What Is CBD Cream UK?

CBD creams are gaining popularity for their numerous benefits. Herein, we shall focus on CBD creams, their benefits, how to use them, their side effects, and the frequently asked questions about CBD creams.

Recently, CBD has been popping up everywhere, across mainstream and social media platforms. More people are embracing this "life-changing" product due to its myriad therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, it can be infused in tinctures, gummies, capsules, snacks, and topical products such as lotions, creams, salves, and balms. CBD topicals are applied externally, penetrating the skin to dispense their therapeutic effects. They cannot make you feel intoxicated since they do not reach the bloodstream. While purchasing CBD creams in the UK, it is vital to check their legality in your jurisdiction. Furthermore, it is necessary to confirm whether or not the product was obtained from locally-grown hemp plants.

Understanding CBD Creams: An Industry Game Changer?

CBD creams are topical products infused with a precise amount of cannabidiol concentration. The cream is administered externally and penetrates the deeper layers of the skin.

CBD creams are made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and adding a suitable carrier oil such as MCT oil or jojoba oil. CBD oil is then infused with other substances, such as shea butter, lavender, aloe vera, or beeswax, to make the cream.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive chemical compound abundant in the hemp plant. It does not cause euphoric sensations when consumed.

Hemp is a major plant strain of the cannabis plant. CBD also contains other vital cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC). Besides hemp, marijuana is an active plant strain of the cannabis plant. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive chemical compound that causes euphoric sensations when consumed.

CBD Creams UK

Are They Legal?
Hemp was legalized in the UK in 2018 since amendments were made to the Controlled Substances List. Therefore, it was removed from the legal definition of marijuana since it was proven to be non-psychoactive. UK law requires that CBD products not contain more than 0.2% THC. Furthermore, the CBD extract should be obtained from organically grown hemp plants, and the companies selling CBD products must be licensed.

How Does CBD Cream Work?

Since CBD cream is applied topically, it does not enter the bloodstream. However, it interacts with the body in several ways and remains effective in relieving various medical conditions.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that maintains a homeostatic state by regulating various physiological processes, including breathing, metabolism, sleep, and digestion. The ECS comprises neurotransmitters, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that interact with CBD in myriad ways. For example, CBD binds indirectly with CB2 receptors abundant in the peripheral nervous system and other body parts such as the skin. This interaction leads to the transmission of impulses to target areas to relieve inflammation.

What Are the Medical Benefits of CBD Creams?

According to Dawidowicz et al. (2021), CBD creams have anti-oxidant properties that relieve oxidative stress in the skin. CBD alleviates free radicals that cause skin aging, acne, and eczema.

Jastrząb et al. (2021) stated that CBD cream has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve skin inflammation.

Abichabki et al. (2022) stated that CBD cream has anti-bacterial properties that remove oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin.

Brave & L. (2019) stated that CBD creams have moisturizing properties that improve skin health, reduce skin hydration, and heal microscopic cracks on the skin.

How to Use CBD Creams

• Read the directions on the product label.
• Exfoliate or cleanse your skin using clean water
• Wash your hands to remove germs that may otherwise affect your skin
• Apply a small amount of the cream on your fingertips, and rub gently on your skin with circular motions. You can apply the cream for 2 minutes and let it settle for 5 minutes for better penetration into the skin.
• Rinse and pat dry your skin.

How to Purchase CBD Creams in the UK

• Ensure you confirm the THC levels are below 0.2%
• Confirm whether the CBD extract is obtained from organically grown hemp.
• Check the product's pricing, and ensure it's neither cheap nor expensive. Although a higher price does not necessarily reflect the product quality, extremely cheap CBD products are often illegal and low-quality.
• Confirm whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing.
• Confirm the extraction method used to obtain CBD. CO2 extraction is more popular since it ensures no solvent residues are deposited in the final extract.

Can CBD Creams Alleviate Skin Conditions?

CBD creams have proven effective in alleviating several skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition resulting from blocking skin pores due to skin oxidation or overproduction of sebum. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, blisters, and skin irritation.

CBD alleviates these skin conditions due to its therapeutic properties. For example, CBD alleviates inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties, relieving acne and psoriasis. Furthermore, CBD creams reduce muscle tension, which helps alleviate eczema.

Where Can I Buy CBD Creams in the UK?

CBD creams can be purchased from various local and online stores. Ensure you read the customer reviews, company policy, and the Certificate of Analysis in case it is posted on their website.

Can CBD Cream Make Me Feel High?

Most CBD creams are infused with CBD isolate. Considered the purest form of CBD, isolate CBD does not contain other cannabinoids and chemical compounds that would otherwise enhance its efficacy.

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD contains various cannabinoids and chemical compounds, including THC, terpenes, CBD and CBG. Fortunately, THC levels are low below 0.2%). Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to the full spectrum CBD, bar the absence of THC.

CBD cream cannot make you feel high since it does not reach the bloodstream. It only interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors under the skin to dispense its therapeutic effects.

Can You Use CBD Creams Every Day?

CBD creams can be used twice daily; in the evening to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria and in the morning to enhance skin hydration and heal cracked skin.

Are CBD Creams Effective in Relieving Joint Pains?

CBD creams have analgesic properties that alleviate joint pains and muscle aches. Furthermore, they relieve inflammation in the joints due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Possible Side Effects of CBD Creams

CBD causes minimal side effects, although it has been proven to cause fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. It may also cause adverse skin reactions if infused with inorganic CBD products

Summary

CBD cream has been legalized in the UK since hemp is considered a nom psychoactive chemical compound. Most people prefer CBD creams since they are organic and have various therapeutic properties. For example, they have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate inflammation and anti-oxidant properties that relieve oxidative stress in the skin.

While using CBD creams, it is necessary to read the product label and check for the directions. Ensure the product does not contain any inorganic substances, such as heavy metals and molds. Cleanse your skin, and wash your hands before using CBD cream to prevent the entry of germs into the skin. When purchasing CBD creams from local or online stores, ascertain whether the product has undergone intensive third-party testing.

References

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol contributes to the decreased lipid peroxidation of keratinocytes of rat skin exposed to UV radiation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021.

Abichabki, N., Zacharias, L. V., Moreira, N. C., Bellissimo-Rodrigues, F., Moreira, F. L., Benzi, J. R., ... & Andrade, L. N. (2022). Potential cannabidiol (CBD) repurposing as antibacterial and promising therapy of CBD plus polymyxin B (PB) against PB-resistant gram-negative bacilli. Scientific reports, 12(1), 1-15.

Brave, L. (2019). CBD the Skin, Mind and Body. J Altern Complement Integr Med, 5, 060.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.