Although hemp cream may not be prescribed by private licensed clinics, like Alternaleaf, it can still have benefits. And when it comes to hemp cream uses, you may be surprised to find out there’s more than one. We’ll be exploring this easily accessible over-the-counter product below, so you can decide whether or not it’s something you want to purchase.
What is Hemp Cream?
Hemp comes from the cannabis plant family. But it can be very different to the cannabis we use in medicine, and prescribed by clinics like Alternaleaf.
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, a class of chemical compounds that interact with receptors in our cells and alter the release of chemicals in the brain. Two of these compounds, that you’ve probably heard of, are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is psychoactive and cannabidiol (CBD) which is non-psychoactive.
Hemp contains .03% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). And this low THC content means it’s unlikely it’ll cause the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with.
Which is why it’s a great ingredient to add to cosmetic creams. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It’s then mixed with other ingredients to create hemp cream. This natural product is able to harness the power of the cannabis plant.
Hemp oil itself contains nutritious components like essential fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins, ingredients that are incredible when it comes to maintaining skin health. And, depending on what it’s mixed with, shea butter or coconut oil for example, the benefits of hemp cream for your skin can grow.
When CBD is included in hemp cream, and then applied directly to the skin, it can target pain and inflammation.
Let’s explore the benefits, from skin nourishment to pain relief, below.
Key Benefits of Hemp Cream
Hemp cream for pain relief
Applying hemp cream directly to the skin can target pain and inflammation. This method is great for people who want relief from conditions like arthritis or muscle pain, without the need for inhalation or ingestion. Keep in mind however that hemp cream that can be purchased over the counter in high street shops is not regulated, so ingredients and sources can be unknown and unverified. Prescribed medication from clinics like Alternaleaf is regulated, and therefore may be more reliable if you’re trying to target pain and inflammation.
This study also shows its potential to help ease back pain.
Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. Currently all medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only.
Hemp cream for skin care
Hemp oil in hemp cream is nourishing and moisturising. And these effects can be amplified, depending on what other ingredients are in the cream you choose.
As long as there are no other pore clogging ingredients, hemp oil can also moisturise the skin without clogging your pores, and can therefore help reduce acne that’s caused by excess oil.
Linoleic acid and oleic acids found in hemp oil can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Hemp oil is one of the main ingredients of hemp cream. And essential fatty acids (“good fats”) are found in plant oils, including hemp oil. These “good fats” can help ensure that your heart is healthy and may also reduce inflammation.
In 2005, researchers found hemp oil made a significant difference on atopic eczema, by boosting levels of GLA (a potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid), alongside essential fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid.
A 2014 paper weighed up 15 separate psoriasis trials that used omega-3, which is also found in hemp oil, and therefore hemp cream, to see its effect. It found that 12 of these showed “clinical benefit”.
Stress and Relaxation
If pain and inflammation are targeted with hemp cream, it’s likely you’ll get a better night's sleep. Chances are you’ll feel more relaxed if you’re not in pain, and when we’re better rested, quality of life can improve.
The “good fats” in hemp cream may also reduce anxiety. However, again, the effectiveness of over the counter hemp cream is much harder to predict and monitor compared to regulated forms of medical cannabis from clinics like Alternaleaf. And if you’re looking for a treatment to help with anxiety, our doctors can provide guidance to find more efficient ways to tackle the root cause.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Tips
Hemp cream side effects aren’t really a concern, and this is mainly due to its chemical makeup. Yet it can still pose risks.
It’s rare, but possible, for some people to experience irritation on the skin, and this is more likely for people who have sensitive skin. The best thing to always do when using a new product is to patch test it. Apply a small amount of your hemp cream to a patch of skin, and wait to see if you have a negative reaction.
Try to never use anything that is expired or a non-certified product. An expired product may react differently to how it did when it was in date, and non-certified products aren’t properly tested for safe use on the skin, so it’s just best to avoid both of these.
How to Choose the Right Hemp Cream
The biggest factor you need to consider when choosing a hemp cream is whether you want it to target pain, skin issues. To target pain and anxiety, look for CBD. To target a specific skin concern, look at other nutrients and ingredients. Things like shea butter and coconut oil, that we mentioned before. These other ingredients could also help if you have a preference on what the cream smells like.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You have to make a judgement based on your skin and your goals.
Summary
So, now you know hemp cream is a versatile product, and can be used for pain, skin, and wellness. It can be purchased over the counter in supermarkets due to the little to no THC content. It’s a great natural skincare product that has shown evidence to be beneficial for the skin. And due to the low risk side effects, there’s almost no harm in adding it to your skincare routine.
However, keep in mind that hemp cream may not be effective enough for chronic pain and won’t be prescribed for other conditions such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. You might want to seek the help of a private licensed clinic, like Alternaleaf, if one or more of these conditions is what you’re suffering from.
There’s lots more help and information on the Alternaleaf website, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.