So your skin is not perfect. You have acne, or maybe even worse – cystic acne.
You might have heard rumours of CBD’s properties. But what is CBD? Can you use CBD for acne? Is it safe? These are all questions you are probably asking yourself about CBD and whether it’s worth a shot to clear up your skin.
Here’s the low down on CBD for acne: what it does and how it works. Plus, the science behind this treatment method and what you need to know before trying CBD yourself.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin problem where the pores on your skin get blocked. Blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and other types of pimples are all the result of these blockages.
There are four grades of acne:
Mild Acne (grade 1) is characterized by blackheads or whiteheads that are not very inflamed.
Moderate acne (grade 2) acne is characterized by the presence of papules, which are red bumps on the surface of the skin with no accumulation of pus in them.
Moderate to severe acne (grade 3) has papules that are larger in size along with pustules or nodules, which are inflamed and pus-filled lesions.
Severe – cystic acne (grade 4) is characterized by cysts or abscesses that can lead to scarring on the face.
What causes acne?
The main cause of acne is bacteria. It happens when oils, keratin, dead skin cells and the skin’s protection – sebum- mix together and form a plug in the pore of the follicle. These plugs prevent sebum from being released onto the surface of your skin. When they rupture, they cause a pimple or cyst in the centre.
Other causes of acne include:
- Excessive oil production (known as seborrhea)
- Dead skin cells clogging your pores. This allows the oils in your skin to build up inside a pore, or can even create another type of infection such as folliculitis.
- Hormonal imbalance or changes such as at puberty
- poor diet or intolerance
Folliculitis
Is a condition where bacteria enters into hair follicles and creates an infection. It can cause red bumps similar to acne, but these are typically more painful than acne pimples or cysts due to their location on the body. They tend to feel like razor burns from shaving instead of just a tender bump that comes with cystic acne.
What is CBD oil and how does it work?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis sativa that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
The most well-known components of the cannabis plant are THC and CBD.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most famous and vilified cannabis cannabinoid. This component is responsible for giving you a “high” or “stoned” sensation after smoking marijuana.
Unlike THC, CBD (Cannabidiol) does not produce a high, making it a more appropriate treatment option for those who suffer from anxiety or other ailments. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has many health advantages when taken on a regular basis.
CBD works by activating receptors throughout the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a crucial system of your body that regulates a wide range of functions including sleep cycles, hunger, hormones, moods and emotions, as well as motor control processes such as balance and coordination.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system and regulate moods and emotions as well as sleep cycles.
- CB2 receptors are found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells and regulate inflammation and pain relief.
How CBD works on the ECS:
CBD works on the ECS by stimulating and influencing CB receptors all over your body. It does this by activating these receptors, which then triggers other systems to start working. For example, when CBD stimulates CB receptors in the brain it helps improve moods and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
When CBD interacts with CB receptors on your skin’s surface it works as an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces pain and swelling associated with acne, folliculitis and other types of skin conditions.
How can CBD help acne?
Acne-prone skin is not limited to people who have sensitive skin, it can affect people of all different skin types. CBD helps restore the skin’s natural balance and prevents things from getting worse.
The benefits of CBD:
- Reduces inflammation
- Decreases redness
- Breaks down sebum (oil)
- Regulates skin cell production
- Inhibits pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines)
- Has antibacterial properties
Acne can cause irritated skin, redness and inflamed lesions which can all be helped by CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation. It has also been shown to inhibit the production of cytokines, which are proteins involved in triggering an inflammatory response from your immune system when you have a bacterial infection or injury.
The science behind using CBD for acne
There have been multiple studies into using CBD for skin issues over the years.
A study published in 2014 found that CBD inhibited human sebocytes from producing too much sebum. CBD oil also induced anti-inflammatory responses and prevented cytokines from activating in the cells.
Two years later, a 2016 review concluded that CBD had antifungal and antibacterial properties.
CBD has also been used to good effect in a variety of other skin issues. In 2019, it was found to reduce psoriasis and atopic dermatitis scarring in a small study of 20 individuals. It was seen that CBD ointment improved natural suppleness and hydration.
How to use CBD for acne
The most popular method of using CBD for acne is to mix CBD oil into a cream to be applied topically to the skin. This works well because CBD is lipophilic, meaning it’s attracted to fat molecules and therefore penetrates through your skin pores easily.
The next best way is to take it orally, as either capsules or tablets, or an oil or edible which will pass through your digestive system and liver before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Forms of CBD available
There are many forms of CBD available:
- CBD oils are CBD extracts that have been diluted with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil. CBD oils may be available in various concentrations, from a low 2% with just 200mg of CBD in the bottle, up to a high 30% with 3000mg of CBD. Using the correct CBD dosage is essential for acne treatment.
- CBD gummies and edibles are CBD products in the form of candy or baked goods. They come in all forms and flavours and are a delicious option. However, as sugar and fats are generally considered bad for the skin, we would advise against acne sufferers using these on a regular basis.
- CBD topicals like CBD creams, lotions, or salves are CBD products that have been mixed into a topical cream base. CBD topicals are applied as they would be any other skin product – directly onto the problem areas such as your acne-prone skin and allow CBD to absorb through the skin pores.
- CBD vape oil is an e liquid CBD product that is vaporized and inhaled using a CBD vape pen.
- Flowers and infusions are CBD products that have been infused into other CBD-free herbal substances such as dried flowers or roots. They may come in the form of a tea bag or loose herbs.
- CBD capsules are CBD products in the form of a pill. They may contain pure CBD extract, or be combined with other ingredients such as amino acids, herbal extracts or vitamins to amplify their effects.
