CBD for Acne: Does it Really Work?

What’s spurred the sudden explosion of interest in CBD? Recent medical research suggesting many health benefits could be one factor. People are hearing about everything CBD can do, and they want to test it out for themselves.

Some are less convinced CBD can do everything it’s supposed to, especially in the realm of skincare. You might ask, “Does CBD for acne really work?”

This guide will look at the science connecting CBD and acne. It turns out there’s good reason to believe it could help.

CBD as an Anti-Inflammatory

The first evidence that CBD could help with skin conditions like acne is its anti-inflammatory power.

Like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system has specialized receptors throughout the body, including the immune system.

When CBD comes into contact with these receptors, it changes their behavior. This, in turn, changes the messages the brain receives.

Inflammation is an immune system response. It’s designed to fight off foreign bodies or help repair damaged tissues. Most forms of acne are inflammatory in nature.

CBD sends signals that calm the immune system down, lessening inflammation. Since acne is inflammatory, CBD can reduce the inflammatory response that’s causing the problem in the first place.

CBD Can Bust Stress

CBD may also have more indirect effects on acne. The root causes of acne are usually related to bacteria, which builds up in the pores. The inflammatory reaction is a response to this build-up, as the body tries to get the bacteria under control.

Keeping the skin clear and clean plays a major role in reducing acne, but it may not be enough. No one is quite sure what triggers runaway bacteria build-up that leads to acne. Some common culprits seem to include:

• Diet
• Hormones
• Stress

CBD can’t fix a poor diet, but it could help with stress. CBD has been shown to help people relax. It’s even known as a vasodilator, which relaxes veins and allows blood to move through them more freely.

CBD is also known to work on other systems in the body. It interacts with the opioid receptors in the body, which explains how CBD relieves pain.

The serotonin uptake system is also affected by CBD. Serotonin is known as a “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which can alter mood. Researchers think this may be how CBD can help with anxiety and other mood disorders.

Serotonin can produce a calming effect. Finally, CBD may play a role in the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol.

If stress can cause acne breakouts, then CBD oil for acne could be an effective treatment.

The Oil Reducing Power of CBD for Acne

The most convincing argument for CBD and hemp oil for acne are studies that have looked at CBD’s effects on skin. Some studies have looked at CBD’s role in oil production.

The acne-causing bacteria thrive on sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. While it’s important to have this oil, too much of it creates a haven for those bacteria. Oily skin is definitely more prone to breakouts for this reason.

The research on CBD shows that it acts on the cells that produce sebum. Specifically, it stops them from producing oil. This leads to an overall reduction in the amount of oil the skin produces.

If you suffer from breakouts related to oily skin, this is definitely good news. By reducing the amount of oil being produced, CBD can reduce the number and severity of breakouts.

Can CBD’s Entourage Effect Help?

In the case of acne, CBD may not be working alone. Depending on the product, there may be other substances in your CBD oil.

Some of these, like terpenes, have their own health benefits. Terpenes like limonene and linalool have shown antibacterial properties.

The CBD entourage effect suggests that CBD interacts with these other compounds. When it does, it produces more pronounced effects. In short, CBD could enhance the effects of limonene and make it a more effective antibacterial.

This could help with acne. A full-spectrum CBD oil with terpenes could be a great addition to a skincare routine designed to clear up acne.

Does it Really Work?

So far, there are a few reasons CBD could help with acne. The bigger question remains. Does it actually work?

The scientific studies in this area are still limited. What research there is says CBD reduces oil production. It then links the results with a reduction in acne.

The other effects are promising, but may not necessarily eliminate acne for everyone.

Still, CBD oils and other products are considered safe to use. They don’t have many negative side effects either.

CBD oil may not clear up your acne overnight. Adding a CBD-infused soap or another topical treatment to your skincare routine won’t hurt. Combined with other elements of a good skincare routine, it could help you reduce acne.

Research is also investigating other benefits of CBD for skin. Some studies suggest CBD could have anti-aging properties. Some have also looked at its effects on conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

CBD may even be able to help improve the appearance of scars and dark spots.

Given all that, it’s a smart idea to add some CBD to your skin care routine.

Find the Right CBD Product

Now that you’ve seen the science, you want to find the best CBD for acne products out there. Should you choose a soap or an oil? Is full-spectrum the right choice, or do you want a CBD isolate?

You have questions, and we have answers. We have interviews, articles, and more to help you make the best choices.

Whether you need more information about CBD’s health benefits or you want to know how to find the highest-quality products, we have you covered.