Looking for a new way to benefit from cannabidiol (CBD) products? Then CBD creams, salves and balms could be for you. These topical products offer a range of benefits for the skin – they help combat pain, reduce inflammation, treat skin infections and more.
Pain
CBD topicals are effective when used alone, and as a complementary remedy to other CBD products. CBD pain creams often contain other natural ingredients, such as menthol, which has a cooling effect.
CBD may relieve pain symptoms through two mechanisms: CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and vanilloid receptors. Both receptor types control pain perception and are well-expressed in the skin.
CBD creams are a good option if you need pain relief without feeling sleepy, as the cannabinoids stay in the skin when applied topically, and are not transported to the brain.
Inflammation
Studies suggest the ECS has key influence over the immune system and inflammation, hence the potential of CBD products. With topicals, CBD may help to ease notorious skin conditions that we currently have substandard treatments for, including acne and psoriasis.
Researchers have discovered that CBD regulates the production of sebum, a natural oil generated by the skin. In acne patients, sebum production is excessive, which causes oily, dirty skin. CBD restores sebum to normal levels, without drying out the skin, a common flaw of many other acne treatments.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes patches and flaky skin. This is due to the accelerated production of skin cells, which the skin is unable to remove fast enough, therefore leading to patches. CBD regulates the immune system via CB2 receptors, which are also expressed in the skin, and this may reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Infections
Fungal, microbial and bacterial infections are all serious risks when you’ve cut or wounded yourself. What’s more, some of these infections are increasingly dangerous, due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
However, CBD and other cannabinoids from hemp and marijuana have demonstrated antibiotic properties in preclinical research. And fascinatingly, the compounds produce these effects in a way we don’t currently understand, which indicates they work differently from traditional antibiotics.
This could make CBD topicals extra effective. Consider using full-spectrum CBD creams that have a blend of secondary cannabinoids, like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Full-spectrum CBD creams also contain terpenes and flavonoids, many of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Traces of THC may be present in full-spectrum topicals, although, by law hemp-derived products cannot have more than 0.3% of this psychoactive cannabinoid.
Aging
We can’t fight off the effects of time forever, but with the right tools, it’s possible to slow them down. Extrinsic aging caused by free radicals is a nightmare that we can put a stop to with CBD. These DNA-destroying molecules are found in exhaust smoke, tobacco smoke, and even the Sun’s ultraviolet rays.
CBD creams essentially act as a shield from free radicals, as CBD is an antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize uncharged free radicals, by pairing them off with an electron. This means tighter, more vibrant skin, and fewer deep lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet.
