Topical CBD application methods such as balms, salves, and lotions are becoming more popular due to an increasing number of studies confirming CBD's usefulness when applied to the skin.
When used in skincare, cannabinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, can give tailored treatment for dry skin, arthritis, and even acne.Â
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Many people used to take CBD by vaping because it was the popular method back then and it takes effect on the body the fastest as well. With more research showing how harmful vaping can be to the body in the long run, more CBD users seek safer alternatives, and CBD topicals are among the healthiest methods.Â
CBD cream and CBD salve are among the gamut of terminologies used endlessly in the CBD world. Sometimes, these two are used interchangeably, but there are many differences between them in reality.
Both are tried and true products to provide the benefits CBD offers, but to ensure that you pick the right one that suits your needs best, read on to know more about CBD salves and creams.Â
What is a CBD salve?
Salve use can be traced back to ancient Egypt.
Back then, their primary use was to treat infection, inflammation, and pain and, more importantly, mummify the dead. Beeswax or vegetable wax, herbs, and essential oils were used to make salves.
When it comes to CBD salves, the 'herbal' component of salves is replaced by cannabidiol, with the fatty acids in the oil acting as the 'vehicle' for transporting the cannabinoids.
Beeswax serves as a preservative, and because CBD salves do not contain water, they last far longer than products with a water base, such as lotions or creams.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the cannabis plant. The various processes employed to extract the material determine its consistency. The herbal component of CBD salves can determine if it contains other cannabinoids and their derivatives.
CBD, in salves or any form for that matter, is considered a type of medication that affects the human endocannabinoid system—a system of neurotransmitters that runs throughout the body and aids in environmental adaptation.
When its receptors receive signals from cannabinoids, it delivers various health benefits, including pain alleviation.Â
Most CBD salves have trace amounts of THC that are less than the legal limit of 0.3 percent. This enables them to provide all of the health advantages of CBD without the euphoric consequences that come with marijuana use.
How are CBD salves made?
Cannabidiol can be made by solvent extraction, steam distillation, or carbon dioxide extraction. The technique utilized determines the potency and quality of the resulting CBD salve product.
A company can make cannabidiol oil utilizing solvent extraction or hydrocarbon extraction to cut costs. However, the final product can potentially be less effective and even contain harmful residue.
It could even leave a persistent aftertaste that diminishes the user's experience. The manufacturer selects which portions of the cannabis plant, or perhaps the entire plant, to use.Â
The most efficient method for generating CBD oil is carbon dioxide extraction.
Enclosing cannabis plant parts in a pressurized, low-temperature CO2 chamber is how carbon dioxide extraction for CBD salve, and other CBD products, is done. It safely creates the highest quality cannabidiol oil.
This is why reputable cannabidiol product suppliers prefer to extract their hemp ointment and other products using this process.
CBD salve benefits
Cannabidiol is a highly effective antioxidant. It is linked to speeding up the healing process and reducing the time for a wound to heal.
CBD salve may also help your skin's natural defense mechanisms and rejuvenation abilities, so it is an ideal topical to consider if you are dealing with recurring skin issues.Â
CBD may also aid in treating a variety of skin disorders, including inflammation, dermatitis, psoriasis, and many more. It could also help with other conditions like:
- Chronic pain - CBD salve has the potential to help with various muscle pains by providing relief that can last for several hours. It's used to treat everything from acute and chronic pain to painful joints and muscles. You can help fight muscle soreness using a CBD salve.Â
- Eczema - CBD salve may help with eczema symptoms by lowering inflammation and calming dry skin. Other eczema symptoms, such as pain and itching, may also be relieved with CBD.
- Psoriasis - this autoimmune disease characterized by areas of abnormal skin may be eased with cannabinoid-infused topicals like CBD salve by helping reduce skin irritation.
- Acne - acne is a well-known skin issue that may be alleviated by CBD. CBD has been demonstrated in studies to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation.
- Skin dryness - cannabidiol has the perfect balance of omega 6 and omega 3 necessary fatty acids, which may organically and effectively nourish and moisturize every skin type.
- Wrinkles - CBDÂ may promote and balance the skin's oil production, making wrinkles less noticeable. As wrinkles appear more often on dry skin, CBD hydrates and moisturizes the skin to reduce wrinkle definition.Â
What is CBD cream?Â
CBD cream is just a cream-based topical that is infused with CBD. To keep the skin moisturized, most high-quality health and beauty creams comprise half oil and half water.
Other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, or even skin-beneficial substances like vitamin E or aloe may be included in some CBD topicals.
In contrast with CBD salves, CBD cream differs in consistency, aroma, ingredients, and user preference all play a role in the differences in CBD topicals such as salves, creams, balms, and lotions.
