CBD is known for its stress-relieving and relaxing effects, but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is pain relief. Yet, for those with area-specific muscle pains or certain skin conditions, typical CBD products may not be enough.
Luckily, when it comes to muscle or joint pain, topical CBD skin creams may prove to be even more helpful than your typical oils, tinctures, or pills.
Remarkably, topical CBD creams can help just about anyone—from those struggling with chronic pain and those who simply feel a little sore from yesterday’s workout—all while improving the appearance of skin.
CBD Skin Creams 101
As you’d expect, a CBD skin cream is simply a lotion or cream infused with CBD. Because they are applied directly to the skin, CBD skin creams fall under the category of CBD topicals, along with other balms, salves, and moisturizers.
But why would anyone want one? Applying a CBD-infused cream gives the wearer some of the classic effects of CBD, such as reduced pain and relaxation. More importantly, however, it can also help treat or alleviate the symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Related: Frequently Asked Questions About CBD
How Does CBD Skin Cream Work?
CBD creams work in just the same way as most other topicals.
When you apply CBD to your skin, it binds to the tiny cannabinoid receptors that exist all over the body. Once these receptors are activated, they, in turn, activate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates the body’s sense of pain and pleasure and helps reduce inflammation.
Remember that this doesn’t just occur at the surface skin level either. Since the skin is highly absorbent, these receptors can be activated in the muscle tissue and nervous system as well, reducing pain and inflammation at a deeper level.
As great as CBD creams are, they once work where you apply them. This makes it a great option if you feel sore from a workout or have tension in your neck after a long day. However, you experience chronic pain or soreness throughout the body, using topical CBD can become tedious. In those cases, oral CBD may be a better choice.
Think edible CBD products are the right choice for you? Check out our CBD gummies!
How is CBD Skin Cream Used?
Though CBD creams will reduce pain and inflammation wherever you apply them, those with certain conditions may see even greater benefits from using topicals.
FOR THE FACE
CBD creams can have some pretty astounding benefits when applied to the face. Thanks to certain antioxidants like vitamin E and C, CBD can help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. In the process, CBD also helps even the general texture and color of the skin. Naturally, the cream itself can also help reduce dryness and improve moisture.
CBD can also improve specific skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and even acne! Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, applying CBD to acne can help reduce the redness, pain, and swelling that comes with a breakout.
FOR THE BODY
Perhaps the most common use of topical CBD is for pain relief in the rest of the body. Since CBD skin cream can relieve pain and muscle tension wherever it’s applied, it can help almost anyone with the typical aches and pains that occur throughout the day.
Still, those with certain conditions may see far more significant benefits from CBD creams. So far, clinical research suggests that CBD can help reduce symptoms of arthritis and peripheral neuropathy in addition to the conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis mentioned above.
Related: CBD for Sunburns: What You Need to Know
How to Choose a CBD Cream
As we’ve mentioned before, buying CBD products can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially given the lack of regulation within the industry. This makes it extra important to do your research and evaluate your products carefully. Here are just a few things you should consider before selecting the right CBD skin cream:
THIRD-PARTY TESTING
Third-party testing means a given CBD product has been sent to an independent lab for testing. These tests can confirm the product’s potency, purity, and quality, allowing you to trust that you’re getting what you’re paying for. If a product hasn’t been third-party tested, it could be a sign that the dosage, THC content, or purity of the CBD isn’t the same as advertised.
DOSAGE
Even though using too much CBD isn’t dangerous, it’s always a good idea to keep dosages in mind to ensure you get the best results.
Most products have about 3 to 8 milligrams of CBD per application. If you’re new to CBD or are just using it for typical aches and pains, it may be best to stick to the lower end of the spectrum. On the other hand, those with more severe pains or experience with CBD should opt for higher potency.
IRRITANTS AND OTHER INGREDIENTS
Since creams are applied topically, it’s always good to check a product’s label for any irritants or ingredients you’re allergic to. Conversely, it’s a good idea to look out for other ingredients that may help relieve your pain even more, such as ginger or myrrh oil.
If you’re applying your cream to the face, it’s also best to check what carrier oil the product uses. If you know that certain oils have clogged your pores in the past, keep an eye out for them to avoid potential breakouts.
CBD TYPE
CBD products are primarily sold in three types: CBD isolates, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum.
CBD isolates contain pure CBD, with minimal or no THC content. Since THC is the active ingredient in cannabis, some CBD users prefer to avoid it. Broad-Spectrum CBD is also free of THC, though it may contain other cannabis compounds. On the other hand, Full-Spectrum CBD products can hold up to 0.3% THC. Though this isn’t typically enough to feel high, it can result in a positive drug test.
For those who prefer to avoid THC content, it’s best to stick to CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD products.
Related: What’s In Your Cannabis Vape?
The Best CBD Skin Cream for Pain Relief
If you’re interested in an effective, high-potency CBD relief cream, consider the Carefree Pain Relief Cream by Care Division.
The Carefree Pain Relief Cream is a lightweight cream formulated specifically to relieve pain using a combination of CBD and a thoughtfully-crafted blend of oils and extracts, including Szechuan peppercorn, chickweed, myrrh oil, and vitamin B3. Our CBD isolate formula is created using US-grown hemp and has been tested by an independent lab for potency and contaminants (you can find the results here).
Interested in experiencing CBD pain relief and muscle relaxation? Check out the Carefree Pain Relief Cream.
Summary: CBD Skin Cream
Though any type of CBD can help reduce inflammation, pain, and tension, CBD skin cream is uniquely suited for those with location-specific pain. Whether it’s joint pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, or simply tension, topical CBD creams can provide much-needed relief, all while improving the symptoms of certain skin-related conditions.