CBD cream is becoming an integral part of many people’s natural wellness routines, from everyday use in managing migraines, skin irritation, and joint pain to more luxurious add-ons to spa treatments. CBD-infused skincare and wellness products are gaining popularity because they can provide localized relief while potentially mitigating some of the side effects associated with other skincare treatments.

Why CBD Cream, Specifically?

In fact, CBD products in general have become extremely popular, but CBD cream is starting to surpass more well-known treatments, such as CBD oils and gummies. There may be several reasons for this. First, unlike oils or gummies, CBD creams are applied topically to the skin. The CBD does not enter your bloodstream, and the treatment is non-intoxicating. This allows you to relax tension or relieve physical discomfort without the “high” sensation that gummies cause.

Second, topical creams allow you to target specific areas of discomfort or tension. Rather than ingesting a gummy or taking CBD oil sublingually to absorb it throughout your system, you can be very precise in where you apply CBD cream and what area is affected by it.

This has made CBD attractive to both active adults seeking post-workout muscle recovery and aging adults looking for relief from joint pain, as well as to adults of all ages who want to soothe minor skin irritation or dryness. Early studies suggest that CBD products may help with other challenges, too (such as chronic pain and depression), though more research is needed to determine how much of a factor CBD is.

What to Look For in a CBD Cream

For now, though, everyday people are looking to CBD cream simply to enhance their daily wellness, and there are already many products on the market. When selecting a cream, look for ingredients in addition to CBD that can heighten its effect:

  • Menthol provides a cooling sensation and can soothe pain.

  • Arnica can reduce swelling and inflammation.

  • Aloe vera calms irritated skin.

  • Shea butter moisturizes and soothes, nourishing the skin. It also helps your skin absorb other ingredients, such as CBD, more thoroughly.

Also, look for a cream that third parties have tested and check whether the cream you are considering contains THC, and if so, how much. CBD isolate and broad-spectrum creams contain no THC, which may be better for sensitive skin. A full-spectrum cream with trace amounts of THC may offer more potent effects. This is because a full-spectrum CBD cream includes multiple cannabinoids, offering a full-spectrum approach to soothing itchy skin or troubled joints.

How to Use Your CBD Cream

Once you have selected a CBD cream, here is how to use it right:

  • Clean the area where you want to apply the cream. This will help your skin absorb the cream more effectively.

  • Massage the cream into your skin in small, consistent amounts, applying it directly to the area you want to soothe. (You can also apply the cream preemptively following a workout, targeting areas where you expect inflammation to occur.)

  • Continue to apply the cream consistently over time (1-2 times a day) for sustained relief.

There are additional things you can do before applying the cream to enhance its effect. Taking a warm shower can open up your pores, allowing the cream to penetrate your skin more deeply. Exfoliating improves absorption by removing a barrier of dead skin cells beforehand. Refrigerating your cream before use can enhance its cooling sensation, which may be beneficial if you’re using it to relieve pain or soreness.

Finding Your Personal CBD Cream Routine

Most of all, pay attention to your body and track how it responds to the cream over time. This can help you determine whether a lighter approach (such as an isolate cream) or a stronger approach (like a full-spectrum cream) might be best for you. Just as no two CBD creams are formulated alike, no two human bodies respond in exactly the same way, either. By noting your own responses, you can integrate CBD cream into your wellness or recovery routine in the way that works best for you.

This article appears in 06-19-2025.