CBD Cream: The Ultimate Guide & Catalogue

If you’ve paid attention to health products lately, you’ve likely seen CBD items on most shelves. CBD is touted as a highly potent supplement that can aid with various health issues, including acne, depression, and pain. One of the more common products is CBD cream, which comes in several varieties and can work for many unique situations. 

But does CBD cream work? The short answer is yes, but there are many variables and factors to consider before buying anything. Fortunately, CBD is fully legal in the United Kingdom, so finding these products is not hard. In fact, below you will find a list of our CBD creams. Below that, this article will discuss the benefits of these creams and how to choose the best option for your needs.

For the uninitiated, CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is the second primary active ingredient in cannabis. Although cannabis is illegal in the UK, CBD is allowed because it has no psychoactive effects. Manufacturers can extract CBD from hemp, which doesn’t contain the plant’s other primary ingredient, THC. 

CBD creams mix cannabidiol with standard lotions and other ingredients to achieve different effects. As we will discuss, you can find multiple product varieties, including CBD muscle rub, CBD rescue cream, and pain relief creams. As with any other cream, these products are topical and absorbed through the skin. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of CBD cream! 

How Does CBD Cream UK Work?

With so many CBD products on the market, you may wonder how they work and whether they’re effective. The secret of cannabidiol is that it helps regulate your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your body naturally produces cannabinoids to help with many different functions, including sleep, pain relief, mood, and skin health. When your ECS is working correctly, you have all the necessary cannabinoids to keep each part of your body running smoothly. Unfortunately, the ECS is often lacking, which is where CBD comes into play. 

There are two primary methods for getting cannabidiol into your body. First, you can ingest it, such as with a tincture, oil, or edible product (i.e., CBD gummies). In this case, your body absorbs the CBD into the bloodstream and disperses it as needed. This option works well for general health and wellness. For example, if you have mild anxiety or depression, taking CBD regularly can help keep your ECS in check and potentially prevent any sensory overload. 

The second method of CBD absorption is to use a topical ointment or cream. In this instance, you’re using CBD to address a specific problem, such as pain or inflammation. For example, if you have sore muscles after a workout, you can rub CBD cream on them and should feel the benefits pretty quickly. 

CBD creams work the same as other topical products. All you need to do is rub the cream into the skin so it will absorb into the bloodstream and the muscles (if necessary). The more CBD in the cream, the more effective it will be. That’s why it’s imperative to choose high-quality products from reputable sources (more on that later).  

Can CBD Cream Help With Skin Conditions?

Depending on who you ask, CBD can either be a complete cure for various skin conditions or it can help prevent future problems. The reality is a bit more complex, mainly because CBD affects everyone differently. Again, cannabidiol helps regulate your ECS. So, if your system is working efficiently, adding CBD to the mix won’t do much. However, if you’re lacking a lot of cannabinoids, CBD could have a profound effect on different skin conditions, such as: 

Eczema

Unfortunately, most data surrounding CBD and skin conditions is limited. Because the substance has only recently been discussed and researched, there are relatively few scientific studies on cannabidiol. 

That said, a small 2019 study did show a positive correlation between regular CBD usage and reduced eczema symptoms. This study showed a noticeable improvement in patients’ itching and sleep loss. After taking CBD products, participants noticed their rashes getting smaller and less painful. CBD creams can also work well as an antimicrobial, keeping any sores or rashes clean and sanitary when a user has a breakout. 

Furthermore, a study also revealed that CBD works well, especially in Gram-positive bacteria, these are the main type of bacteria present in the skin. 

Psoriasis

Although there has been some research on CBD’s effects on eczema, there haven’t been any conclusive trials on how it helps psoriasis. Because psoriasis can cause painful and sometimes bloody rashes. What makes the condition worse is that users often scratch at the affected areas, leading to more skin damage and pain. 

Typically, users will take opiates and strong medications to alleviate psoriasis symptoms. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD, either as a cream or oil, can alleviate severe skin rashes and inflammation. In some cases, individuals may be able to get relief solely from CBD and avoid prescription medications altogether. 

The other primary benefit of using CBD cream is that there are no known harmful side effects. By comparison, many prescribed psoriasis treatments can have adverse effects like arthritis and joint pain. So, users are trading one problem for another.  

Dermatitis

Unlike eczema and psoriasis, dermatitis is something of a catch-all term referring to skin irritation. Individuals can experience dermatitis for many different reasons, such as clothing, soaps, medications, or just dehydration. The level of skin irritation can vary from one person to the next, making dermatitis much harder to diagnose and treat. Sometimes, a person may just have small, itchy bumps on a specific section of skin. Other times, the rash may be highly painful and cover wide areas of the body. 

