Is acne turning your gorgeous skin into a raging battlefield? Fighting off wave after wave of breakouts can be frustrating. Take heart because you are not alone! According to research, acne vulgaris affects nearly 50 million Americans each year.
Before you ditch your dreams of baby-smooth skin, let’s talk about CBD. It’s a soothing natural medicine with anti-inflammatory effects here to rescue your wartorn complexion from its battle with acne. This plant-based powerhouse derived from cannabis has sparked a CBD oil craze among acne sufferers desperately searching for a breakthrough to relentless breakouts.
In today’s CBD 101 guide, we’ll dive into the science behind CBD skin care treatments for acne to show you how this natural compound might finally get you on the path to radiantly clear skin. We’ll explore the science and show you how CBD could be the all-natural skincare treatment that works, whether you’re fighting occasional breakouts or persistent severe acne.
CBD oil for acne: How does it work?
Cannabidiol, called CBD for short, is the main cannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is just one of over 100 medicinal cannabinoids, which include CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
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Unlike THC, hemp-derived cannabidiol won’t get you high or stoned, no matter how much you take. CBD is legal in the USA and commonly found in many OTC CBD skin care products, including CBD oil tinctures, creams, salves, and balms.
To understand how topical CBD could be the potential acne treatment of your dreams, let’s look at what causes breakouts first and find out how CBD targets these issues directly.
1. Your skin produces too much oil
You know that annoying oily sheen that always shows up at the worst times? That’s called sebum, and sebaceous glands in the dermis produce it. While sebum protects your skin and keeps it from drying out, too much causes oily skin, clogs pores, and summons the zit army.
Cannabinoid research shows CBD interacts with receptors in your skin’s endocannabinoid system. Adding a CBD skincare product to your regimen may help regulate sebum lipid synthesis (excess oil production), meaning fewer clogged pores and pimples to pop. Plus, your sebaceous glands will appreciate the extra TLC.
2. Inflammation is messing up your skin
You know those red, inflamed breakouts that feel like they’ve taken over your whole face? The anti-inflammatory powers of CBD could help reduce that redness and swelling, making your breakouts less painful and noticeable.
Clinical investigation shows that CBD therapy lowers the activity of irritating compounds in the body called inflammatory cytokines. These pesky little troublemakers are behind that breakout redness. Less inflammation with CBD means more healing, happier skin, and a more radiant you!
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3. Dead skin cells aren’t shedding as they should
According to research, CBD and other cannabinoid compounds, like CBG and CBN, act as powerful antioxidants. As an antioxidant, CBD protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by pollution, UV rays, or cigarette smoke. Oxidative stress slows down cell regeneration, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores and trigger acne. Antioxidant cannabinoids help fight these environmental attackers with the power of cannabis medicine.
High-quality CBD skincare products made with full spectrum hemp extract, which includes beneficial minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, support the body’s natural cell renewal process, potentially improving skin cell turnover. This reduces dead skin cell buildup, revealing a brighter, more luminous complexion.
Using topical CBD in your daily skincare routine may prevent oxidative stress-related breakouts, leaving your skin visibly balanced, calm, and refreshed!
4. There’s too much of that pesky Cutibacterium acnes bacteria
CBD helps treat acne by addressing one of the main contributors to the condition — icky bacteria that proliferate in clogged pores, setting off inflammatory effects like redness, swelling, and dreaded breakouts.
According to one clinical study, CBD demonstrates impressive antibacterial properties that reduce the overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Other scientific studies show CBD is a potential treatment for gram-positive bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes. CBD may even help treat cases of antibiotic resistance, based on some research.
Combined with its ability to reduce inflammation, control the skin’s oil production, and improve skin-cell turnover, CBD oil is a powerful natural treatment for combating acne.
FAST FACT
The best CBD skin care products for acne treatment are made with full spectrum CBD hemp extract.
CBD oil for sensitive and inflamed skin
Finding acne treatment regimens that don’t make things worse for those of us with sensitive skin can be incredibly challenging.
Harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol can leave skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated — making redness, inflammation, and breakouts even more noticeable.
Over-the-counter CBD skincare products stand out because, unlike many common acne products, they soothe and calm the skin while minimizing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Applying topical CBD helps reduce inflammation and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier without stripping it away.
As a result, more and more people with sensitive, acne-prone skin are turning to CBD-infused products like oil tinctures, serums, and moisturizing creams. CBD treatments for skin offer a gentle, irritation-free approach to tackling acne head-on, promoting a clearer, calmer complexion.
