What is CBD Topical Cream: Benefits, Uses, Safety & Legality
CBD is everywhere you can possibly imagine, from oils, drinks, edibles, to skincare. Currently, the buzz is on CBD topicals, and for good reasons. CBD topicals offer localized relief and also help improve skin appearance. If you’re thinking about joining the trend, here is everything you need to know about CBD cream.
First, what is CBD? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC, another popular compound in cannabis, CBD doesn’t get you high. It has many purported health benefits, which is why CBD products are currently on the rise.
What Exactly are CBD Topical Creams?
CBD infused topicals are CBD products that manufacturers design to be applied directly on the skin. They produce relief both for surface level and deep muscle level pain.
Asides from pain and inflammation relief, CBD topicals have other uses too. They benefit the skin by treating dry and itchy skin.
CBD topicals include lotions, creams, salves, patches and even face wash. The difference among these CBD topicals is in the consistency, ingredients, and fragrance.
CBD creams are like every other cream-based topicals. However, these are infused with CBD. A CBD cream could also contain additional ingredients like minor cannabinoids, terpenes, aloe vera, vitamins, water and other moisturizing agents. This is where other topicals like the CBD salves differ. it uses the fatty oils or wax as base instead of water.
CBD face wash, CBD cream, or any CBD for skin often contains broad-spectrum CBD extract. This type of CBD extract doesn’t have any traceable amount of THC present.
You can also find CBD products made with full-spectrum hemp extract and CBD isolate.
Why Must You Consider them?
CBD cream has a lot of potential benefits. Research shows CBD may help relieve pain, inflammation, insomnia, and seizures in rare forms of epilepsy.
More than ever, many people are turning to CBD as a natural alternative to help manage acute and chronic pain. There are CBD creams available in the market from reputed brands for pain management. Which can provide soothing relief from joint pain, muscle pain, and body aches etc. This can lead one to irritation so CBD cream can provide a bit relief also there are creams for skin problems and for other conditions as well.
Studies prove CBD has therapeutic properties, accounting for CBD skincare benefits. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the inflammatory properties of CBD may aid treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
A 2016 study on the efficacy of transdermal CBD suggests CBD can help manage symptoms associated with arthritis. Also, in 2020, researchers found CBD can reduce pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy, a condition resulting from nerve damage.
Are CBD Creams Really Good for Your Skin?
Various studies show that CBD may have many potential benefits. However, is putting a CBD cream on your skin good? Isn’t using something this oily going to clog your pores?
CBD, like many other cannabinoids, has beneficial properties like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In addition, they contain healthy compounds like amino acids and vitamins, which are key to healthy skin.
A healthy fat will not clog your pores. Instead, it’s an excellent source of moisture, and our skin needs oil to function. Furthermore, most skin problems are a result of imbalance. CBD exerts its function through the endocannabinoid system, which is a system responsible for maintaining homeostasis and balance. Using CBD for skin is a great choice because of its interaction with this system. Research also suggests that CBD infused creams may help people with acne, inflammation, scarring, and itching.
Are They Safe?
CBD Creams are safe products to use, as long as you are buying from a reputable brand. CBD itself is generally a safe substance. Most irritation anyone may experience is likely from other ingredients in the products. It’s best to do a patch test before using CBD topicals to avoid any skin reactions.
According to Forbes, the most important factor in choosing a CBD product is to consider the quality. You want to ensure the product is from a trusted brand and contains exactly what is written on the label. Always go for third-party tested products.
There are common side effects some may experience with the use of CBD. Sometimes, these mild side effects are dose-dependent. They include:
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Dry mouth
Is It Legal to Buy CBD Topical Creams?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD products derived from hemp plants at a federal level. So it’s legal to sell and buy CBD products federally, including CBD topical creams.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the use of hemp products, some states may have their own laws. It’s best to check your state government’s website and be familiar with the exact CBD status in your state.
How Do You Use Them?
One of the advantages of CBD topicals is they are easy to use. Once you’ve discovered what part is a source of discomfort, apply an amount of CBD cream to that area. Apply it as you would with any other topical product.
Meanwhile, you need to know the amount of CBD in the cream you’re about to use. A low dose topical may be less effective than a higher potency product, particularly in conditions such as chronic pain.
However, if you are getting started with CBD, it’s best to start with a low workable dosage. From there, you can gradually increase the dosage as needed. There are no known side effects associated with using CBD for skin benefits. However, be sure to check in with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Where Do You Order?
CBD products are available almost anywhere. Generally, there are two options: you can buy CBD creams from online stores or offline at local stores.
Buying CBD online is convenient and allows you to verify the reputation of the brand. Visit the brand’s website, add the CBD cream you want to your cart, and check out. It’s always safer to order CBD products directly from the brand’s website than from third-party online retailers.
Summary
CBD creams may be helpful to people with various conditions such as pain, inflammation, eczema, arthritis, and psoriasis.
Many CBD brands offer CBD topicals like CBD creams. Do your research and be sure the product is from a reputable source.
The FDA currently doesn’t verify the quality of CBD products. So it’s left for you to do your homework. Be sure to buy from companies that provide reports of third-party tests from certified laboratories.
If you are new to CBD products, start by using only a small amount and gradually work your way up as needed.