Overall, CBD can help relieve irritation, especially if it’s a result of inflammation. Because CBD helps alleviate inflammation in the body already, it can reduce pain and swell in the skin. Also, since CBD products are available over the counter, individuals can use cream or topical ointments as needed rather than book an appointment with a dermatologist. However, it should be noted that for CBD products that are ingested or inhaled, self-medicating may result in some issues. Having said this, it is ideal to consult with your doctor to avoid any allergic or anaphylaxis triggers.

Does CBD Cream Help With Pain?

Pain can take many forms and have numerous causes. So, it’s hard to say that you can take CBD for general pain since it’s not technically a pain reliever. Instead, CBD can help alleviate the sources of chronic pain so users don’t feel as uncomfortable all the time. Here are the top conditions that may benefit from CBD cream for pain UK. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term for a class of joint and muscle diseases that cause pain and inflammation. Individuals can have arthritis in virtually any joint, but many people experience it in their hands and fingers. Since we use our hands the most often, it makes sense that these joints would experience the most wear and tear. Arthritis may result from traumatism, misuse, or overuse of an articulation. It can also be idiopathic, caused by diet, and by genetic predisposition.

As with dermatitis, CBD doesn’t numb existing pain, so it doesn’t work as an immediate pain reliever. Instead, it helps reduce inflammation in the joints. So, users can experience pain less frequently, and even when it does flare up, it won’t be as severe. 

Because arthritis is a chronic condition, CBD oils, tinctures, and creams can help provide relief. For example, you may take CBD oils under the tongue for general relief and rub CBD cream into your hands to prevent arthritis episodes. A regular regimen of CBD products can have a profound effect, particularly for those with severe conditions.  

One thing to point out about using CBD cream for arthritis pain is that it may take time to experience the benefits. For some, it may be a few weeks, while others might have to use CBD regularly for a couple of months to get noticeable results. 

Back Pain

Back pain can be a serious chronic issue for some people, leading to consistent episodes where an individual can barely move or perform various tasks because the pain is too severe. CBD can be part of a larger health regimen to combat the worst effects of back pain. Again, cannabidiol doesn’t provide instant relief, but it can alleviate the conditions that cause the pain to occur. Here are some ways that CBD can help cut down on one’s discomfort level: 

• Reduced Inflammation – Back pain can happen because muscles or vertebrae become sore and inflamed. Since CBD can help reduce overall inflammation, users may have much milder symptoms when they occur. 
• Reduced Anxiety – One unfortunate side effect of back pain is a heightened sense of anxiety. Because there are so many triggers and the pain is so intense, many individuals may constantly worry about worsening their condition. CBD can help alleviate this anxiety, allowing the person to move freely without tensing up too much. 
• Overall Relaxation – Although CBD doesn’t get you high, some users report feeling calmer and more relaxed after taking it. Since muscle tension is a common cause of back pain, this relaxation can make it easier to move around without tightening the muscles. 

Foot Pain

Many people experience foot pain for several reasons, including obesity or standing for long periods at work. Typically, foot pain originates as inflammation in the joints, which can worsen if left untreated. This pain may also stem from blisters that can occur on the feet from standing and walking for extended periods. Furthermore, blisters can become infected, and using CBD cream may prevent or treat this condition. It should be noted, however, that if you have blisters that are painful or too big, seeking medical help is advisable. In some cases, especially for overweight people, blisters on the foot may indicate possible diabetes and/or diabetic foot diagnosis. 

CBD oil and edible products can help reduce overall inflammation in the joints, as well as pain related to blisters. Those who have plantar fasciitis or some similar condition may find substantial relief by taking these kinds of CBD products. However, those who experience acute foot pain from standing and walking may get faster relief by rubbing CBD cream on their feet as needed. That said, because CBD doesn’t numb or dissipate pain, those with chronic acute pain should use creams regularly for the best results. 

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain occurs for a myriad of reasons, and it can be relatively mild or excruciating. Typically, this pain happens when the nerves get damaged by an injury or disease. Unfortunately, most nerve damage is irreversible, so individuals may have to deal with chronic pain in different parts of their bodies. For example, a back injury may damage some vertebrae, leading to long-term discomfort and pain, especially when the individual moves that part of their back. 

One of the most common neurologic pain causes in elder adults is a condition called “postherpetic neuralgia”. Although there are not many studies yet on how CBD can provide relief to this type of nerve pain, some minor studies have shown an 87.6% mean reduction of the pain, soreness, itchiness, and burning sensation.

