Acne treatment : Can CBD play a role? 

Lars
September 17, 2020

As studies being conducted on the Cannabis Sativa Plant increase rapidly with the widespread acceptance of its therapeutical use, we can witness the potential benefits brought forth by CBD, aka cannabidiol, one of the 100 compounds present in the plant.

One of the many potential health benefits is that CBD can treat acne and its scars. Evidence suggests that the oil obtained from CBD is known to be beneficial in treating acne and various other skin conditions.

CBD is available in various product segments like oil tinctures, capsules, chewing gums, protein powder, water, and patches. However, it is advised to use CBD topically in the form of a cream or oil for the treatment of skin conditions. The potency and concentration are wholly dependent on your skin condition, preference, and accessibility.

What is Acne and how is it caused? 


Acne is a skin condition most commonly seen in teenagers, though it affects everyone irrespective of their age. People more often tend to misinterpret acne as a pimple; however, they are not the same.

The significant difference is that while acne is a disease, pimples are one of its symptoms. Acne can occur in different forms, namely whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, etc. It can occur in various parts of the body like the face, forehead, chest, shoulders.

Sebum is an oily and slightly waxy substance found on the skin’s surface, and it protects our skin from external damages. When sebum is mixed with dead skin cells and dirt, it becomes trapped inside the pores and changes into acne.

Apart from the clogged pores, acne can arise due to various reasons such as stress, hormonal imbalances, diet, medications, and genetics.

Effects of treating Acne using CBD Oil 


CBD is used in the treatment of acne and the complications associated with it, like acne scars and body scars.

CBD is known popularly for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies found that CBD inhibits the process that causes acne by preventing the clogging of excessive oil in the pores. CBD is regarded as a “Promising therapeutic agent” in the treatment of acne.

The CBD oil can be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil/olive oil/shea butter and applied directly to the affected area.

Despite the various product segments of CBD available, the topical application of CBD for Acne is known to have better benefits than the oral one.

Studies backing the effectiveness of CBD on skin conditions


CBD ointment is known to have proven benefits against acne scars. Acne scars are permanent scars that mostly occur as a result of enlarged pimples and skin picking.

In a research study published in Journal “La Clinica Terapeutica,” 20 participants were selected and provided with CBD enriched ointment to be applied on the scars twice for three months.

After the specified period, it was observed that there was a significant reduction in the acne scars of the participants who had applied CBD enriched ointment.

CBD in the treatment of other skin conditions 


Apart from Acne, CBD has shown significant results when used for other skin problems like Psoriasis, Itchy Skin, Eczema, Aging, and Wrinkles. Let us have a look at them in detail.

Psoriasis:

The study results from “PeerJ Life & Environment” acts as evidence that CBD brings forth promising results for Psoriasis. The test was initially performed on human cadaver skin.

The cannabinoids in CBD helped reduce skin cell growth as they can inhibit the receptors that cause excess cells to build up.

Eczema : 

Eczema is a medical condition where patches of skin become inflamed or cracked, or worse, blisters are formed. CBD, with its high anti-inflammatory properties, has helped reduce/inhibit the trigger compounds that eventually lead to the adverse skin condition while simultaneously balancing the immune system.

Aging and wrinkles : 

CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that eventually help enhance skin health and reduce wrinkles if applied daily.

Side effects 


Though CBD has been regarded with a “favorable safety profile” by researchers, few side effects are found in people who ingest CBD.

The common side effects are : 

  • Fatigue 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Appetite changes 

 

However, none of the above are associated with people who use CBD topically except for allergic reactions in rare cases.

Incase any allergic reactions are observed, discontinue using the product immediately.

Recommended CBD products for Acne 


(Products to be updated after brand reviews are posted)

 

Conclusion 


According to most studies, CBD has proven beneficial for a wide range of skin conditions. However, more extensive research has to be done to examine its efficacy and figure out its benefits and side effects.

In case you are planning on buying any CBD product for your skin conditions, it is always better to get help from a physician and buy from a reputable business. 

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