CBD cream is a great option whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, or just the aches and stiffness of everyday life. CBD creams and balms are often a convenient and fast-acting way to bring relief to sore muscles or other parts of your body that hurt.
Although it’s slow compared to capsules and supplements, CBD absorbs very easily into the skin and allows for consistent and continuous absorption over a longer period. Because of their many therapeutic benefits, CBD creams are becoming increasingly popular; a wide variety of products, such as lotions, creams, salves, and more are just a click away for anyone with internet access.
Keep reading to learn more about CBD and why people use CBD balm.
As the name suggests, CBD topicals are lotions, creams, oils, salves, and balms that have been infused with cannabidiol, one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s not at all psychoactive, so CBD cream on its own doesn’t induce any of the infamous cerebral effects. Like all cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors that comprise the endocannabinoid system of the human body.
When applied topically, CBD is absorbed through the pores and acts upon the endocannabinoid system in the skin, which is how the therapeutic effects are experienced. Since topicals are used only on specific areas, the effects are only local. This can actually be better for some patients who only have problems with a specific region of their body.
What are some of the benefits of CBD balm?
The main advantage of CBD topical is you apply it directly wherever your body needs help. While we still don’t fully understand how CBD creams work, most users report rapid, even instantaneous effects.
There’s a growing body of scientific evidence to support the use of topical CBD products to ease pain, inflammation, and the symptoms of arthritis. One study using rats found that topical CBD has “therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects.” More scientific research on humans is needed to confirm all of CBD’s benefits, but the initial research into topical use in humans is also promising.
In addition to pain, CBD topical can also treat mild skin irritations, such as scratches, abrasions, burns, bug bites, and even stretch marks. And it’s also been clinically proven to treat inflammation-related skin conditions like acne. This is due to the fact that it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. It also displays some notable antibacterial properties.
Expanding further on the treatment of skin conditions, CBD topical can also be used by those suffering from psoriasis. For reference, psoriasis is a condition in which an excess buildup of skin cells causes itchy and painful patches all over the body. A 2007 study shows that cannabinoids inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells—although cannabis has been successfully used by psoriasis patients for far longer than that.
How to use CBD for skincare?
- Figure out where to apply your topical. Sometimes, it’s very simple; if you’re using a CBD face cream, you’d obviously apply it to your face. If you’re using some type of oil for pain, though, that can be a little more complex. For example, if you’re getting a tension headache, applying a CBD topical to your neck could be beneficial. Figuring out exactly what’s causing your ailment will help you determine where to apply the CBD.
- Clean the area first. Every single day we come into contact with an innumerable amount of bacteria and various other pathogens. You don’t need to take a full-on shower, but before using your topical, it would be best to wash your hands thoroughly and use a washcloth to clean the affected area first.
- Apply generously. Of course, you don’t want to waste your product as they can be rather pricey, but it’s fairly common to apply it in multiple layers. Thoroughly massage the topical into your skin, wait until it dries, and repeat one or even two more times.
- Wash your hands after you’re finished. Most CBD topical creams have additional active ingredients, such as citrus, mint, or capsaicin (the active ingredient in hot peppers). While these components are definitely helpful for relieving pain, inflammation, etc., it wouldn’t feel too good getting any of these in your eyes, nose, or on your genitals. So just to be on the safe side, wash your hands.
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