CBD Body Lotion UK Shopping Guide
CBD Body Lotion UK Shopping Guide
CBD body lotions are topical products in many physical and online stores across the UK. This article provides a comprehensive shopping guide for cannabis-infused lotions and their therapeutic benefits to the skin.
CBD topical products, like lotions, salves, and balms, are ideal for localised skin problems. Cannabidiol-infused topicals come with multiple health and therapeutic benefits for their users. They treat various skin conditions, including acne and dermatitis, and mitigate ageing signs like wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. Legalising hemp products with less than 0.2% THC in the UK has resulted in a dramatic rise in cannabis-infused products. Many online and physical stores are now selling CBD products to meet its growing demand. Despite government regulations, cannabis-infused products are relatively unregulated; consumers may need certain strategies to shop for high-quality products. Many cases of undesired treatment outcomes are attributed to low-quality topical products. In contrast, high-quality topical products give the best treatment outcomes.
Meaning of CBD oil
Cannabidiol oil is infused with CBD extracted from hemp or marijuana, the two common cannabis sativa strains. Hemp and marijuana have varying levels of THC and CBD, the most active compounds of cannabis sativa. On the one hand, hemp has the highest concentration, albeit with low levels of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). On the other hand, the marijuana plant harbours higher amounts of THC with trace amounts of CBD; this makes producers infuse carrier oil like coconut or MCT oils with Cannabidiol to make CBD oil. The fat-soluble oil is infused in many skin care products, including creams, salves, and lotions.
How CBD Interacts ECS
The body contains a network of enzymes, hormones, and receptors called the endocannabinoid system, abbreviated as ECS. According to Lu & Mackie (2021) the
ECS has receptors in many parts of the body. For example, it contains CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors in peripheral nerves, including the skin. CBD from body lotions interacts with the ECS through the peripheral receptors. The interaction mediates imbalances like pain and inflammation. The CB2 receptors take Cannabis into the body without going through the bloodstream. CBD intake through the peripheral receptors does not lower the amount of Cannabidiol entering the bloodstream, not resulting in intoxication; it eliminates the possibility of psychoactive effects from topical CBD. Therefore, CBD topical products like the body cream do not predispose their users to the psychedelic effects of THC.
Benefits of CBD body lotions
CBD body lotion dispenses multiple health and therapeutic products which treat the following conditions;
Reduces skin Inflammation
CBD in topical creams treat inflammation without causing side effects to its users; they do not go through gastrointestinal processes or suffer wastage through first-pass metabolism. Instead, they are used for localised pain-related inflammation on the skin and muscles. According to Iffland & Grotenhermen (2017), CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. Skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis cause inflammation. The creams contain anti-inflammatory which suppress inflammation and soothe the skin, making them effective for psoriasis and eczema.
Suppresses Sebum overproduction
Sebum is a waxy, oily substance that maintains skin moisture and keeps it hydrated. An overproduction of sebum obstructs the skin pores leading to problematic breakages, which result in acne. Peyravian et al. (2022) opined that CBD inhibits excess sebum production. Therefore, the Cannabis infused cream allows the smooth development of skin devoid of breakages and dryness.
Reduces Acne
Hormonal imbalance and nutritional changes, among other factors, cause acne. However, the overproduction of sebum, accumulation of bacteria, and abnormal shedding of cells lead to the development of the disorder. These conditions cause inflammation and mental conditions like stress and anxiety. According to Peyravian et al. (2022), Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors regulating sebum production in the sebocyte glands; the regulation reduces acne development.
Hydrates the Skin
Skin dehydration leads to rough, patchy, and scaly skin. Cannabidiol promotes the production of sufficient sebum, which keeps the skin moisturised. The cannabis derivative has antioxidant properties which prevent free radicals from hurting the skin; free radicals are unstable molecules. They convert to harmful compounds through oxidation resulting in oxidative stress; the stress from oxidation causes premature ageing signs like wrinkling, sagging, and the formation of fine lines.
