CBD cream is one of the most popular ways for users to get their CBD use. Some people just need CBD for localized pain, inflammation, or certain skin conditions, and don’t want to take a capsule or an oil. CBD cream is normally applied directly to the joint or affected area, and works quickly as it’s absorbed through the skin.
Many new users (and even some experienced ones) still aren’t sure how CBD cream works with the body. What happens when you apply it to your skin? What is CBD? What does it actually do for the skin? Is CBD cream safe to use every day? In this guide, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions and cover just how CBD cream works to improve skin health.
What Am I Putting On My Skin?
CBD cream is just a lotion that’s infused with CBD extract or oil. But what is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol. This natural compound is found in a strain of Cannabis known as hemp. You’ve probably heard of hemp and Cannabis before. Cannabis has something of a reputation to speak of, but this is only because of misinformation, criminalization, and fifty years of misunderstanding.
The CBD you’ll find in your CBD cream is extracted from industrial hemp. Hemp is a versatile and sturdy plant, with over 500 uses! Hemp can produce paper, fabric, biofuel, and much more. It’s also a hyperaccumulator, which means it’s excellent for cleaning polluted soil. Hemp pretty much absorbs anything in the soil around it, including heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins.
For this reason, most CBD products produced in the USA are done so using domestically-grown organic hemp. Organic crops have much more strict guidelines are where and how they’re grown, as well as what fertilizers/pesticides can be used (if any).
Anyways, back to CBD. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, appetite, and more. Essentially, it helps maintain homeostasis. Both THC and CBD interact with the ECS, but there’s a key difference between the two.
THC binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, creating the “high” that marijuana is famous for and causing impairment. CBD offers many of the same benefits, but it does not bind directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. There’s no high, no impairment, and few to no side-effects!
Why Use CBD Cream?
Now that you know what CBD is and how it interacts with the body, let’s take a closer look at why people use CBD cream and how it might benefit you as well. Skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema affect millions of Americans every year. In fact, acne is so common that it affects almost 50 million Americans on a yearly basis!
Many skin conditions occur due to environmental irritants. For example, acne sores are just infected pores, which become infected when there’s a build-up of dirt, debris, and bacteria on the area. Eczema can become active when you come across something you’re allergic to or your skin doesn’t agree with. So, what does CBD cream have to offer?
CBD is an anti-inflammatory compound. Inflammation and pain are both immune responses to injury and irritants, so when your skin is red and painful, something’s affecting it. CBD cream applied directly to the site is absorbed through the skin and offers relief from both pain and inflammation.
When your body exhibits an immune response that results in inflammation, cytokines are secreted. These proteins are responsible for the inflammatory response, and it’s believed that cannabinoids like CBD actually help suppress the function of these inflammatory proteins.
What does this mean for skin conditions? When your skin is red and inflamed, it’s not only painful, but it doesn’t look all that great, does it? We all loathe those pesky acne sores that like to pop up on our faces and bodies! CBD can help reduce the inflammation, and when it’s combined with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil, it can even have antiseptic properties.
Are Capsules and Oils Different?
Many new CBD users assume that all CBD products function the same way. While CBD interacts with the body’s ECS no matter how it’s taken, the method of delivery can change the results. When you’re applying cream, you’re only getting the effects of the CBD in that localized area, since it’s absorbed through the skin. For an all-around effect, users choose capsules or oils instead.
Essentially, if you want localized relief for joint pain or skin conditions, your best bet is CBD cream. While CBD oils and capsules might work, you’re not going to get a concentrated dose of CBD right where you need it on your skin, and the effects may take longer to show up.
I’m New To CBD; Where Do I Go?
With little to no federal regulation in the CBD space, we’ve seen plenty of imposter brands pop up in the green rush. These brands don’t focus on quality but rather on making a quick buck, which exposes customers to sub-par products and taints the entire market. As a new CBD user, you’re probably overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available, but don’t worry; here’s how to find the right one.
First and foremost, you should look for these three things in your CBD cream, oil, or capsule.
- Organic Hemp: domestically-grown organic hemp to source the CBD
- Extraction: The method of extraction is important. C02 extraction has the most potent yields.
- Transparency and Lab Testing: A good CBD brand will be transparent with their customers and have their CBD tested by a lab for quality and potency.
Don’t settle for gas station or grocery store brands, especially if it’s your first time using CBD. Spend a little extra money for the best CBD you can get, and you’ll be grateful for a good CBD experience!
Conclusion
CBD is a naturally-occurring compound that offers some great benefits. Our bodies are already designed to accept cannabinoids, and CBD is safe and yields few to no side-effects. If you’ve got a skin condition or localized pain, CBD cream might just be the best remedy!
