Acne is a common problem for adolescents, both male and female. However, this pesky skin problem isn’t always left behind once we leave the teen years. Breakouts and flares can occur even in adults. Most folks turn to over-the-counter products. These can be full of chemicals and often don’t work. Sometimes they may even cause irritation or exacerbate skin issues. Seeing a dermatologist can get pricey. That’s why many people turn to more natural solutions. One such option is cannabidiol, better known as CBD.
You can get CBD in a variety of forms. When it comes to addressing skin problems, a topical option is likely your best bet. You put these creams, lotions or serums directly on the skin. Such products can be good for issues like joint pain and muscle tension, but can CBD cream get rid of acne? Keep reading to learn more.
About CBD
CBD comes from the cannabis plant. It’s a compound known as a cannabinoid that contains a number of healing properties. Cannabidiol offers various benefits. Two of the most common include relief of pain and anxiety. CBD does not contain THC, the compound found in cannabis that produces a psychotropic effect. Therefore, there’s no worry that using a CBD product will cause you to get high or to feel impaired in any way.
The Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol exhibits the health benefits it does by working with a system known as the endocannabinoid system. This framework within your body is responsible for a number of functions such as appetite, mood, pain, and memory. These functions all come together to contribute to overall health.
Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters produced within this system and sent throughout the body to react with different receptors. Each interaction performs a different function.
Examples of functions controlled by these interactions include:
- Appetite and digestion
- Pain
- Mood
- Inflammation
- Motor control
- Immune responses
- Cardiovascular system function
- Learning and memory
- Liver function
- Skin and nerve function
- Stress levels
- Muscle formation
- Reproductive system function
When something throws off your body’s balance or homeostasis, the endocannabinoid system goes into action to return things to normal. Phytocannabinoids within CBD mimic endocannabinoids. They maximize the functions within your endocannabinoid system in cases where deficiencies exist.
About Acne
Acne is a skin condition that is caused by clogged hair follicles. The follicles become overrun with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, whiteheads or blackheads on your skin. Acne can affect you throughout your life, but it’s most commonly seen during the teen years. Areas you are likely to experience acne include the forehead, face, shoulders, upper back, and chest.
Sebum is the oily substance that helps to keep your skin lubricated. It’s secreted through glands beneath the skin known as sebaceous glands. When you notice oily skin, it’s because sebum has traveled up the hair follicles located in your pores. These hair follicles also shed dead skin cells. A buildup of these cells and excess sebum is what clogs the pores and causes acne breakouts. In addition, this can lead to an increased production of bacteria, which feeds the acne. Sometimes hormone fluctuations can exacerbate acne production, as well.
Acne and CBD
CBD works to help slow down the processes that lead to acne. Excess oil production, increased bacteria, and inflammation can all be addressed through the use of cannabidiol. At least this is what a study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found to be true.
According to researchers’ findings, the endogenous cannabinoids, anandamide, and 2AG, which are products of the sebaceous glands act on CB2 receptors within the system and cause excess sebum production. CBD oil was demonstrated to inhibit the endocannabinoids in a way that helps to regulate and control the production of sebum.
The antibacterial effects of CBD oil are well-suited for the treatment of acne. It can help to decrease or even eliminate the excess bacteria that surround acne breakouts. Finally, the aforementioned study showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD oil play an important role in acne prevention. This works by keeping pro-inflammatory cytokine levels to a normal level.
The study came to the conclusion that CBD is a “promising therapeutic agent” in the treatment of acne. These results are applicable to both facial and body acne.
CBD and Acne Scars
A combination of enlarged pimples and picking of the skin commonly leads to scarring from acne. This is due to the disruptions that occur beneath the surface of the skin. A study in the journal La Clinica Terapeutica seems to indicate that CBD can help to smooth and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
In this study, 20 participants with demonstrated scars applied CBD ointment to the affected region twice each day for three months. There was a significant improvement noted in skin elasticity and hydration at the end of the study. The results of this study are quite promising.
Treating Acne with CBD
There are lots of ways to use CBD for treating various conditions. CBD is commonly given in tinctures, capsules, topicals, vaping and edibles. When it comes to treating acne, it makes sense that topical methods of use such as a CBD cream like the one found here, penguincbd/products/cbd-cream, are your best bet.
Acne is a skin condition. CBD can penetrate the skin quite easily. It then builds up in the sebaceous glands, helping to control the excess oil production that can prompt acne production. You can get CBD topicals in lotions, salves, creams, and balms. Products that contain hemp seed oil are particularly good for treating acne due to the amino acids found in hemp seed.
As you can see, CBD has been shown in various studies to be useful in the treatment of acne and the reduction of acne scarring. Cannabidiol’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system is the science behind many of CBD’s medicinal benefits. This is no exception when it comes to getting rid of acne. So, if you’re looking for a more natural remedy for your breakouts, CBD cream, or other topical applications may be a good choice for you.