How to Shop For CBD Body Lotion
CBD products became legal in the UK after the amendment of the 1971 drugs Act. The amendment legalised the cultivation, sale, and consumption of CBD products with 0.2%THC. Cannabis-infused products have relatively weaker regulations. Therefore, consumers should devise proper strategies to get high-quality products nationwide from online and physical stores. The following tips are useful when shopping for good quality products in the UK;
Company’s Reputation
Many CBD Companies ride off their reputation to attract new customers and maintain existing ones. As a result, such brands produce high-quality products to avoid negative publicity. Buyers should prioritise products from reputable brands to get the best body lotions. A brand’s reputation is verifiable through the following attributes:
- Few or no warnings from regulatory bodies like FSA
- Social media reach and engagement
- Social mentions
- Google page ranking
- local search rankings
- License from regulatory bodies
Customer Reviews
Online purchases are synonymous with customer reviews. Positive customer reviews indicate customer satisfaction and vice versa. Buyers should consider body lotions with positive customer reviews because they show that previous users had a good product experience. The reviews are obtained from a company’s website or social media engagement with its customers.
Independent Lab Test Results
Credible companies surrender their products to an independent laboratory for testing. Third-party lab tests objectively analyse the ingredients used in a topical product. CBD body lotions may contain additional topical ingredients beyond the organic Cannabis. Through an independent laboratory test, buyers can analyse the types of ingredients, heavy metals, and other chemical contaminants in the product. CBD body lotions are generally safe for human consumption. However, chemical contaminants may lead to irritation, itching, or allergic reactions. Therefore, consumers should analyse a product’s ingredients from the third-party lab results before they commit to them. Brands without a third-party lab test lack transparency. The laxity in disclosing their ingredients indicates questionable ingredients they try to hide from their clients.
Price
The cost of CBD body lotions is a function of many factors including, but not limited to, the brand, quality, strength of Cannabidiol, and the amount. Many poor-quality brands sell their products at low prices to attract many customers. While a higher price is only sometimes an indicator of good quality, brands with high-quality products are relatively more expensive. Therefore, CBD body lotion users should compare the prices of different products before buying; it may be an indicator of good quality and vice versa.
Potency
Potency refers to the strength of a topical product. Evans (2020) observed that Cannabidiol products come in three spectrums with varying potencies; full, broad, and isolate spectrum. The whole plant spectrum contains all cannabis derivatives, including the psychoactive THC. Unlike edibles or vapes, topical full-spectrum products do not intoxicate their uses; instead, the THC in the products amplifies the therapeutic effects of CBD. According to Mahler et al. (2019), THC and CBD lead to a wider range of therapeutic benefits called ‘the entourage effect.’ On the other hand, broad-spectrum creams have all the components of Cannabis except THC; it is suitable for users allergic to THC. In contrast, the isolated spectrum contains Cannabidiol as the only active ingredient of Cannabis; it is the mildest form of CBD infused in topical products.
CBD body creams indicate the strength of Cannabidiol on the products as milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). A potent lotion could have 8mg/ml, while a low-potent cream contains about 3mg/ml. Potent creams have a wider-ranging effect; they are ideal for chronic conditions like acne, arthritis pain, and eczema, among other problematic skin conditions. In contrast, subtle skin conditions like dryness may require low-potent body creams. Buyers should get products according to their desired needs. However, more potent CBD topicals may be more expensive compared to products with low potency.
Product labelling
CBD body creams have labels on the package. However, a fair amount of data shows that up to 30% of CBD products’ labels are inconsistent with their cannabis profile; a product may indicate a higher potency on the label than they have in the lab-test results. Therefore, buyers should match what is on the product label with the profile enlisted in the certificate of analysis. Products with inconsistent labelling may indicate poor quality. The UK policies in Cannabis require manufacturers to label their products with accurate information to safeguard consumers. Although labelling is standard practice, consumers are predisposed to misleading information from dubious dealers who exploit weak policies on Cannabidiol products; consumers must identify and isolate high-quality products from the market.