The best way to incorporate CBD into your skincare routine
Incorporating CBD into your skincare routine to help treat acne is extremely easy. Try using CBD topicals morning and night in combination with other skincare products that have anti-inflammatory properties such as tea tree oil and aloe vera juice.
Although CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects are what makes it so beneficial for acne sufferers, it should always be taken alongside other acne fighting skincare products to provide the best results for your skin.
Why use CBD for acne
- CBD oil is a great way to clear acne quickly because it’s capable of penetrating through skin pores.
- It has also has been shown to be effective and safe for treating inflammation which plays an important role in the development of acne lesions.
- CBD will not affect any other medications that you’re taking and it’s non-addictive.
- CBD can also help with other skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Dosage recommendations
The CBD dosage that is recommended for the treatment of acne is between 10 and 25 milligrams per day. CBD can be taken orally or incorporated into a topical CBD product such as CBD lotion, CBD cream, CBD oil, CBD salve, CBD lip balm etc. The CBD should be applied on the acne-prone skin at least once a day for optimal results.
Side effects
CBD may have some mild side effects including:
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
CBD is considered safe for most people but there are some who should exercise caution when taking CBD such as pregnant women or those with liver problems.
Other benefits
CBD oil may also be beneficial for those living with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties.
It has been shown to act as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (relieving muscle cramping and spasms related to epilepsy/seizures), antipsychotic (alleviating psychosis), and is a strong antioxidant.
CBD oil may relax you, helping you to fall asleep at night and regulate your REM cycle which is responsible for natural sleep cycles. CBD has also been shown to significantly reduce anxiety levels by regulating emotional responses.
It can relieve chronic pain and muscle cramping, and in combination with THC, CBD also reduces seizures for those living with epilepsy or other seizure disorders such as Dravet’s syndrome and Parkinson’s disease.
Other natural ways to improve your skin
CBD is a great way to treat your acne but there are other natural ways you can improve your skin.
Your skin is an organ just like your heart, kidneys, liver etc. You take care of these organs by eating right, working out, having proper sleep and drinking lots of water. Your skin is no different.
Here are some things that may help:
- A diet rich in vegetables will help you have the perfect clear skin you’ve always wanted! Vegetables contain antioxidants which fight free radicals within our cells so they can work to do what they were meant for which is protect us from disease and illness. Avoiding oily foods such as fried foods, fast food, processed foods etc. will help your skin maintain its natural moisture and clearness.
- Drinking lots of water is crucial for the health of our organs including our skin. By drinking more water you are giving your kidneys a break which allows them to flush toxins out of the body in an efficient way while hydrating our cells (including those within our skin) with essential nutrients it needs to function properly!
- Sleeping at least seven hours every night gives your mind and body time to rest and repair itself from all that stress we put on it during the day.
- Exercising not only keeps our heart healthy but also helps regulate hormone levels within the body which can be very beneficial for acne-prone skin.
FAQs
Can I put CBD on my acne?
CBD can definitely help acne because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the swelling and irritation that leads to acne. CBD also has terpenes which can inhibit the growth of bacteria. So yes, it is a great option even if you have very sensitive skin as CBD will not cause any side effects or sensitivities.
Can CBD help with other skin problems?
CBD products are becoming increasingly popular for beauty purposes among people looking for natural alternatives rather than expensive makeup and treatments.
Some people who have itchy skin issues have found comfort in lotions that contain CBD. Research shows CBD can help with skin problems like acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. CBD is an anti-inflammatory that helps reduce the production of sebum in your pores. It has antioxidant properties which will help heal the inflammation, redness, and dryness in your skin. And it can help to treat scalp itch or hair loss due to dandruff or dermatitis.
It is even being claimed as the new super ingredient in anti-aging creams!
Does CBD reduce sebum production?
As CBD is antimicrobial, CBD may also reduce sebum production. CBD can also help to control the redness and oily skin that come with acne. CBD has been shown to inhibit P. acnes, which are responsible for acne lesions.
Does it work for body acne?
Yes, Because body acne occurs through the same pathways as facial acne, it’s possible that CBD-rich treatments could help reduce body acne. CBD oils, topicals and pills have been proven to be effective because CBD kills off acne-causing bacteria that sits deep within your pores.
Acne affects people all over the world. Here, Anne in the Philippines, tells us her story
“I always wanted to have that perfect flawless skin but puberty hit me hard. I had severe acne all over my face that knocked me right down. I had to deal with it every single day for eight years and it drove me crazy how people stared at me like I was some kind of freak.
That’s how I felt back then. Knowing what people were thinking every time they looked at me was so hard. I felt ugly and just didn’t belong to the crowd because no matter how I dressed up, it didn’t change the fact that I had acne.
Some people called me names because of how severe my acne was which led to depression and anxiety. And to ease the pain, I found food as my friend. I comfort ate a lot of unhealthy foods which worsened my acne and basically became fat.
I became depressed again. I went to a dermatologist to help me with my acne, which was one session only because I had no money to continue the medication. I also bought lots of stuff to apply to my face but nothing worked.
So, I decided to go to a faith healer for help. His way of treating my face was a bit weird. He gave me an oil which I think was made from coconut with some herbs inside and of course he added some prayers to it.
He also told me to always apply saliva to my face every morning when I woke up. And I did but still, my acne remained. I thought, the only thing that stays in my life is acne, Lol 🙂
A lesson learned
My acne journey was not easy at all, it was like a trail which I had to follow to finally see the true beauty of life. That’s when I decided to love my flaws. I accepted that I had acne and it did not make me less worthy of a person. I went on a healthy diet for years, getting lots of sleep, working out and drinking lots of fluids. In the end it worked!
“Finally I became stronger and better as a person. Losing my pimples was just a bonus!” – Anne
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