CBD topical cream is all the rage in the market these days. From acne, eczema to even cancer, CBD topical creams are being lauded to have positive effects on these skin conditions. But the thought of using topical creams that contain CBD might make you take a step back. Is it safe? Will it not make you high? Are there any adverse effects on your skin?

 

So we've rounded up everything you need to know about CBD topical creams and the five benefits you could get from using them.

 

Read on to learn more about CBD topical creams.

 

What is CBD?

There are more than 100 cannabinoid compounds that can be found in the cannabis plant. And even then, only the hemp strain of the cannabis plant produces most cannabidiol or CBD. CBD is an active compound that targets the body's endocannabinoid system, making it a favourite of naturopaths and experts in treating various conditions in the body.

 

From arthritis to cancer, there has been a lot of anecdotal evidence and even a growing list of scientific findings to back the claims of CBD's multitude of benefits. By binding through receptors located in critical parts of our central and peripheral nervous system, CBD mimics our body's natural cannabinoids, triggering homeostatic responses in our body. These homeostatic responses can include pain management, appetite stimulation, and even the sleep cycle.

 

Despite all these benefits, there is one thing that CBD cannot do: make you feel intoxicated. CBD is extracted from hemp, which contains negligible amounts of THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the active compound responsible for making consumers feel high. THC is commonly derived from the marijuana plant, which can be considered the hemp plant's wilder cousin. Interestingly enough, CBD not only does not have a euphoric effect on its users but can make one feel more calm and relaxed.

 

There are many ways to consume CBD. In its regular form, CBD exists as an oil. Some users and medical practitioners administer it through droppers. Some people find the hempy flavour of CBD oil off-putting, so they find other ways to consume it. CBD is also made into sublingual or medications placed under the tongue for faster absorption. There are vapes, food products, and even smoothies. Depending on your requirement, chances are there is a form of CBD for your consumption.

 

What is a CBD Topical Cream?

CBD topical cream is made by mixing drops of CBD oil into creams and tinctures. Some manufacturers blend CBD oil with vegetable glycerine or aloe vera gel as carriers. Some prefer coconut oil and shea butter. Mixing it with menthol adds some pain relief as well. By adding it with other compounds, CBD oil adds more health benefits along with its carrier compound. 

 

CBD topical creams are created to target issues on the skin specifically. For faster absorption and quick relief, CBD topical creams can be applied directly to the skin's problem area. 

 

One great thing about using CBD topical creams is that it not only absorbs quickly, it even penetrates deep into the dermal and subdermal layers of the skin. This only means that CBD topical creams are highly effective in treating skin conditions and pain management through the dermal application.

 

Another great benefit about using CBD topical creams is that most of the products out in the market are organic. Despite being an active compound, consumers are safe knowing that no toxic chemicals are getting into their skin and bodies. As long as you check your product and make sure the hemp plant it came from is grown organically, the CBD topical cream you will be using is as organic as it could be.

 

5 Benefits of CBD Topical Cream

  1. Treat Skin Inflammation

CBD is known to treat inflammation, which includes any inflammation in the skin. Typically, CBD binds with receptors on our brains to trigger an anti-inflammatory effect on our body. A 2016 study showed that using CBD creams by applying them to the skin could significantly help in reducing pain and inflammation. 



  1. Ease Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is a lifelong condition that can only be managed with anti-inflammatory lotions and creams. Since the disease breaks the skin's ability to moisturize itself, finding a cream that could ease the redness, flakiness and drying of the skin is a must. 

 

CBD topical creams are an excellent treatment choice as they have anti-inflammatory properties that could penetrate deep into the skin. Because CBD can help alleviate the inflammation of the skin, itchiness and drying of the skin are prevented from happening. CBD topical cream is also great in keeping the itchiness of the skin at bay, as it can bring pain relief. In this case, CBD helps the brain sort the pain stimulus from the itchiness of the skin.



  1. Moisturize Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common yet challenging problem that stumps even seasoned skincare enthusiasts. The knee-jerk reaction to dry skin is trying to keep the skin moisturized, which leads to over-moisturizing. This isn't good because, at a certain point, over-moisturizing could keep the skin from producing the right amount of natural oils by itself. 

 

The best thing about CBD is it does not induce over-moisturizing. Instead, it interacts with the skin's sebaceous glands, which produces our natural oils, and helps regulate oil production. CBD acts as an emollient, which helps keep the moisture in the skin without drying the skin out of the oils it needs to keep moisture.



  1. Manage Pain

In general, CBD can help in pain management by binding with receptors in our central nervous system. When applied as a topical cream on our skin, CBD can bind to our skin's receptors and bring relief to the localized area. Think of it as our skin has its own endocannabinoid system. 

 

A study has shown that CBD topical creams' anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect has helped patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). EB is a disease characterized by the blistering of the skin. After using CBD topical creams, three proponents of the study had shown faster wound healing, less blistering and significant relief from pain.




  1. Slow Down Skin Cancer Growth

Recent studies have shown the promising effects of CBD on slowing down skin cancer growth. It has been observed that cannabinoids can help slow down tumour growth. Another research has even shown that CBD can help stop angiogenesis, which is supplying blood to a tumour. Eventually, a tumour dies out from the lack of blood.

 

Aside from its direct effect on tumour growth, using CBD topical creams can help alleviate other cancer treatment-related symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Using other CBD products, such as gummies and oil, while in chemotherapy has also proven to amplify medications' effect on the body with fewer adverse effects like nausea and loss of appetite



CBD topical creams are organic products that can be used on the skin without causing any adverse effects. It has a myriad of benefits. It can moisturize dry skin without preventing the skin from producing its natural oils in the long run. CBD topical creams are also great treatment options for inflammation, itchiness, and even some of the more severe skin conditions like eczema and skin cancer.


Now that you've learned some benefits of CBD topical creams, you might want to dive deeper into the topic of CBD. Learn more about CBD by reading this article on the ten interesting facts about CBD.