or skin care. Other products are more generalized and can relax the entire body and provide relief from a variety of aches and pains at the same time.

“We work with our clients to identify their issues, and then review and discuss the products that will best address their needs,” says Jennifer Montgomery, manager at The Lighthouse Cannabis Boutique in Coachella. “Many of the products are infused with essential oils and use organic ingredients, so we diligently research all of our products and carefully check the labeling to ensure that the ingredients and suggested usage information is clear and readily available for our clients.”

Montgomery advises these best practices for using CBD topical products:

Determine the affected area and then choose the best product to target the issue.
Clean the area before applying the product with a quick rinse, then pat dry.
Be generous and massage vigorously with each recommended application.
After applying the topical product, wash your hands so as not to transfer the product, which might also contain citrus, pepper or mint, to your eyes.

It is also important to manage your expectations. Prepare for a subtle, innocuous relief alongside sensations depending on the concentration of other soothing ingredients. These products don’t necessarily cure our ailments, they simply make them more bearable.

Danielle Rubin is the creative director of The Lighthouse Cannabis Boutique in Coachella, the valley’s only fully licensed dispensary. They offer home delivery and highly trained and educated staff to assist patrons on their health and wellness journey. Learn more at www.LighthouseDispensary.com or call (442) 256.3627.