How do I apply this cream correctly, and how much should I use?

Apply a small amount of the cream to the area that feels stiff or overworked — typically the neck, shoulders or upper back — and spread it with light massage movements until it is absorbed. The shark liver oil in the base is there to improve glide, so the cream works well as a massage medium: you can continue massaging the zone for a few minutes rather than just rubbing it in and stopping.

With capsaicin-based products, more cream does not mean a better result — it mainly means a hotter, potentially uncomfortable sensation. Begin with a thin layer; you can add slightly more in future sessions once you know how your skin responds. The first time you use it, do a patch test: apply a little to a small area (for example the forearm) and wait to see how strong the warming feels for you personally.

A few practical rules matter with this type of product:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after application — capsaicin residue transferred to the eyes, nose or lips is very unpleasant.
• Do not apply it to the face, the eye area, mucous membranes, or broken or irritated skin.
• Avoid covering the treated area with tight, airtight clothing or film immediately after application, and do not combine it with a heating pad or hot shower — extra heat intensifies the burning sensation.

Convenient moments for use are an evening massage, after physical activity, or during cold seasons when muscles tend to feel less flexible.