Arnica cream has been used worldwide for over 100 years as a remedy for bruising, pain and swelling and as a general first aid tonic to manage a number of health concerns. Traditionally, arnica has been more commonly used across South America, Europe and the United Kingdom and would be commonly found in first aid kits across the globe. Once reason for this may be that the beautiful yellow arnica flower is largely grown in these regions and Ukraine. In Australia use of natural remedies is slowing becoming more common place. Arnica cream is sold in over the counter in pharmacies and at cosmetic injectables clinics across Australia, however not all arnica creams on the market are created equally or serve the same purpose.

As mentioned, arnica cream can be used for a number of different purposes including bruising, swelling, inflammation and pain relief. If you are looking for an arnica cream to reduce pain, you are best to look for an arnica cream that contains menthol, which you will usually find in a pharmacy. Several studies have been conducted looking at whether arnica cream has the same effect as NSAID's like Ibuprofen. One example is a study conducted looking at pain after tooth extractions, both adults and children study found Ibuprofen and Arnica were comparable.

Bruising and swelling are commonly experienced side effects after cosmetic procedures like lip filler, or vascular procedures like sclerotherapy. Many health professionals will recommend the application of an arnica cream following these procedures, traditional arnica creams with high amounts of menthol may not be suited for this application to the location the cream is being applied (the face). Arnicare's arnica cream has been specifically formulated for use after cosmetic procedures. The ingredients in our arnica cream focus on natural and active ingredients like Curcuma longa extract to reduce inflammation, and niacinamide which can improve healing and reduce redness. Our arnica cream can be reapplied 3-4 times each day. The Arnicare range of aftercare can be sourced online via our website, or through your Cosmetic injector or Vascular surgeon in Australia or New Zealand.

Whilst Arnica cream may be used to successfully reduce bruising and swelling after cosmetic procedures, it is important to be mindful that bruises go through a healing process in which the body dissolves blood vessels that have burst. The Arnicare team always recommends combing arnica cream with ice to achieve a faster approvement in the appearance of bruising and swelling.