Muscle pain or inflammation is something many people would like to get rid of. Edible or topical medications such as pain relievers are what most people intake to reduce pain and feel better. Although helpful, these treatments can cause liver damage and other harmful side effects if used too frequently.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can relieve pain. If you are interested in trying a new alternative in pain relief, CBD products are a good place to start.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis plants. This compound is mainly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping relieve aches and pains in your body. CBD has a lot of varieties you can choose from to help alleviate the aches that you feel. From oils, edibles, and topicals, any CBD product has the potential to relieve pain. But if you experience aches in your muscles or joints, CBD cream is the best choice. 

 

What is CBD cream?

CBD creams are topical lotions with cannabidiol and other ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and  vitamin C. This type of CBD product has a more localized effect in your body that can aid in alleviating pain especially in muscles and joints.

CBD cream can easily be used by applying and massaging the cream into sore spots. If you are a first time user apply only a small portion of cream on the affected area to test for any negative reactions.

 

How does CBD alleviate pain?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for balancing bodily functions by regulating our mood, inflammation, pain, memory, and other functions on the body. The ECS has two receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are found in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Much like our body's endocannabinoid system, CBD produces a similar effect on our body. When CBD interacts with your ECS receptors, helping the body achieve homeostasis, helping to relieve pain, alleviate anxiety/depression, and helps you relax.

 

Benefits of CBD Cream

CBD is an effective ingredient when it comes to taking care of your skin due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. What else can CBD cream do to your body and skin?

  • Helps Reduce Inflammation 
    • CBD may help alleviate possible swelling, redness, or pain and irritation from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Knowing the cause of how psoriasis and eczema appear in the skin is essential in understanding how CBD helps alleviate them. Psoriasis can be generated by psychological stress and infections, causing pain and discomfort, apart from the dry, overgrown skin that comes with it. Eczema is often caused by an overactive immune system, causing inflammation, infection, and discomfort.
    • CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its antibacterial properties. Applying topical CBD is shown to strengthen and protect our skin's natural barrier. Along with its anti-infective agents, it can defend open wounds on your body from bacteria and helps in the healing process. Using CBD cream in addition to your sunscreen may help reduce the effects of sunburn as well as possible dryness on the skin.
  • Regulates Oil Production and Hydrates Dry Skin
    • Sebum is a natural moisturizer made by your body that coats, and protects your skin. Overproduction of sebum can contribute to and worsen acne. The role of CBD in sebum production is seen in a 2014 study. It suggests that the interaction between sebocytes, or the skin cells that produce the sebum, normalizes the excess of sebum and regulates the amount that the body should produce.

 

Tips Before Purchasing CBD Cream

CBD products are generally safe and help create a difference in how your skin feels and looks, from helping out inflammation and discomfort to having it a part of your skincare routine. Here are some tips on what to look out for and what to do before purchasing CBD cream.

 

  • Consult a  Medical Professional
    • Our skin varies in sensitivity. Before trying any product to use on your skin, it is recommended to consult your physician to ensure that no other side effects would happen upon use.
  • Third-Party Testing
    • Third-party testing is where an independent organization reviews a specific product and ensures it meets set standards. Cannabis products need to undergo testing for harmful substances by third-party laboratories.
  • Dosage
    • It is recommended that getting your own CBD dosage is from your body weight. For every 10 pounds of body weight, you can take 1-6 milligrams (mg). A higher dose is recommended if you are experiencing chronic pain. But if you are new to using CBD, it is still best to start on a lower dosage.
  • Environmental Considerations
    • Since CBD cream includes plant-based ingredients, it is best to consider where and how these plants grow. Hemp plants, where CBD comes from, are classified as bioaccumulator plants. It means that they absorb the qualities of the soil and air in which they are planted.  So when hemp plants are grown on polluted soil, the contaminants may appear within the CBD once harvested and can cause more damage than good when in use. Determining whether the CBD in the cream is organic helps understand that the soil and natural environment it is planted are healthy and safe from pollution.

 

Conclusion

Experiencing muscle and joint pain can hinder our day-to-day lives, and we'd want to alleviate the discomfort and pain that we feel so we can continue with our tasks and plans for the day. CBD cream is a great alternative to apply to your skin from other pain relievers on pills and other topicals with adverse side effects.

CBD cream is a recommended alternative because it doesn't come with intoxicating effects. It also helps relieve pain, reduce infection in wounds, and even aids in better hydrating your skin. Always remember to consult your doctor when trying out CBD cream and take note of what you should look out for in buying one.