CBD Moisturizer UK Shopping Guide

The influx of topical moisturisers in the UK market presents a labyrinth of choices to many customers. This blog highlights the benefits of CBD moisturisers and what to look for when shopping.

CBD is infused in a wide range of topical products, including, but not limited to, creams, rubs, salves, and lotions. The cannabis-infused topicals exert multiple health and therapeutic benefits through the dense network of receptors in the Skin. The UK amended its 1971 drugs act, declassifying Cannabidiol oil from the list of illegal substances like marijuana. Nevertheless, The UK's Home Office requires a maximum of 0.2% THC for cannabis-infused products. However, the rise of cannabis topicals in the UK market and the weak regulations regarding the novel products have created confusion among many CBD consumers; one needs proper guidelines to navigate the variety of CBD moisturisers.

What is Cannabidiol oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the more than 140 cannabis derivatives called phytocannabinoids obtained from hemp, a common cannabis sativa strain. Cannabidiol is also found in trace amounts in the marijuana plant. Hemp and marijuana are cannabis strains with varying levels of THC and CBD. On the one hand, hemp contains the largest percentage of Cannabidiol but low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

In contrast, marijuana has higher amounts of psychoactive THC. Hemp-derived CBD is non-psychoactive, making it a useful pharmacological utility. The cannabis strain is mixed with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or hemp seed oil to make Cannabidiol oil. The carrier oil makes the fat-soluble CBD compatible with many moisturisers. Although the product has THC, the levels are below 0.2%, consistent with UK laws.

How CBD Works In Moisturizers

According to Lu & Mackie (2021), the human body contains a network of enzymes, hormones, and receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD interacts indirectly with the ECS receptors to exert health and therapeutic benefits. For example, the ECS contains CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 in peripheral nerves. CBD from topical products interacts with peripheral-based receptors to help the ECS maintain homeostasis (balance); imbalances in the ECS are caused by pain, inflammation, and other external stressors.

The Endocannabinoid system regulates physiological functions like pain, anxiety, and inflammation. Unlike edibles or vapes, topical products diffuse into the body through the dense network of CB2 receptors without travelling through the bloodstream. The non-gastrointestinal uptake of Cannabidiol maintains a higher bioavailability than edibles and does not result in common side effects like nausea or vomiting; it also eliminates the possibility of getting 'high' from the topicals. 

Manufacturers infuse THC in Cannabidiol topicals to provide a wide range of health and therapeutic benefits. According to Nahler Jones & Russo (2019), THC amplifies the therapeutic effects of CBD when used together. Therefore, full-spectrum topical moisturisers have a wider range of benefits than spectra without THC.

Types of CBD Moisturizers

Topical CBD comes in three spectra. These include; full, broad, and isolated spectra. Full-spectrum or whole-plant Cannabidiol contains different cannabinoids ranging from CBG, terpenes, fatty acids,CBN, and flavonoids. In some cases, THC is included in full-spectrum moisturisers. The many products in the whole plant spectrum provide a wider range of therapeutic effects due to the synergistic action of different Cannabis derivatives.

 Manufacturers remove THC from hemp to produce broad-spectrum. Unlike the whole plant extract, it has limited cannabis derivatives, although it is suitable for users who dislike THC. CBD subjected to intense purification gives a pure product called the isolate; it has Cannabidiol as the active cannabis ingredient and has a purity of up to 99%. 

Full-spectrum skin products have a high potency, making them ideal for skin conditions like eczema, acne, and inflammation-related pain.

Do CBD Moisturizers Work?

CBD moisturisers have multiple health and therapeutic benefits for the Skin. The human skin is predisposed to external stressors like temperature, chemicals, light, and other pathogenic problems. Dryness of the Skin is a common sign of dehydration and lack of moisture. Although anecdotal, studies show that CBD exerts health and therapeutic benefits on the Skin in many ways;

Reduces inflammation 

Evans (2020) opined that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, making it a utility drug for inflammation-related conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It also contains oxidative properties which suppress the action of free radicals. The radicals cause diseases like acne, eczema, and psoriasis if allowed to oxidise on the Skin. CBD moisturiser lotions also soothe Skin.

Regulates Sebum Production

Sebum is a waxy, oily substance that maintains Skin's moisture. The substance also keeps the skin hydrated. However, excess sebum leads to skin breakouts and the development of acne. Sebum mixed with dead cells and dirt blocks skin pores, leading to painful breakage. Also, it obstructs the pores and results in skin breakaways and inflammation. Peyravian et al.(2022) opined that CBD suppresses excess sebum, leading to normal skin development.

Treats Acne

Stress, hormonal imbalances, or changes in nutrition cause acne. Other causes of acne include abnormal shedding of cutaneous cells and bacterial accumulation. CBD moisturiser creams have antibacterial properties, which reduce acne caused by bacteria and dirt. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties lessen pain caused by skin breakups associated with acne. 

CBD treats hormonal imbalances, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Evans (2020) observed that Cannabidiol contains anxiolytic benefits that lower anxiety-related behaviour. When CBD lotions reduce inflammation, they allow the user to fall asleep.

Hydrates dry Skin

Environmental and internal factors cause dehydration of the Skin. It manifests through patchy, scaly, and rough or dullness among some people. Cannabidiol-infused moisturisers dispense waxy products which keep moisture in the Skin and reduce inflammation associated with dry Skin. 

Oxidises Free Radicals

Unstable molecules' oxidation results in problematic skin conditions. The free radicals lack electrons in their valence shells and easily pick electrons from the Skin, leading to oxidative stress. The stress results in wrinkling, skin sagging, and the formation of fine lines. Oxidative stress also causes dullness of the Skin, which is synonymous with old age. According to Evans (2020), CBD's antioxidant property prevents the radicals from exerting oxidative stress or converts them to less active forms. 

