WHAT CBD IS BEST FOR ACNE?

People have tried many natural ways of enhancing their beauty and healthy skin. People are using CBD to treat various skin conditions such as acne.

There are so many CBD products in the market today. These products not only treat skin conditions but also relieve pain caused by inflammation. CBD is a compound derived from the hemp plant. This compound is not psychoactive like the most abundant compound from the same plant, THC. CBD contains various properties that treat different diseases and skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne. CBD can be ingested or applied to the skin. CBD applied on the skin is mostly in the form of topicals in which CBD has been infused.

What is Acne?

Acne is a very common skin disorder caused by inflammation. It occurs when pores on the skin become blocked by substances such as oil, dead skin, bacteria, and dirt. Once the pores are blocked, a person develops zits or pimples. Acne does not pose a serious risk but causes pain and discomfort. In some people, acne might cause distress. Acne mostly attacks the face, changing your appearance. It might make you lose confidence and self-esteem too. However, this condition is treatable. You can use natural remedies such as CBD topicals.

Types of Acne

There are different types of acne. The common types are:

Blackheads

This type of acne causes black pimples on the skin surface. It happens when plugged follicles on the skin reach the skin surface and open up.

Papules

These are lesions on the skin surface that appear as small pink bumps. They are very tender on touch.

Nodules

These are big, painful lesions within the skin. They are solid and hard. They do not appear on the skin’s surface, but you can feel them inside.

Whiteheads

They have plugged follicles beneath the skin. They produce white bumps on the skin.

Cystic Acne

They are pus-filled lesions on the skin. They are also referred to as severe nodular acne.

Who is at risk of Getting Acne?

Acne can get people of all ages, races, and sex. However, it is very common in teens than in adults. In teens, it is very common in men. Sometimes it goes past teenage into adulthood. Researchers and doctors have not found what causes this condition. They believe that the following factors may increase the risk of getting acne.

Age

You can develop acne at any age but mostly during your teenage. Teenagers should exercise regularly and clean their bodies to reduce the chances of developing acne at this stage.

Medications

Some medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids, can cause acne. They contain hormones that may alter the level of other hormones in the body.

Diet

Studies have shown that some food increases the risk of acne or worsening. Avoid very oily food if you have acne.

Hormones

This is the main cause of acne in teenagers. An increase in androgen in men and women can increase the chances of acne. Androgen increases during puberty. It causes the sebaceous gland to enlarge, producing excess sebum. During pregnancy, some women develop acne due to changes in hormones too.

Family History

If other family members, especially parents, have acne, you are most likely to develop acne. More research is needed to explain why this happens.

What is CBD Best for Acne?

The best way to eliminate acne is by use of natural methods such as the use of CBD. Sometimes, acne is caused by bacteria building up in the skin’s pores. Therefore, if you keep your skin clean and free from such bacteria, you cannot develop acne. Cleaning the face can also keep off the dirt that clogs skin pores. Atalay et al. (2019) established that CBD contains anti-inflammatory effects and prevents inflammation on the skin and excess sebum production. Leizer et al. (2000) noted that CBD has antibacterial properties too. These properties can eliminate the bacteria on the skin that are capable of causing acne. According to Russo (2011), CBD also has therapeutic effects that can calm your skin if you already have acne. CBD can be infused in topicals and soaps. You can apply such topicals or use CBD soaps to clean your skin. You may not find specific CBD products being marketed for acne, but the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effects of CBD can treat acne.

How to use CBD in Treating Acne

Various CBD skincare products can be used to treat acne. These products include soaps and topicals. CBD topicals can be applied directly to the affected area. To be more effective, apply it after a bath on relatively wet skin. CBD will be more easily absorbed on wet skin than when applied to dry skin. Massage the topical on the affected skin at least twice a day. Start with a low dosage and increase gradually until effects are felt. CBD topical is generally safe; do not apply it in excess.  You can also use CBD-infused soaps to clean the area affected by acne.  Soaps will clean both the dirt and bacteria that might be attached to the skin.

Can CBD Treat other Skin Conditions?

CBD can be a natural remedy for other skin conditions such as:

Psoriasis

It is a serious skin disease that causes pink or red patches on the skin. Sometimes it might cause scales on the affected areas. Jarocka-Karpowicz et al. (2020) noted that CBD could reduce skin cell growth which is common with psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can reduce pain in the affected area. Applying CBD topicals may also help soothe the affected area by reducing inflammation.

Itchy Skin

It is a condition that is characterized by serious itchiness on the skin. Sometimes it might cause red patches. Peyravian et al. (2022) explained that the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD could help alleviate the condition.

Conclusion

Acne is a skin condition that can be treated using CBD. CBD contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can treat and prevent acne. CBD can also treat other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and itchy skin. You can treat these conditions by using CBD topicals or soaps.

References

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Biernacki, M., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Cannabidiol effects on phospholipid metabolism in keratinocytes from patients with psoriasis Vulgaris. Biomolecules, 10(3), 367.

Leizer, C., Ribnicky, D., Poulev, A., Dushenkov, S., & Raskin, I. (2000). The composition of hemp seed oil and its potential as an important source of nutrition. Journal of Nutraceuticals, functional & medical foods, 2(4), 35-53.

Peyravian, N., Deo, S., Daunert, S., & Jimenez, J. J. (2022). The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Acne. Journal of Inflammation Research, 15, 2795.

Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.