What is CBD cream? A guide to ingredients and more

Discover the world of CBD cream, including its benefits for muscle recovery, joint ease, skin health, and overall wellness.
What is CBD cream? A guide to ingredients and more
minute read

CBD has been used for centuries to support well-being in a plethora of ways — and as science and technology advance, the ways to enjoy CBD continue to grow. 

From oils to gummies, seltzers, supplements, capsules, and creams, there’s no shortage of ways to reap the benefits of CBD.

One popular form of CBD is CBD cream, a topical application that's proving to be a game-changer in skincare and wellness. So, what exactly is CBD cream, and how does it work? Let's dive into the fascinating science behind this product and discover why it's becoming a go-to choice for so many.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp plants and Cannabis sativa

Unlike its famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn't have psychoactive properties. That means it won't get you high. While both CBD and THC are cannabinoids, they interact differently with our bodies, thanks to the endocannabinoid system. 

How does CBD work with the endocannabinoid system? 

Now, let's look at how CBD interacts with our bodies. The key player here is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a wide range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. The ECS also reacts to cannabinoids like CBD.

The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids (natural cannabinoids produced by our bodies), receptors, and enzymes. 

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, found mostly in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, which are found in our peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.

While THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain to produce a euphoric effect, CBD doesn’t bind directly with these receptors. Instead, it has a more subtle influence, partnering with our endocannabinoids to help support their natural function. This is why CBD can offer potential wellness benefits without causing a high. By gently interacting with the ECS, CBD may help maintain a state of balance in the body and promote overall well-being.* 

What is CBD cream?

CBD cream is a type of CBD product that harnesses the potential wellness benefits of CBD in a topical form. 

Unlike CBD oil or tinctures that you ingest, CBD cream is designed for external use, delivering CBD directly to specific areas of the body. It's a part of the broader family of topical CBD products, which also includes CBD lotions and roll-ons. 

CBD topicals are often used for localized application, meaning you apply them to the area where you want to feel the most impact. CBD cream combines the wellness-supporting effects of CBD with the soothing and moisturizing benefits of a skincare cream. It offers a way to experience CBD that's easy to use, accessible, and luxurious.

What ingredients are typically in CBD cream?

CBD-infused cream often includes a blend of several active ingredients, each playing a unique role. 

When it comes to the type of CBD, you'll often find either full spectrum CBD or broad spectrum CBD in these creams. Full spectrum CBD includes all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. 

Broad spectrum CBD, on the other hand, contains minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBG. However, it undergoes a filtration process to remove the THC content, providing a non-detectable THC option.

Alongside CBD, these creams often feature ingredients like menthol, essential oils, shea butter, arnica, and aloe. Menthol provides a cooling sensation that can help ease discomfort, while essential oils such as peppermint add a calming aroma and additional soothing effects. 

Shea butter, arnica flower, and aloe are known for their hydrating and moisturizing properties, making these creams a great option for dry skin. These botanical-based creams also contain a range of beneficial phenols and antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals and protect the skin cells from age-related damage.

At Sunmed, our nourishing CBD creams are carefully formulated with these quality natural ingredients to ensure you get a product that's both soothing and effective.

What are the benefits of CBD cream?

From easing tension to encouraging skin health, CBD cream can have a range of benefits.

Muscle recovery 

One of the significant benefits of CBD cream is its potential to aid muscle recovery. After an intense workout, it's common to experience delayed onset soreness (DOMS) as our body works to help the muscles rebuild and recover. 

Applying CBD cream to tired or strained muscles can provide a soothing effect, helping to alleviate soreness and feelings of tension.* 

The cream's topical nature allows for localized application, so you can target specific muscles and affected areas directly after a workout or whenever the soreness sets in. This makes it a popular choice among athletes and those with physically demanding routines.

Ease sore joints

Beyond muscle recovery, CBD cream is also used to ease sore muscles and joints. The soothing properties of CBD, combined with the cooling effect of ingredients like menthol, can provide relief from everyday discomforts. 

CBD topicals are also fast-acting, working with CB receptors directly at the application site to support relief where and when you need it most.

Skin health

CBD cream is also a valuable addition to your skincare. CBD's soothing and balancing properties can work with CB receptors found in skin cells to help soothe skin irritations and ease discomfort associated with various skin concerns.*

With its antioxidant properties, CBD can help the skin retain moisture, promoting a healthier skin appearance — especially when paired with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and aloe. Whether it's dryness, redness, or irritation, CBD cream offers a plant-based approach to skin health, making it a versatile product that can be used throughout the day.

How to use CBD cream

Using CBD cream is straightforward and accessible, even for those new to CBD products. Begin by identifying the area of your body where you feel discomfort or tension. 

Apply a generous amount of the cream to this area and gently massage it into your skin until it's fully absorbed. Repeat this process as needed throughout the day.

CBD cream can be particularly beneficial when used after physical activities such as workouts, long walks, or any strenuous tasks that might leave your muscles feeling tense. It's also a great choice for those moments when you need some targeted relief. Remember, the goal is to make your wellness journey as comfortable and effective as possible.

Are there any risks to using CBD cream?

While CBD cream is generally considered safe, it's essential to know that everyone's body responds differently to CBD. The cream is applied topically and doesn't enter the bloodstream, making side effects unlikely. However, you should check the product's ingredients to ensure you aren't allergic to any of them.

Choosing third-party tested, trusted products is crucial for safety and effectiveness. At Sunmed, we take pride in offering high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products that you can rely on for every step of your wellness journey.

What are some other types of CBD products? 

There's a wide range of CBD products available, each offering unique benefits. CBD gummies and supplements, for example, are ingested, providing long-lasting, full-body support. On the other hand, CBD tinctures are versatile and can be taken under the tongue for quick absorption or added to foods and drinks.

While these products offer more generalized effects, CBD topicals excel in providing fast-acting, localized relief. They're applied directly to the skin, targeting specific areas of discomfort or tension, making them ideal for addressing specific areas of discomfort or tension on the body. 

The bottom line

From soothing sore muscles to promoting balance within the skin, the use of CBD is as varied as the forms it comes in. At Sunmed, our award-winning Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD Relief Cream is a botanical powerhouse, crafted with hemp extract, peppermint, arnica flower, and cocoa oil to nourish the skin and provided targeted relief as needed. 

The world of CBD offers a range of possibilities, and CBD cream is just one way to experience them. Wherever you are in your wellness journey, there's a CBD product that can fit into your routine. We invite you to explore our full range of supportive hemp products at Sunmed and discover the potential of CBD for yourself.

**This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources:

An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system | PMC

Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System | PMC

INFLUENCE OF TOPICALLY APPLIED MENTHOL COOLING GEL ON SOFT TISSUE THERMODYNAMICS AND ARTERIAL AND CUTANEOUS BLOOD FLOW AT REST | PMC

Phenolic acids: Natural versatile molecules with promising therapeutic applications | PMC

Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research | PMC

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders | PMC

Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance | MDPI