Can CBD oil be used to treat acne?

Recent studies indicate that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties. To put that into skin-care words, it has the ability to calm skin, especially skin that is acne-prone. Of course, more scientific research is needed, but the potential of CBD is very exciting indeed.

What is acne and what causes it?

Acne is one of the most common skincare conditions that you can have. While you usually get it during adolescence, many adults still suffer from it. The main problem is the sebum – it helps protect your skin from the outside world. But sometimes, it mixes with dirt, dead cells, and other pollutants and clogs your pores – turning into acne.

There are many factors that can influence acne, like:

  • Sebum production
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Diet
  • Stress levels
  • Some medication

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural remedy that is growing more and more in popularity. CBD is one of over 100 compounds that can be found in the cannabis or marijuana plant – Cannabis sativa.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main psychoactive compound found in the plant – and the one that gives you that “high” this plant is popular for. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, but it has numerous health benefits.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. Then it is diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or hemp seed oil.

This exciting new treatment is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies confirming it may ease symptoms of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety. And of course, acne.

Is CBD oil good for skincare?

It is said CBD oil offers a three-pronged skincare approach – it has anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In terms of an antioxidant on the skin, it provides a missing particle that a free radical can bond with, stopping it from going on to cause DNA damage. As for anti-inflammatory properties, we know that skin aging and inflammation go hand in hand, and CBD helps to combat oxidative stress.

Hemp seed oil itself is a moisturizer and is rich in fatty acids, so it’s still a strong skincare ingredient. But, if you’re looking specifically for CBD skincare, it’s worth reading the fine print to check your product of choice actually has CBD in it, and not just hemp.

A study in 2014 explored the effects of CBD on human sebocytes, which are the cells that create sebum. It was found that the CBD prevented these cells from creating too much of the oily sebum, thus preventing one cause for acne.

It also showed that the CBD oil triggered an anti-inflammatory reaction in the cells and prevented inflammatory cells from activating. Some cells can trigger acne, so reducing them may help prevent further acne breakouts.

Another study has shown proof of the antibacterial and antifungal effects the cannabis plant has. These effects may help reduce infections from dirt and other pollutants on the skin.

Can CBD oil get rid of acne?

The acne treatment involves keeping the skin clean, free from acne-causing bacteria, and cutting back on excess oil that can clog the pores on the skin.

Most of the research surrounding acne and CBD is related to CBD’s influence in stopping the processes known to cause acne, such as excess sebum build-up.

Researchers found that CBD inhibited oil production and also had anti-inflammatory effects on oil-producing glands. They concluded CBD was a “promising therapeutic agent” for acne treatment.

CBD oil for acne dosage guide

How much CBD you should take depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • your body weight
  • the condition you’re treating – in this case, acne
  • your individual body chemistry
  • the concentration of CBD in each pill, capsule, drop, or gummy

Long story short, there are lots of variables that go into deciding how much CBD you should take. Before trying CBD, be sure to talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage and any potential risks. If your doctor tells you how much to use, you should stick to their recommendation.

If your doctor doesn’t provide a recommendation, it’s best to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it, in order to find what you are comfortable with and what helps you. This could mean starting with 20 to 40 milligrams per day. After at least a week, increase this amount by 5 mg. You should continue this until you feel that your acne is effectively being treated.

It might be wise to keep track of how much CBD you’re taking and whether your symptoms are getting better. Write it down on paper or in a notes app on your phone.

A number of products, such as CBD gummies, capsules, or pills, will tell you how much is in a single serving. For instance, the packaging on a bottle of CBD capsules might indicate that there is 5 mg of CBD for each capsule.

If you’re using CBD oil, it will most likely come in a dropper bottle. The packaging should specify how much CBD is in a single drop. From there, you can figure out how many drops you need to use.

Sometimes it can be harder to figure out how much CBD is in one drop because the packaging specifies the total amount of CBD in the entire bottle, but not the amount that will be in a single drop. One drop is about 0.05 milliliters (mL). That is, not a full dropper — just a single drop. This means that a 10-mL bottle of CBD oil contains 200 drops. And if the packaging for that 10-mL bottle says that the bottle contains 1,000 mg of CBD, each drop will contain about 5 mg of CBD. So, to have 20 milligrams of that type of CBD oil, you should take four drops.

CBD oil side effects?

Usually, there are no side effects of CBD oil. However, some research indicates that the use of CBD oil may trigger a number of side effects, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in mood
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

There’s also some concern that the use of CBD oil may lead to increased levels of liver enzymes (a marker of liver damage or inflammation). However, there are not enough studies to back this up.

Best CBD oils for acne treatment

Whether you need an unconventional treatment for acne or other skin conditions, or you want to slather your skin in serums or treat yourself to a 20-minute mask session, we have a couple of CBD-infused skin-care products to add to your daily routine:

  • Joy Organics Face Serum
  • Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum
  • Cannuka Nourishing Body Cream
  • Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate
  • Josie Maran Skin Dope CBD Argan Oil
  • Cannuka CBD Cleansing Body Bar
  • Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion

Joy Organics CBD skincare bundle

Final verdict: Will CBD oil help my acne?

There is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil may help treat acne. The compound acts directly on the cells that make sebum, which can help balance oil production and reduce inflammation.

However, more direct research in humans can help give these claims a solid backing. Anyone curious about using CBD oil should speak to a skin care specialist.

Now it’s your turn

The bottom line is that, as long as CBD oil is extracted within the proper parameters, it does have benefits for the skin and it can aid in treating skin conditions, such as acne. It has many components that can help actively combat skin conditions that might prove to be more efficient and have fewer side effects than traditional medication. Another thing to take into consideration is that CBD oil seems to be a wonder treatment, that aids not only one condition but a plethora of health problems, so it is very easy to hit more than one bird with just one stone when you consider starting taking CBD oil as a regular treatment.

It is probably just a matter of time until big drugstore brands will start to get in on the CBD oil craze, as well. However, in the meantime, there are lots of CBD skincare products already out there, and more are launching each and every day. Therefore, if you are curious about CBD and just looking for something to help with your conditions, or just want to generally improve the aspect of your skin, we encourage you to give those products a try.

Additionally, if you want to share your experience, or ask more questions, do not hesitate to do so! Our aim is to create a community and inform as many people about the subject so you help is more than welcome!