CBD Balm

What does CBD balm do?

CBD balms, like other CBD topicals, are intended to be used directly on your skin. They’re meant to apply relief to a specific area.

Studies on topicals suggest that skin absorbency is pretty weak compared with other mucous membranes. That means when applying a topical product, it’s best to select one with a high level of CBD and apply it liberally.

You can try CBD balms for a variety of uses.

Pain relief

Applying CBD products that offer extra pain-relieving ingredients like menthol, camphor and capsaicin may deliver even more therapeutic effects to the applied areas.

Skin conditions

In addition to helping with physical pain, CBD balms may be beneficial for certain skin conditions.

In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology mentions that topical CBD products show potential for reducing inflammation that can contribute to acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Frequently asked questions

The following are common questions about CBD balms.

Does CBD balm work?

According to current research, CBD balm may help reduce inflammation, pain, and discomfort that people experience due to certain skin conditions.

However, knowledge about the medicinal effects of CBD is still developing.

How does CBD pain balm work?

Some research suggests that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This stops the endocannabinoids from breaking down and prolongs their effect on the body.

Research shows there are endocannabinoid receptors throughout the skin, which may help improve the effectiveness of CBD skin balms, oils, and creams.

CBD balms may reduce pain through reducing inflammation, as suggested by a 2016 animal study involving rats with arthritis.

A more recent 2019 study found that CBD worked as a muscle relaxer, which improved symptoms in people with jaw pain.

Is CBD absorbed through the skin?

Yes, the skin can absorb CBD.

A 2020 study into how well the skin absorbed CBD concluded that paraffin oil ointments and hydrophilic gels provided the best absorption, along with a mixture of water and propylene glycol.

Does CBD balm have side effects?

The WHO states that most people tolerate CBD well and do not often experience side effects from using CBD.

However, CBD may interact with some medications. A person should talk with a doctor before using CBD if they are currently taking medications to check it is safe for them to use.

Reported side effects mainly involve oral CBD products and rarely relate to topical balms and creams.

Research to answer questions about the effects of long-term CBD use and whether using topical CBD can cause harmful side effects should continue.

Scientists do not know if CBD is safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and the FDA strongly advises against its use in these cases.

Is CBD balm good for nerve pain?

The research regarding the benefits of CBD balms on nerve pain is limited.

A 2018 review found a small benefit in using CBD to treat chronic, non-cancer-related pain. However, it also noted that side effects were more common in those taking CBD than placebos. Ultimately, the study did not find CBD to be a likely highly effective treatment for chronic, non-cancer-related pain.

A 2020 study into topical CBD oil for peripheral neuropathy concluded that CBD oil could significantly improve pain for people with this condition.