Topical CBD vs Transdermal CBD.
Compounds have been applied to the skin for thousands of years to enhance beauty and treat local conditions. However, most topically applied compounds and/or drugs are poorly absorbed, if at all. This is due to the size and polarity of the drug molecule and the barrier effect of the skin. Many compounds are meant to remain on the skin surface (topical) such as sunscreens, insect repellents, and antiseptics while others penetrate the skin layers (transdermal) to target sites within the skin or just below it.
Many CBD products on the market are simply topical treatments, and less effective for any treatment beyond simple skin issues. It is critical when creating products that are meant to treat deeper issues to be transdermal in formulation. Our formula that is intended to exert clinical effects at distant or deeper tissue sites requires a purpose-designed transdermal vehicle. Including multiple chemical penetration enhancers increases transdermal penetration to achieve the desired outcome.
However, the users are not always educated or aware that all patches or topical gels are transdermal. Most creams, gels, ointments and patches are merely topical formulations with limited, if any, drug penetration to the tissues and circulation below the skin. Understanding the differences between transdermal medications and topical preparations will allow for the proper selection of the best option for the user.