Where to get Quality Body Creams in the UK
Cannabidiol-infused products are found in many online stores and brick-and-mortar stores all over the country. Cannabis cosmetic products are also available in cosmetic shops, pharmacies, and drug stores.
An online search of CBD body lotions will produce many shops around you with a single click. You can choose a brand with a good reputation to buy your CBD body lotion. Other strategies useful for getting the best quality products include;
- Referrals from friends and family
- Endorsement from celebrities
- Recommendations from knowledgeable persons
- Suggestions from trusted pharmacies that stock CBD products
- Recommendation from your physician
Side effects of CBD body lotions
CBD topical products such as body lotions have limited side effects due to the following reasons:
- They are not gut-processed
- They do not enter the bloodstream
Topical CBD products are absorbed through peripheral glands. Therefore, they do not cause psychoactive effects like edibles, sublingual, and vapes. Huestis et al. (2019) observed the following side effects associated with topical products;
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
CBD topicals may also interact with other medications. One should avoid taking CBD along with pharmacological drugs with grapefruit warning. Cannabidiol inhibits the function of special proteins called cytochrome P450; these proteins process most pharmacological drugs in the liver. CBD taken alongside grapefruit-sensitive drugs may accumulate into toxic levels in the body. Therefore, CBD users should seek medical advice before Cannabidiol products alongside over-the-counter drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Body Creams
Does CBD Cream make you high?
CBD body lotions are consumed topically. They do not enter the bloodstream or get gut-processed. Instead, the cannabis-infused lotion gets absorbed by the peripheral nerves. Their interaction with the endocannabinoid system does not stimulate parts of the brain responsible for psychoactive effects. Therefore, a topical product cannot make the user feel high irrespective of the level of THC in the product.
Can Topical Cream Treat Arthritis Pain?
CBD has therapeutic effects on arthritis pain. The cannabis derivative interacts with endocannabinoid receptors; they bind with receptors, blocking the pain-transmitting receptors. The interaction is suitable for reducing pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis. Chronic arthritis may require highly potent Cannabidiol cream.
Is CBD Body Lotion good when Pregnant?
Cannabis-infused products are generally discouraged for pregnant or breastfeeding users. CBD may inhibit cognitive development among young children, although studies of such effects are limited to animals. Nevertheless, Cannabidiol topical products do not enter the bloodstream; they may remain safe for pregnant users, although more studies are needed to ascertain their safety.
Conclusion
Cannabidiol body lotions dispense a wide range of therapeutic benefits to the skin. The non-psychometric cannabis derivative lotion treats skin-related conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis, among others. Cannabidiol topical products are safe for many users. However, poor-quality creams may cause allergies, itching, or irritation; Users who are pregnant, under medication, or allergic to THC should seek medical advice before using the cream. The best quality products come from reputable brands, producers within the UK, or products with positive customer reviews. CBD creams from less reputable brands may have harmful additives to the users. Therefore, buyers should get their products from reputable brands; such products give the desired outcomes.
References
Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press.
Huestis, M. A., Solimini, R., Pichini, S., Pacifici, R., Carlier, J., & Busardò, F. P. (2019). Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity. Current neuropharmacology, 17(10), 974-989.
Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.
Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2021). Review of the endocannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 6(6), 607-615.
Nahler, G., Jones, T. M., & Russo, E. B. (2019). Cannabidiol and contributions of major hemp phytocompounds to the “entourage effect”; possible mechanisms. J. Altern. Complementary Integr. Med, 5.
Peyravian, N., Sun, E., Dikici, E., Deo, S., Daunert, S., & Toborek, M. (2022). Opioid Antagonist Nanodrugs Successfully Attenuate the Severity of Ischemic Stroke. Molecular Pharmaceutics.