CBD creams for nerve pain only work best when an individual rubs the cream regularly on the affected area. However, because these creams don’t penetrate too deeply into the skin, they won’t provide immediate relief. Similarly, CBD pain creams won’t cure or reverse the damage, just mitigate the amount of pain one feels from it. In most cases, a combination of CBD cream and other CBD products like oils or tinctures should provide the best relief. 

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is much less common than other forms of pain, but it can happen after some dental procedures. Individuals may also experience jaw pain from different conditions or habits. One example is Bruxism, which is when someone clenches their jaw and grits their teeth while sleeping. Although bruxism may occur during a person’s sleeping period, nocturnal bruxism and diurnal bruxism also exist. The former is usually associated with intestinal parasites, while the latter is associated with anxiety.

Another jaw pain condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia is a condition that causes neurologic pain and that is present in 0.1% of the population, more present in women, and very incapacitating. Recently, more people have been suffering from this condition and there is only one approved FDA treatment to help manage the pain. The good news is that cannabis products have shown good and positive results in treating this disease.  

As with other types of muscle pain, using a CBD muscle rub can help alleviate these symptoms and provide long-term relief. However, those with Bruxism also need to consider how the condition affects their oral health, as it can lead to tooth decay and damage. One study from 2019 found that those with Bruxism who used CBD cream twice a day experienced a noticeable decrease in pain after two weeks. 

What Does CBD Cream Feel Like?

Usually, rubbing some CBD cream on your skin will feel the same as any other topical ointment or lotion. CBD itself doesn’t provide any warming or cooling effects, such as a tingling feeling. However, some manufacturers may produce warming or cooling creams that contain cannabidiol. However, if the product is not designed to create a specific sensation, it won’t feel like anything. 

That said, some individuals may feel a slight relaxing sensation after the cream is absorbed into the skin. This may occur because the cannabidiol helps relax the muscles so they’re not as tense or tight. Overall, this seems to be anecdotal evidence, and the specific sensation can vary from one person to the next. 

How Should I Use CBD Cream?

As we’ve mentioned, you’ll get the best results by following a regular CBD cream regimen. Although the cream may provide some minor immediate relief, CBD works best when it works with your body’s endocannabinoid system. So, repeated use over time will yield far more significant results than applying the cream as needed when pain or inflammation arises. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use CBD cream: 

Step One: Read the Instructions

Because each manufacturer may add different ingredients to their cream, it’s important to read the instructions. For example, some creams may moisturize the skin, so adding too much could make the area feel oily or greasy. Similarly, if the cream is meant as a cooling aid, you might not want to use it when you’re not interested in a cold, tingling sensation. 

Another advantage of reading the instructions is that you can determine what the manufacturer recommends for your regimen. For example, potent creams may only need to be applied once a day, while others might require multiple applications daily. 

Step Two: Only Use the Cream Where Necessary

If you’re experiencing chronic pain or inflammation in your hands, there’s no reason to rub CBD cream on your arms or legs. While CBD isn’t like medication, it won’t have any effect where it’s not needed. Your body can only use so many cannabinoids at once, so adding extra to the system won’t yield any tangible benefits. If you’re looking to use CBD for other bodily issues like depression or anxiety, we recommend taking a tincture or edible product along with CBD cream. 

Step Three: Stay Consistent With Your Regimen

The best way to ensure you use your cream regularly is to apply it around the same time every day. For example, perhaps you apply a cream as soon as you get up in the morning, or maybe after taking a shower. While you can miss a day or two on occasion, missing too many applications will cause the original symptoms to return. 

You must also pay attention to how much cream you have left. As your supply runs low, you should stock up so you never run out for too long. 

Step Four: Make Sure the Cream Absorbs Completely

Depending on the type of cream you use and the amount, it could take a little while for it to absorb into the skin. Sometimes, it might absorb within a minute, while other times it may take five or 10 minutes. Be thorough with your application and rub the cream into the surrounding area if necessary. You may also need to use less cream depending on your situation.   

Things to Look For in CBD Creams

Unfortunately, the CBD industry is unregulated, so many companies may claim to have CBD without actually providing any evidence. As a consumer, it’s up to you to make informed decisions about the products you use. So, with that in mind, here are some top factors to consider when comparing different CBD creams. 

