If you live an active life, occasional aches and soreness can come with the territory.
Maybe it is the stiffness you notice after a long day on your feet. Maybe your shoulders feel tight after sitting at a desk. Or perhaps your legs are reminding you about yesterday’s workout.
For wellness-focused consumers looking for another option to add to their recovery routine, CBD creams and other CBD topicals have become increasingly popular.
But what exactly does a CBD cream do, and how do you know if it belongs in your wellness routine?
What Is CBD Cream?
CBD cream is a topical product containing cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD.
Unlike CBD gummies, capsules, or tinctures that are consumed, a CBD topical is applied directly to the skin.
That makes topical products particularly appealing to people who want to focus their wellness routine on a specific area, such as the:
· Back
· Shoulders
· Knees
· Hands
· Feet
· Neck
· Legs
CBD topicals can include creams, lotions, balms, salves, roll-ons, and gels.
Why Are People Using CBD Creams?
One of the biggest reasons is simple: targeted application.
If your shoulders feel tired after a long workday, you can massage the cream into your shoulders. If your legs are sore after exercising, you can apply it directly to your legs.
For many people, that makes CBD cream a natural addition to an existing wellness or recovery routine.
The act of applying a topical can also encourage something many of us neglect: slowing down for a few minutes and paying attention to how our bodies feel.
CBD Cream vs. CBD Gummies
The biggest difference is how you use them.
CBD gummies are consumed and are generally chosen by people looking for a whole-body CBD experience.
CBD creams are applied externally and allow you to focus on a particular area.
That doesn’t necessarily make one better than the other. They serve different purposes.
If your primary goal is incorporating CBD into a targeted post-workout or physical wellness routine, a topical may be the more intuitive place to start.
What Should You Look for in a CBD Topical?
Not every CBD cream is the same.
Before buying one, look beyond the CBD number printed on the front of the package.
Consider:
CBD concentration: How much CBD does the entire container contain?
Ingredients: What else is in the formula?
Type of CBD: Does it contain full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate?
Independent testing: Can you access a Certificate of Analysis showing what is actually in the product?
Directions: Does the manufacturer clearly explain how the product should be used?
Transparency matters. A reputable CBD company should make it relatively easy to understand what you are putting on your skin.
How Do You Use CBD Cream?
Always follow the directions provided with the specific product.
Generally, topical CBD products are applied to the desired area and gently massaged into the skin.
Many people incorporate this into routines they already have, such as:
· After exercising
· Following a shower
· After a long day at work
· During an evening wind-down routine
· As part of a massage or stretching routine
Consistency can also make it easier to determine whether a particular product deserves a permanent place in your routine.
A More Intentional Approach to Everyday Recovery
Wellness isn’t only about what happens at the gym.
It is also about recovery, sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and paying attention to how your body responds to everyday life.
For people interested in CBD, a topical offers an easy way to explore the category without completely changing an existing wellness routine.
Start by understanding the product, checking its ingredients and testing, and choosing a formula from a company you trust.
Then make it part of a routine that already works for you.
Ready to explore CBD topicals? Shop our collection of CBD creams and topical products designed to fit naturally into your everyday wellness routine.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about medical conditions or questions about CBD.