Many new and old ingredients are being incorporated into skincare and healthcare products, and one of those is hemp. For centuries, topical hemp products have been used by many people. In recent years, hemp products have become increasingly popular, and they range from creams to lotions and balms. What do you think is so good about these products?
Even though hemp may live in the same family as marijuana or cannabis, products like creams and balms that contain hemp will not and cannot make a person high. Hemp creams and balms are among the natural and powerful skin and healthcare items that can help relieve anything from muscle pain, soreness, and irritation. If you have been hearing about hemp creams and balms from some people and are wondering what they can offer, you’re in the right place. In this post, we are giving you the ultimate guide to hemp creams and balms.
What are Hemp Creams and Balms?
Hemp is used in making several topical products, but creams, lotions, balms, and salves are the most popular. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in hemp and is a key component of topical hemp treatments used to treat skin problems and discomfort.
Hemp cream contains hemp seed oil, which is extracted from hemp plant seeds. Hemp is also the name given to cannabis plants that contain very little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound that makes people feel light. Legal hemp should contain only 0.3% THC or less.[1]
Hemp lotions and creams are products that make use of a small amount of water along with moisturizing agents. It offers a moisturizing effect on the skin. Some creams are used for pain relief. Balms and salves, on the other hand, use fatty oils along with wax as a base without using water. Obviously, there will be a distinction in consistency. Salves and balms are generally used for pain relief due to tension, inflammation, discomfort, and muscle soreness.
Hemp CBD creams have different amounts of CBD oil that have been extracted from the hemp plant. A product becomes much more concentrated if the plant itself is used without proper processing. So, when buying a pain relief cream, make sure that it contains actual CBD oil.
The Benefits of Topical Hemp Creams and Balms
You must be aware of how hemp works in order to comprehend the advantages of these hemp products. Direct application of hemp or CBD products to the skin prevents them from reaching the circulatory system, but the skin’s surface allows them to be kept and reach neighboring cannabinoid receptors.
In case you didn’t know, the skin is a functioning organ that acts as an appropriate atomic vessel for lipid-based oil absorption. These lipids in the product’s oil that carry cannabinoids pass through the skin’s cell layers. A little while later, the CBD begins to work on the cell and the tissue layers surrounding it.
This is why you can apply the salve straight to the affected area and begin the healing process right away if you have skin issues or pain. Compared to ingesting edible oil, CBD topical solutions are ideal for getting to a troublesome area more quickly. While ingesting hemp oil may be beneficial for a variety of diseases, topical hemp treatments are preferable for treating various skin disorders, chronic pain, and other localized conditions. Since the process doesn’t need to initially pass through the body’s digestive system, it can proceed more quickly.
Here are some of the major advantages of topical hemp products now that you are aware of how easily the skin may absorb hemp products:
Pain Relief
Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the benefits of hemp for people. Hemp creams and balms can be administered topically to relieve any kind of pain, whether it is chronic, related to activity, or the result of an injury. It has been demonstrated to ease a variety of common aches and pains, including:
- Arthritis: By lowering the body’s production of cytokines, hemp lotions, salves, and oils are thought to reduce inflammation in arthritic joints. The proteins known as cytokines alert the cells to inflammation. As a result, hemp-based products help reduce pain, stiffness, and joint swelling.
- Chronic Pain: Use hemp products to lessen inflammation going forward rather than resorting to prescription medications. On the sore area, apply a lotion or salve locally. The discomfort brought on by nerve injury or neuropathy may also be treated with it.
- Lupus: Hemp-based products can provide pain and inflammatory relief for those with autoimmune diseases like lupus. The body’s nerves and other receptors are affected by hemp.
- Fibromyalgia: This condition is complicated and frequently misunderstood. It has an impact on the nervous system, resulting in tiredness, soreness, and severe headaches. Muscle and joint discomfort can be treated with hemp lotions, which also enhance sleep quality and reduce fatigue.
- Multiple Sclerosis: In order to relieve pain, hemp lotions and oils can assist or control the activation of certain receptors. It can also reduce the frequency of multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms by enhancing mobility and allowing for muscle relaxation.
- Menstrual Pain: If you have PMS, you don’t have to take painkillers whenever you have back pain, pains, or cramps. Without having the negative side effects associated with painkillers, hemp lotions can assist in swiftly reducing this discomfort.
Healing Properties
A lot of studies have been done on the therapeutic effects of CBD lotions and salves on skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. Irritations, including wounds, burns, rashes, skin infections, and general muscle discomfort, have all been found to be helped by hemp. Below are some of the different skin conditions where hemp creams and balms may be helpful:
Psoriasis
This is a chronic inflammatory disease that includes inflamed, dry red skin and swollen joints. Based on research, the fatty acids in hemp creams can benefit people who are suffering from psoriasis. The fatty acids, such as omega-6 and omega-3, contain several healing properties, including anti-inflammatory. Aside from that, hemp cream may also strengthen the skin, making it more resistant to bacterial infections.
The antimicrobial properties that hemp contains can help prevent the growth of yeast, which allows the skin to stay healthy. It is beneficial for people who have psoriasis to apply hemp cream as it can reduce inflammation and dry skin, and it may also slow down skin cell growth.[2]
Eczema
Eczema may occur in any part of the body, and it causes dry and red flaky patches on the skin. It damages the skin and forms microscopic cracks. These cracks cause the skin to be inflamed and dehydrated. One of the common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It causes the skin to become itchy and dry. Apply hemp cream may help people who are suffering from eczema.
