CBD topicals: all about CBD cream
CBD Topicals: All About CBD Cream
CBD has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. This has led to article after article focused on CBD and what it can do. However, many of these articles never focus on one of the most popular kinds of CBD products out there, CBD creams and topicals. This makes it difficult for those who may be interested in creams to learn more. Well, this article is trying to rectify that. It’s time to learn all about CBD topicals and creams.
What is CBD?
It’s always good to start with the basics; in this case, defining CBD. Cannabidiol (more casually known as CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana. It is just one of over 113 compounds called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids can have a number of reactions with the human body because of a series of receptors we have called the Endocannabinoid System. But CBD isn’t the most famous cannabinoid. That title belongs to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC’s fame comes from the fact that it is the compound that is psychoactive. This is the reaction that is most commonly associated with cannabis and, as a result, CBD. However, CBD and THC are very different compounds. CBD, for instance, is not psychoactive in any way. It may create a sense of calm, but that appears to be the only effect it has on one’s mental state.
Another difference between CBD and THC is that most CBD products are now federally legal, where THC is still subject to individual state laws. In late 2018, the newest version of the Farm Bill was passed. The Farm Bill is what dictates what farmers can grow and sell in the United States, among other things. Every five years or so the bill is reevaluated and then passed again. This version of the Farm Bill included a section legalizing industrial hemp across the country. It defines hemp as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. The reason that this was so great for the CBD industry is that hemp is used to make CBD products much more often than marijuana.
This has led to CBD producers creating all kinds of CBD products, from basic CBD oils to crazy edibles to lotions and creams. While oils and edibles get a lot of attention, it feels like creams don’t get talked about too much. As a result, many people are unsure why they would want to use CBD creams in the first place.
Why Use CBD Cream?
Many people struggle with things skin problems like acne and redness. Some people struggle with the effects of inflammation. As CBD becomes more popular the research on what it can do increases. Among these are studies on how CBD may be able to improve the daily lives of those who fight acne or inflammation.
Everyone has gotten at least a little bit of acne at some point. It can be so frustrating. But recent research suggests that CBD may be able to improve your skin health. One study tested a cream made with CBD extract to see how it faired against redness and acne. This study found that not only was the cream safe to use but at the right level of dosage (more than 3% extract), it was able to reduce the redness on the test subjects’ cheeks as well as their sebum production.
Inflammation is a common issue for a lot of people. It can lead to all kinds of problems including decreased mobility. Research has found that CBD could help reduce inflammation, making life much easier for many people. One of these studies, conducted in 2012, looked at how CBD interacted with mice who had spinal inflammation. They found that CBD helped fight inflammation by targeting certain receptors associated with affliction.
One reason why so many people like creams and topicals are that their effect is likely to be more localized than other products. You are more likely to get a focused effect than you would with something like a capsule. Other products are going to have more of a general effect. If you’ve been struggling with a condition that seems to be focused on one area of your body, then CBD creams and topicals could be the right choice for you.
Of course, you don’t even need the excuse of acne and inflammation. There are those who just use it as a nice daily moisturizer. Some do it for the potential overall wellness boost CBD may give them. Most CBD creams are made using carriers like coconut oil and shea butter, so it leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft.
How to Use CBD Cream
CBD creams and topicals are probably some of the easiest CBD products to use. You just use it like any other cream. Apply the cream needed to the area where it is needed most. However, it may take a little while for you to feel any sort of effect from the CBD. It tends to be different for each person.
If you want to start using a CBD cream and are not sure how to start, the best answer is to start small. It’s always best to start with a low amount of topical. There are no serious side effects associated with CBD. Some people do experience things like fatigue or diarrhea, but those who report these side effects often take large quantities of CBD consistently. CBD does seem to react differently with everyone. This means that you might need more than others, or you may need less. So, you may have to experiment to find how much works best for you.
It is also always a good idea to talk with a medical professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD. There are certain medications that don’t work in the presence of CBD. It may change or cancel out the effects of the medication.
Creams, while not as popular as edibles like CBD gummies, has the potential to help with the quality of life for so many people. Are you ready to give some a try?