Because creams are thicker, dry skin sufferers and those with itchy skin disorders will benefit more, especially CBD creams with high-fat content and emollient characteristics.Â
As mentioned in the previous sections, CBD salves are produced with wax and oil, so they soak slowly and are ideal for massaging into muscles for chronic pain relief. Preference and reason for using CBD play a big role in choosing between CBD salve and cream.Â
What is CBD cream made of?
Because both CBD creams and salves are topicals, the way they are made is pretty much identical.
Except for a few ingredients in which these two products differ, CBD creams are made in the procedure CBD salves, and other CBD topicals, for that matter, are made.Â
Manufacturers of CBD creams can choose to either use just a portion of the cannabis plant or the entire plant.
They will extract cannabidiol from the plant through methods such as solvent extraction, steam distillation, or carbon dioxide extraction, which determines the product's potency.Â
Same as the production process for CBD salve, carbon dioxide extraction is the safest and most effective method of generating CBD oil for creams. Once CBD oil is obtained, it will then be infused in carrier oils, herbs, and in the case of CBD creams, water.Â
While CBD salves contain little to no water, CBD creams are the opposite. Depending on the desired consistency, some are made with half carrier oil and half water to facilitate faster skin absorption and smoother application.Â
Benefits of CBD cream
To know whether CBD cream is for you, below are the top benefits it offers based on scientific research. According to these studies, CBD cream can benefit people who suffer from:Â
- Psoriasis, eczema, and acne - according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), CBD's anti-inflammatory effects of CBD cream may help with acne, psoriasis, and eczema therapy.
- Arthritis - some CBD products may have long-term therapeutic effects on inflammation and arthritis-related behaviors, according to a 2016 study on rats, and this includes CBD topicals like CBD cream.Â
- Peripheral neuropathy - CBD oil present in CBD cream may considerably reduce pain for persons with peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve loss that causes discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the feet and hands.
- Jaw pain - according to studies, people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may notice an improvement in their condition after using CBD products, like CBD topicals.Â
CBD cream pros and cons
Knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of using CBD cream can help you decide whether you should get a CBD cream or CBD salve (or both!).Â
The top advantages of CBD cream include help in drug recovery withdrawals and supporting pain relief, alleviation of anxiety-related symptoms, and reducing the appearance of skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.Â
Meanwhile, the potential downside of applying CBD cream includes low CBD content, minor side effects—like drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and sleepiness—and the inability to use CBD with other drugs. There is, however, a work-around for these cons.Â
You can increase your CBD cream dosage to achieve the results that you want from CBD. It is also important to note that everyone does not experience the reported side effects of CBD cream effects and most of them only occur when using CBD in higher quantities.Â
Before using CBD cream, or any medication, consult your doctor.Â
Differences between CBD cream and salve
Both CBD creams and salves contain CBD, the primary ingredient that enables these topicals to deliver health benefits such as chronic pain relief and skin benefits like treating acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis.Â
Depending on the brand, they can contain herbs and additional ingredients such as menthol, shea butter, and aloe elements like those found in our Relief Cream.Â
The main difference between CBD creams and CBD salves, on the other hand, is that creams contain a percentage of water in their base. Salves are made entirely of oil and wax, giving them a longer shelf life. CBD creams enable faster skin absorption, while CBD salves take longer to be absorbed.Â
This makes salves more ideal for massages and rubs for pain and muscle relief since it allows more time to be spread and massaged onto the skin.Â
Meanwhile, CBD creams are perfect for daily application, especially when it’s the best time of the day to apply CBD. Â
Because CBD creams are best for daily use, we recommend choosing them over CBD salves. It is also the optimal starting point for beginner CBD users as you can build up the dosage of CBD creams instead of salves that are often too strong and potent right off the bat. Â
Best CBD cream for pain reliefÂ
CBD cream is definitely a must-try product after getting clearance from your doctor that it is safe for you to use. Our Relief Cream, for example, is one of the best you can get on the market.Â
It is made from top-grade camphor oil, CBD, aloe, shea butter, arnica, menthol, eucalyptus, wintergreen oil, and other premium ingredients to provide a cooling relief to your skin and muscles, reduce inflammation, and soothe aches all at the same time.
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The key distinction between CBD creams and CBD salves is that creams have a higher water content in their base while salves are entirely made of oil and wax, making them thicker and longer to be absorbed by the skin.Â
In the end, it is up to you to determine which product is best for you. Whether you have muscle aches, dry skin, arthritis, or general discomfort, topical CBD treatment is excellent for targeted relief. You can even enhance your sleep cycle with CBD cream.
We recommend that you get a CBD salve if you are looking for an ideal massage rub. But if you want a product that you can apply quickly for daily use, then CBD creams are superior.
Get our Relief Cream today to experience what premium topical CBD feels like!Â