Acne and stress management with CBD
Acne isn’t just a skin issue — it often takes a severe toll on emotional health, too.
Dealing with persistent acne can lower your self-esteem and make you feel stressed and anxious, which only makes acne worse. It’s a vicious cycle.
But here’s where CBD might help more than just your skin. Studies suggest that CBD helps reduce stress and anxiety, which could break the cycle of stress-induced acne breakouts. When you feel calmer on the inside, it shows on the outside.
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Is CBD good for acne scars?
Once the breakouts are gone, there’s often another issue to deal with: scarring. Those lingering red marks and pits can be just as frustrating as acne itself. While research on the effects of CBD oil for acne scars is still emerging, early findings suggest promising potential.
According to one recent clinical trial involving 20 participants using topical CBD ointment twice daily for three months, researchers noted significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity alongside a reduction in symptoms like dryness and itchy skin — factors that can impact scarring. The study results underscore the safety and effectiveness of CBD for inflammatory conditions and scarring with no reports of side effects.
Many CBD users find that regular application of a topical product containing CBD helps reduce the appearance of acne scars over time. While it may not be a miracle scar-fader, CBD for acne scars may help improve your skin’s texture and evenness in the long run.
How to choose the best CBD for acne
When picking the best CBD product for acne, you’ve got options, each with benefits.
Full spectrum CBD oil brings in the entire lineup of cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, like CBG, CBN, and even a tiny bit of THC. Together, they create a powerful synergistic action called the entourage effect, where all the ingredients team up to boost the overall benefit of CBD.
CBD products that contain THC are not for everyone, so if it’s not your thing, broad spectrum CBD oil offers a great alternative. It’s packed with many of the same beneficial cannabinoids as its full spectrum counterpart but skips the THC altogether.
You might also consider CBD isolate oils if you are looking for pharmaceutical-grade purity. Isolates offer almost 100 percent pure CBD without even a hint of THC — perfect if you’re looking for another THC-free cannabis product option.
Many top-notch CBD oils use medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil derived from coconuts. MCT oil not only helps to improve absorption but also gives your skin some extra love and care. It is non-comedogenic, so it keeps your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
So, whether you’re team full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate, the right CBD oil could be your new secret weapon for flawless skin.
How to use CBD for acne
Ready to add the benefit of OTC CBD products to your skincare routine? Here are a few ideas for how to use CBD oil for acne.
Apply it directly to the skin
Apply a few drops of CBD oil tincture to clean skin, focusing on areas prone to breakouts. CBD skin care products anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties can help keep new eruptions at bay.
Make your own CBD skincare product
Check out CBD distillates and isolates if you’re into making custom DIY skincare products.
Infuse your favorite carrier oil to make your own CBD tincture, lotion, moisturizer, balm, or CBD ointment. Here’s a quick guide to help match the best carrier oil for your skin type:
Coconut or MCT oil is ideal for dry skin. Both are deeply moisturizing and perfect for people who need extra hydration. However, coconut oil may clog pores for some skin types. MCT oil, on the other hand, is non-comedogenic and less likely to cause breakouts.
Olive oil works well for normal to dry skin. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and deeply nourishing, but it can feel heavy on oily skin.
Shea butter is recommended to soothe dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. It is deeply moisturizing and perfect for dry patches or inflamed areas, though it may be too thick for oily skin types.
Argan oil is best for oily or combination skin because it is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and can help reduce excess oil production while still providing hydration.
Take oral CBD products
Taking CBD orally can help with acne from the inside out because its anti-inflammatory effects work throughout the body. Place CBD oil directly under your tongue and swallow after 30 to 60 seconds, or try delicious CBD gummies for a tasty treat.
Note that most studies have researched the therapeutic potential of CBD applied directly to oil-producing cells on the skin. So, if you’re one of the millions of acne sufferers out there, using CBD topicals is your best bet.
So, is CBD good for acne?
Nonprescription CBD products are shaping up to be a total game-changer for people struggling with persistent acne.
CBD works with your skin’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation, speed up skin cell turnover, control oil production, and balance bacteria — everything you need for beautifully clear skin!
Unlike conventional acne therapies from a doctor or pharmacy, actual CBD oil offers these benefits naturally, without harsh chemicals or side effects. Whether you’re battling stubborn breakouts or just want a healthier glow, CBD oil could be the missing piece in your quest for an acne cure.
The bottom line, according to researchers, is yes! CBD oil is good for acne and acne scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more information about potential acne remedies and natural treatments with CBD? Review these frequently asked questions about CBD for acne before you try it.
