Do you have chronic pain or migraines? Do you struggle with acne, eczema or other skin conditions? Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? CBD topicals have become a popular, mainstream option to help relieve or treat these.
Cannabinol or CBD is one of the chemicals in the cannabis plant. The other major chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Both components have their benefits. However, they differ in that CBD is not psychoactive and THC is psychoactive. This means CBD alone does not cause someone to become “high.” It is the THC that can alter someone’s state of mind and cause them to be high.
CBD Topical Cream
CBD topical creams can help relieve a variety of pain. Some of these include:
- Arthritis
- Nerve pain
- Jaw pain
Arthritis
Topical CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory and help relieve joint pain. Some people who experience arthritis and use CBD have also reported better sleep, pain relief, and a reduction in anxiety.
Nerve pain
Topical CBD can be helpful to those with nerve pain. People report less shooting, intense, cold, and itchy pain sensations. Topical CBD doesn’t always penetrate deep enough to have an effect on nerves, especially when the nerve pain is very deep.
Jaw pain
CBD helped the tenderness, pain, and inflammation caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. It also reduces jaw muscle strain and joint pain so that you can have a more relaxed jaw position. Relaxing the muscles using topical CBD is a short-term fix, but can help prevent long term damage.
CBD and Skincare
Topical creams are sometimes just used as a skin and beauty product. They can be soothing to the skin. CBD creams can alleviate dry skin and help aging skin. Roll on creams often contain a nice minty scent.
Topical CBD can also help skin diseases. These include eczema, psoriasis, rashes, skin infections, and sunburns. It stops the build up of dead skin cells. Using CBD can sooth the pain caused by different skin infections.
Top CBD topical creams in 2022.
- Best anti-inflammatory CBD cream for pain: CBDfx Muscle & Joint CBD Hemp Cream
- Best high potency CBD cream for pain: Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream
- Most affordable CBD cream for pain: Naternal Rescue CBD Muscle Cream
- Best organic CBD cream for pain: Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion, Menthol Formula
- Best scented CBD cream for pain: FAB CBD Topical CBD Cream
- Best splurge CBD cream for pain: Extract Labs Muscle Cream
Although there are benefits to topical CBD, like everything, there’s always some concerns.
Ingesting CBD oil can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. It is also difficult to dose CBD oil with a dropper.
Although CBD creams may help with joint pain and other pain, the cream doesn’t seep in deep enough to help every problem. CBD creams will not have the same effect on mood that an oral CBD product provides.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals have become more popular over the past decade and easier to get your hands on. CBD topicals can be bought over the counter. Here are the most common CBD topicals.
- Lotions and Creams
- Oil
- Salves
- Gels
- Transdermal Patches
Lotions and Creams
CBD lotions and creams can be easily applied on the body. Lotions and creams are beneficial for people with extra dry skin such as knees or elbows. Many people use CBD lotions or creams as a beauty face product.
Oil
CBD oil can be used topically or ingested orally. A small amount of CBD oil under your tongue can act similarly to a topical application. You can add it to your tea or coffee as well.
Salves
CBD salves or balms are similar to lotions and creams. Salves contain beeswax so they are somewhat softer than lotions. People who live with skin issues may find that salves are medicinal and provide relief.
Gels
Gels are great for treating headaches. CBD gels cause a cooling effect and provide some relief. Using a few drops on the temples and forehead can relieve sinus pressure and provide a cooling effect on tension headaches.
Transdermal Patches
Transdermal patches are the most powerful cannabinoid topicals. Pure CBD patches can help relieve back pain. The patches have an adhesive so that you can apply the patch to the painful area.
CBD topicals are available scented and scent free. Some popular scents include lavender or citrus. Sometimes people choose to mix CBD topicals with other oils such as coconut oil or essential oils to provide other therapeutic benefits.
Other forms of CBD
- Gummies
- Vape Pens
- Capsules
- Drinks
Gummies
Gummies are pretty self-explanatory. However, it is difficult to know the dosing of gummies. Before taking gummies, do your research and make sure you know exactly what’s in them and that the product has been tested by a third-party.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are similar to oils in that it’s a quick delivery of CBD into your bloodstream. Because of this it works faster and the effects are essentially instantaneous. You should take caution, however, because we do not know the long-term effects vaping may have. It’s recommended that people with preexisting lung issues not vape.
Capsules
When you use CBD in capsule form, you’ll have a closer idea of how much CBD you’re actually taking. Unlike vape pens and oils, CBD capsules from reliable producers that are tested and confirmed by third party evaluation are not as much of a guessing game.
Drinks
There are many CBD infused drinks available. Consuming CBD drinks can be a nice beverage ritual throughout the day. Like capsules, CBD drinks must go through the digestive system before you start to feel the effects. There are low doses of CBD in drinks so many times by the time it goes through your bloodstream, there’s not enough left to feel any effects.
It’s easy to find CBD topicals and other products. Do your research and find what’s best for you.
There are pros and cons to using topical CBD. However, if you’re looking for some different, alternative methods of relief, CBD may be worth a try.
Katie Meyers is an SEO Specialist at SEO Design Chicago. Before joining the SEO Design Chicago team, she interned for them, as well as interned as a Content Writer at HZD Creates. Katie is from Washington State and has an AA and a Social Media Marketing Certificate.