Stimulates Collagen Production  

Wrinkles, sagging, and the formation of fine lines result from less collagen production. Collagen protein maintains elasticity and firmness. It stops forming with age or environmental stressors like UV rays, lifestyle behaviours, and smoking. According to Tóth et al.(2019), CBD stimulates collagen production and inhibits excess sebum. The cannabis derivative also prevents skin diseases like pigmentation disorders responsible for dull and saggy Skin.

Side Effects of CBD Moisturizer Lotion

Cannabidiol-infused topicals have limited side effects. Topical products do not get gut-processed and are synonymous with nausea and vomiting. Nevertheless, CBD topicals could cause

• Allergies
• Irritation 
• redness 
• skin rashes
• allergies
• Drowsiness 
• Lightheadedness

Where to Buy Quality Moisturizers 

CBD moisturisers are sold in pharmacies, drug stores, and online platforms around the UK. Online stores are accessible through websites and social media platforms. A click of CBD moisturisers will give several online stores nearby. Shoppers can also get recommendations from friends, family, and knowledgeable persons or dermatologists. In the UK, CBD dealers are licensed by the Home Office; they operate online and in physical stores. CBD products can also be obtained abroad. However, overseas buying should remain consistent with CBD regulations in the UK. For example, hemp products from the US permit around 0.3% THC compared to UK's 0.2%. Nevertheless, CBD moisturisers from the EU have 0.2% THC, consistent with UK regulations on cannabis products. Therefore, imports from the EU region are permissible in the UK, unlike products from the US and other jurisdictions with different cannabis policies.

How to Buy CBD Moisturizers in the UK

Evaluate Customer Review 

CBD companies provide consumers a platform to share their experiences with other users. Positive reviews and five-star ratings show that a product has a good treatment outcome and vice-versa. Although positive reviews may indicate good quality, users should perform patch tests to determine the effects of the moisturisers on the Skin.

Check for Third-party Lab Tests

The law requires CBD companies to subject their products to independent laboratory testing to measure quality and standards. Companies that submit their products to an independent body for analysis conform to such regulations. The laboratory testing shows an objective assessment of ingredients used in a lotion, the presence of heavy metals, and chemical contaminants used during extraction, among other content. Customers may access the test results on a company's website or request it; shoppers must ask for this information to understand their moisturiser’s chemical profile. If a company has third-party test results, its product may have the right ingredients for a moisturiser.

Choose The Right Concentration. 

CBD products come in different concentrations. Consumers react differently to Cannabidiol products; some users require products with low Concentrations of CBD to achieve the desired results. Also, some skin conditions may need more CBD in a lotion than others. A product's concentration is indicated on the package as grams per unit serving or a percentage of the weight. Nevertheless, new CBD users apply the trial and error method to get the right concentration of CBD. They can begin with low concentrations and adjust the amount accordingly; a product with a higher concentration may cost more than a low-potent product.

Decide On the CBD Extract.

CBD moisturisers come in three concentrations; full, broad, and isolate spectrums. Full-spectrum products have more cannabis compounds; they may also have the psychoactive THC. CBD users allergic to THC should choose full-spectrum products without THC or buy broad spectrum or CBD isolate spectrum with no THC. Nevertheless, THC in a topical product does not predispose its users to the psychoactive feelings associated with marijuana. Instead, the cannabis derivative amplifies the effects of CBD through the entourage effect; experts observed that THC and other cannabis compounds have a wider range of effects whenever they work in synergy.

CBD isolate in Cannabidiol moisturisers is the purest; it has a purity level as high as 99%. The isolate spectrum, though suitable for users allergic to THC, is the mildest in a product. In contrast, full-spectrum products are the strongest and most suitable for severe skin-related conditions. 

Understand The Consequence of CBD In Your Medication 

CBD is classified as a grapefruit product. Topical CBD may inhibit the body's ability to absorb pharmacological drugs like opioids and steroids. Medications like anti-histamine, blood thinners and other painkillers are incompatible with CBD topicals. Shoppers under such drugs should seek medical advice on incorporating CBD moisturisers into their daily routines. Also, CBD topicals are unsuitable for pregnant users or breastfeeding customers. Although anecdotal, studies show that CBD may undermine children's cognitive development. Reputable bodies like the WHO or the US-based FDA discourage pregnant customers from CBD products. 

Buy From a Reputable Brand

CBD moisturisers from reputable companies give the best treatment outcomes. The brands preserve their customer base through products of high quality. A brand's reputation manifests through its website ranking, the number of warnings from regulatory bodies, customer reviews, or several online searches. Shoppers can check out brands with good reputations before deciding to purchase from their brands. Suppose a Brand has a low website ranking or many warnings from regulatory bodies. In that case, it may have products of poor quality.

Conclusion

Cannabidiol-infused moisturiser offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits to the Skin. The non-addictive and non-intoxicating hemp products are infused in topicals like creams, lotions, and balms. The moisturiser treats skin conditions such as acne, dehydration, and inflammation, among other conditions. The Cannabidiol-infused products are available in online and physical stores across the UK. Users can also buy CBD moisturisers from online stores abroad, although the countries must fall within the EU jurisdictions; the EU and UK have similar CBD regulations which require all products to have 0.2% THC. Other gold standards for a cannabis product include positive customer reviews, the brand's reputation, and the topical content.

References

Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press.

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.

Tóth, K. F., Ádám, D., Bíró, T., & Oláh, A. (2019). Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C (ut) cannabinoid” System. Molecules, 24(5), 918.