• Doses – How much cream do you have to use in a single dose? Can you double up doses to get a more potent effect? As a rule, the smaller the dose, the more potent the cream. However, you shouldn’t base your decision on that alone. 
• Potency – Pay attention to how many milligrams of CBD is in each dose. On average, creams should have between three to eight milligrams. If a cream claims to have much higher potency, it will likely be much more expensive. So, beware of any CBD products that are both cheap and supposedly extremely potent. It’s virtually impossible for a cream to be both. 
• CBD Source – Reputable CBD manufacturers can verify where and how they extract their CBD. So, you should look for products with third-party certification or verification. However, you should also look up these third-party entities to make sure they’re reputable as well. For example, a shoddy product may add an official-looking seal to its packaging without providing any documentation or proof of potency. 
• Side Effects – Fortunately, CBD topical products such as CBD cream don’t have any reported side effects. However, cannabidiol can affect some people more than others. In some cases, you may notice mild feelings of nausea or dizziness. While these effects won’t be substantial enough to prevent you from working or performing specific activities, they’re worth noting. If you start to feel any side effects, be sure to reduce your dosage as necessary. Also, pay attention to any warnings that might occur because of other ingredients, such as alcohol or menthol.  However, it should be noted that when taken orally, CBD may pose some side effects. In a study, at least 36% of patients experienced somnolence, decreased appetite, and diarrhoea. 
• Other Ingredients – All creams need various binding agents and chemicals to work properly. Some manufacturers try to make their products as natural as possible with as few ingredients as necessary. Other companies may have a laundry list of other elements, meaning you’ll have to do a bit more research to understand what’s in the cream. Also, keep in mind that some ingredients may affect the product’s potency. Finally, if you’re allergic to anything, you need to be aware before buying the cream so you don’t break out in hives or rashes. 

Top UK CBD Cream Products

There are tons of different brands and specific product offerings available both in the UK and online. Because there are so many, we won’t list specific brands here. Instead, let’s discuss the different types of CBD creams and products you can find and how they differ. First, there are three unique types of CBD you can find – full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Here’s a breakdown of each option. 

Full-Spectrum CBD Products

Most cannabis and CBD users will agree that the cannabis plant contains many beneficial cannabinoids and other elements. So, extracting just one cannabinoid (i.e., CBD) limits the product’s effectiveness. Full-spectrum CBD uses the entire hemp plant, meaning you get much more than cannabidiol. 

It’s worth noting that in the UK, all CBD products cannot contain any THC. However, outside of the UK, countries may allow trace amounts of THC. For example, in the US, these products can contain up to 0.3% of THC. So, you may have to be careful about which products you buy to avoid any potential legal trouble. 

Broad-Spectrum CBD Products

Because THC is strictly prohibited, most CBD products will either be isolated (more on that next) or broad-spectrum. In this case, you’re still getting the rest of the hemp plant, but manufacturers extract all traces of THC from the plant. While there’s not enough THC to get you high, broad-spectrum products can pass rigorous testing requirements so they’re fully legal in the UK. 

CBD Isolate Creams

There’s some debate about whether CBD isolate is more potent or beneficial than full or broad-spectrum CBD. Those that prefer the latter argue that the cannabinoids in cannabis or hemp work together to generate better health benefits. So, by eliminating everything else, you’re potentially robbing yourself of any extra advantages that hemp could provide. 

In this case, manufacturers extract only cannabidiol from hemp. So, these products contain more CBD and are often more expensive because it’s harder to isolate one specific ingredient. If you’re primarily worried about getting the most CBD per ounce, isolate is the best option. 

Other Types of CBD Creams

Now that you know the difference between how CBD is extracted from hemp, the next step is to buy the right product for your needs. Again, there are tons of options available online, but here’s a rundown of the main categories you can find. 

• Face Cream – Typically, CBD face cream is designed as a cosmetic product to prevent acne and other skin conditions. These creams will often contain moisturizers to help keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated. In addition, studies show that CBD is known for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to reduce skin sebum production, which is a major factor for acne. Usually, you’ll want to apply the cream to your whole face, rather than just an affected area (i.e., over a pimple). CBD face creams work well as part of a nightly or morning beauty regimen. 
• Muscle Cream – CBD muscle rub products are often touted as excellent post-workout creams. So, if you go hard at the gym or play intense sports, using muscle cream can help you recover faster. In this case, you should apply the cream to wherever your muscles are sore the most. If you switch up your exercises so different groups get sore on different days, you should still use the cream regularly for the best results.  
• Skin Cream – If you’re not familiar with cosmetics, there’s a big difference between face and skin cream. Because the face has different types of skin (i.e., around the eyes and mouth), those creams are specially formulated. Skin cream, however, is designed to work pretty much everywhere else. Typically, people use CBD skin cream to treat various conditions like eczema or dermatitis. But you can also use the product to alleviate dryness or cracked skin wherever it may be. For example, if you have dry elbows, rubbing this cream on them regularly can help soften and moisturize them. 
• Foot Cream – Generally, foot cream is often used to treat a specific condition such as an athlete’s foot. With CBD, though, you may use foot cream to alleviate pain and soreness. Sometimes, you might need to apply the cream before heading out for the day and then again once you return home. Following this regimen can potentially reduce swelling, redness, and pain significantly. 