The fatty acids that hemp cream contains can hydrate and strengthen the skin. It may also help in regulating sebum production, bringing it back into balance. Aside from that, another advantage of using hemp cream is that it does not interfere with the sebaceous glands that are responsible for oil production. Lastly, the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp creams may also provide a soothing effect to those who have eczema.[2]
Tattoo
If you are fond of getting tattooed, you are probably aware of the importance of taking care of your ink. Tattoos are painful, and the body treats them as open wounds. Therefore, applying hemp cream regularly on your tattoo may help your body to regenerate skin. In addition, it may also soothe any inflammation caused by tattoos and eliminate any pain that you might be experiencing.
Another advantage of hemp creams on tattoos is that they can slow down the fading process, which will allow your tattoo to stay visible for a longer period. It can also reduce scabbing, making your tattoo less itchy and reducing the amount of ink loss.[2]
Dry Skin
The hemp seed oil contains linoleic, y-linoleic, and a-linoleic acids, which are unsaturated fats that help improve the structure of the skin and help the skin to retain moisture. These fats also affect the fluidity of cell membranes and the transport of electrolytes, which are all beneficial to dry or rough skin.
Based on studies, applying hemp cream regularly can help moisturize dry skin. The cream is also rich in omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, which may help people with omega deficiencies prevent developing rough and scaly skin. Using hemp creams may help them keep their skin moisturized and smooth.[2]
Aging Skin
Hemp creams also contain anti-aging properties. Based on research, products containing hemp may help slow down or prevent the skin symptoms that are linked with aging. Aside from that, hemp creams also contain elements that decrease oxidative stress, which usually occurs when people grow old. Molecules called free radicals attack and damage the skin, causing wrinkles and fine lines over time. In addition, hemp creams may also stimulate skin generation, retain moisture, improve skin brightness, and improve skin elasticity.[2]
Things to Consider When Choosing Hemp Creams and Balms
Here are some important things to consider while looking for a topical hemp product:
Potency: The most important thing to watch out for is this. In order to reap the full benefits of CBD, you must use a product that is potent because it doesn’t easily penetrate through the skin. The minimum amount of CBD in potent products is 200 mg per container.
Ingredients: If you want to reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals and pesticides, it is always advisable to use a product comprised of all-natural, organic materials.
Extraction Process: You might have seen the terms isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum when searching for hemp creams and balms. Since THC is absent from isolates and cannabinoids are removed throughout the extraction process, the plant’s total medicinal benefits are diminished. The majority of the plant’s cannabinoids are present in broad-spectrum products, but THC is absent. All terpenes and cannabinoids are retained in the full-spectrum product.
Quality Control: Do you know the origin of the hemp used in the product? This information is frequently available from trustworthy brands. Some even come with a certificate of analysis that makes it simple to view test results. Given that cannabis is regulated when cultivated in the USA, it is advisable to look for goods made from hemp that is grown and certified organically in the US. Verify the product’s lab testing and pesticide-free certification as well. Products that don’t provide this information, either on their website or by emailing the business, should be avoided.
Price: Most hemp-based topical creams are affordable. If a product costs a lot, consider whether the additional money is worthwhile. Verify the product’s potency and check to see if it contains full-spectrum CBD. Also, see whether it has any other therapeutic herbs or oils.
Different Types of Hemp Creams and Balms
If you are thinking of buying hemp creams and balms, there are a lot of products to choose from. They may also come in various forms. To give you more ideas, below are the different topical hemp products that are available on the market:
Hemp Creams: Since creams are lighter than lotions, it is simpler to apply them to the skin and treat flare-ups quickly. It’s a reasonable choice that’s ideal for anyone who wants to experience a hemp product for the first time. The face can be treated topically with this medication. Additionally, it can be used to treat acne and blemishes.
Hemp Gel: Applying this is excellent for reducing pain. Compared to hemp creams, which may also include moisturizers and other compounds that provide additional benefits, it is more concentrated. Burns and skin irritation are both treated with gels.
Hemp Balm: A hemp balm functions similarly to a lip balm’s focused moisture and composition. But the CBD balm can also target other parts of the body that suffer pain, not only the lips.
Hemp Lotion: Lotions with CBD are effective for exfoliating severely as well as for treating dry skin. Put it on as soon as you get out of the shower and get ready for antioxidant-infused, smoother skin.
Hemp Salves: It’s one of the most well-liked topically applied CBD or hemp products. It can have a higher proportion of hemp oil and is a little thicker than a cream. It is perfect for long-term pain treatment due to its thick consistency. It works well for massages as well. Additionally, it gives the skin additional moisturization.
Conclusion
Hemp creams and balms contain compounds that can help strengthen the natural barrier of the skin. Some of them may also aid in certain joint and muscle pains. Many hemp creams and balms are safe for most people, but if you are in doubt or have any existing health condition, talking to your doctor before using any product that contains hemp is important. Always make sure that the product you are using is of high quality and is from a trusted source. We hope this post helped you learn more about hemp creams and balms.
References
[1] White Horse Agency, C. (2020, November 29). Hemp Cream uses. Tegoder Cosmetics UK. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://tegoder.co.uk/blogs/news/hemp-cream-uses
[2] Deeley, E. (2021, March 22). What can hemp cream be used for? Psychreg. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://www.psychreg.org/hemp-cream/