How to Use CBD Cream for Pain

CBD, an acronym for cannabidiol, has been at the center of research projects due to its many health benefits. There are various CBD products, from salves to balms to creams. This article delves into CBD cream, how to use the product, and how CBD creams work.

CBD has recently been at the center of medical and cosmetic research. It is why it is infused into almost all products, from pills to cosmetic products to food. Topical cannabidiol products such as creams, salves, and lotions effectively relieve pain and inflammation in localized areas of the body. When CBD-infused topicals are applied to the skin, they soothe the targeted area by working with the endocannabinoid receptors.

How to Use CBD Cream for Pain

Zheljazkov et al. (2021) noted that CBD is an exemplary compound, especially since its addition to several modern medicines. Note that CBD is not a cure-all substance since it also has its fair share of drawbacks. However, despite its shortcomings, current findings on CBD show that it is essential in combating chronic and acute conditions.

Pick an Application Method

There is a wide variety of cannabidiol products that makes it hard for confusing to pick the right product. One may have to experiment with various products before one land on the one that addresses their needs. Baswan et al. (2020) stated that the appropriate type of CBD cream depends on user preference since there isn't much variation in the many CBD creams available in the market. CBD creams are water and oil in similar proportions. However, the oil is infused with a carrier oil like MCT oil or coconut oil. It is worth noting that CBD creams and also CBD lotions have a high water content to boost their absorption rate into the skin. Cannabidiol products with a higher oil content settle on the skin's surface for too long, reducing its absorption rate and, therefore, slower effects.

Decide the Location

The location or the region under pain sets the pace of how a CBD cream is used. Greenfield (2020) established that CBD cream is ideal for individuals looking to reduce or prevent muscle soreness caused by day-to-day activities such as gym workouts that affect the shoulders and the neck. CBD efficiently treats inflammation caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne while healing minor cuts and scrapes. When treating a specific location, it is always advisable to apply CBD cream directly to the location. For example, an individual who wants to combat headaches should rub CBD cream on the back of the neck or the temples.

Apply to the Skin

Like any topical product, individuals are advised to start with a pea-sized amount of the product and then gradually increase the amount based on the desired effects or the amount of relief needed. Pour a pea-sized amount on the hands and rub the hands together to cause friction. Rub the cream on the skin in circular motions to promote blood flow. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions to CBD creams. One needs to perform a patch test to ascertain whether they are allergic to the topical product. Learn more about cbd serum and acne

Re-apply

Applying a topical product once does not lead to the desired therapeutic effects. Dermatologists advise the need to apply CBD creams regularly throughout the day every 12 hours to ensure that the CBD is constantly working to ease the pain. 

How Does CBD Cream Work?

Patel et al. (2021) stated that a cannabinol product's efficiency depends on how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which oversees the vital physiological functions of the body, such as mood, sleep, etc. CBD works with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system to ensure that normal body functions are carried out with ease. Typically, CB1 and CB2 receptors help ease the pain when the human body is subjected to pain. Eventually, CBD cream circumvents the endocannabinoid receptors and works directly with the 2-AG and anandamide to ease pain and inflammation in different body parts. CBD topical products are considered safer than opioids since they offer exquisite pain relief.

CBD creams and generally CBD topicals only work where they are applied. If one is suffering from abs soreness, applying CBD cream to the neck will not alleviate the abs soreness. However, individuals who suffer from constant body pain can apply CBD cream all over their bodies for reduced soreness. They are formulated using other ingredients. CBD is not always the only ingredient unless in CBD isolate creams. With that, individuals must check the ingredients of the cream before using it on their skin to prevent adverse reactions.

The Safety of CBD Creams

Dermatologists advise individuals to be cautious when using CBD topicals because the chances of a bad reaction are not slim, especially for breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women. Given that the medicinal effects of CBD on the body are still inconclusive, the FDA advises people who want to infuse CBD in their regime to advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to steer clear of CBD products. The reason is that CBD may cause side effects that may affect the fetus in pregnant women and the quality of milk in breastfeeding women. Research on CBD is still in its infancy. Therefore, individuals must contact a health professional before including it in their health regimen. Note that the FDA is yet to approve CBD as a dietary supplement or a food additive. Therefore, it is inadvisable to ingest CBD cream orally. One should only apply topically on the skin's surface, not on open wounds.

Conclusion

Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, has been the subject of numerous research initiatives because of its many health advantages. Salves, balms, and creams are just a few examples of different CBD products. CBD has been the subject of extensive medicinal and cosmetic research. It is why it is incorporated into all goods, including food, medications, and cosmetics. Localized body pain and inflammation are effectively treated with topical cannabidiol products like creams, salves, and lotions. When applied to the skin, topical products containing CBD calm the affected area by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927.

Greenfield, B. (2020). Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body & Defy Aging. Victory Belt Publishing.

Patel, P. M., & Lio, P. A. (2021). Safety And Sourcing Of Topical Cannabinoids: Many Questions, Few Answers. The Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology, 14(8), 49.

Zheljazkov, V. D., & Maggi, F. (2021). Valorization Of CBD-Hemp Through Distillation To Provide Essential Oil And Improved Cannabinoids Profile. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-11.