How to Choose the Most Reliable CBD Cream Brand

We’ve already discussed the various factors to consider when comparing different CBD creams and products. However, the brand you choose also matters. As we mentioned, the CBD industry is unregulated, so once you determine a high-quality brand, you can feel confident about buying products from that company. So, with that in mind, here are the considerations to make when looking for a reputable CBD cream brand.  

Credibility

There are a few ways to verify a company’s credibility. First, you can look at user reviews of its products and pay attention to specific complaints. As a rule, if something gets mentioned repeatedly, it’s a common problem. However, if it only happens to one or two users, it’s likely pretty rare. 

Another way to verify a brand’s credibility is to look at its credit rating or Better Business Bureau score. However, because the BBB doesn’t exist in the UK, you may have to look at trade organizations for verification. Unfortunately, since CBD is still relatively new, there are not as many organizations that monitor or verify these products independently. 

FDA Approved

The Food and Drug Administration is a US-based agency, but it follows strict guidelines when approving products. So far, the FDA has only approved one CBD-derived drug (Epidiolex) to help relieve symptoms of epilepsy. As of 2022, the FDA has not approved any specific CBD creams. However, as more research is conducted to verify the efficacy of these creams, that may change. 

For now, what you should pay attention to is any product that claims it has FDA approval. If a brand says it’s cleared by the FDA, it must be lying. So, you can avoid those brands at all costs. 

Hemp Source

As we mentioned, CBD products in the UK must not contain any THC whatsoever. That said, all hemp has trace amounts of THC, so it matters where the hemp was grown and how it was cultivated. Be cautious of any hemp products from outside the UK because they’re not beholden to its laws. For example, if you buy a CBD cream from the US, it will likely have up to 0.3% of THC. Instead, try to buy products from local companies because they’ll be up-to-date on all rules and regulations. 

Is CBD Cream Right For You?

Before buying CBD cream to treat whatever ails you, keep in mind that this ingredient can affect everyone differently. Some people may notice significant improvement immediately, while others might not see any difference. So, it’s crucial to sample these products for yourself to see what works and what doesn’t. If you rely on other people’s recommendations, it’s hard to know whether they’ll be accurate for your body. 

Another point to consider is whether you need specific relief or if you just want a general health supplement. Taking CBD can make you feel better overall, but it’s best to use creams for specific issues. For example, perhaps you’re hitting the gym more often and need something to help relieve muscle soreness. Overall, CBD is not a cure-all, so don’t treat it as such. Instead, it can have a substantial impact on your well-being if you’re experiencing pain, inflammation, or skin irritation.

Why Buy CBD Cream from Canna Union

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to buy your CBD products from us, and we want to put you in a position where you know that the oil products that you buy from us are at the top of the heap.

Here are a few reasons why we believe that our products are better:

• Lab-tested products
• Our employees will happily explain anything that you have questions about
• Largest catalogue of products in the UK
• Sustainable ways of sourcing
• Top-quality products
• Lowest Price Guarantee

We have been able to produce for our customers time and time again, and we remain committed to the idea of getting them the very best products on the market.

Our experts are ready to answer any questions you might have about our CBD products and help you find what’s right for you.

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Karas, J. A., Wong, L., Paulin, O., Mazeh, A. C., Hussein, M. H., Li, J., & Velkov, T. (2020). The Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabinoids. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 9(7), 406. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9070406 

Quintero, J. M., Pulido, G., Giraldo, L. F., Leon, M. X., Diaz, L. E., & Bustos, R. H. (2022). A Systematic Review on Cannabinoids for Neuropathic Pain Administered by Routes Other than Oral or Inhalation. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(10), 1357. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101357

Grossman, H. Tan, Y. Gadiwalla, Cannabis and orofacial pain: a systematic review, British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 60, Issue 5, 2022, Pages e677-e690, ISSN 0266-4356, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjoms.2021.06.005.

Peyravian, N., Deo, S., Daunert, S., & Jimenez, J. J. (2022). The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Acne. Journal of inflammation research, 15, 2795–2801. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S355489

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Disclaimer

Although several studies have shown CBD’s ability to help with several health concerns, it should be noted that we always encourage you to seek medical advice from licensed doctors before consuming CBD products. 

In addition, while CBD skincare products are generally safe, ingested CBD products like edibles and oil may pose some side effects on a very small portion of the global user base. These can include but are not limited to fatigue, diarrhoea, change in appetite, and change in weight.