CBD Oil for Acne: What You Need to Know

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This article by Kim Torres was originally published on SundayScaries.

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Although you probably remember learning about mitochondria and the Cold War back in high school, there’s one lesson we all wish we’d learned then: that leaving our teen years behind does not necessarily mean being acne-free.

While most of us hoped that our breakouts would be the least of our worries after our prom photos were taken and our dorm rooms were moved into, the reality is: It is completely normal (and unfortunately common) for people to get acne well into their twenties, thirties, and beyond.

If you still struggle with blackheads and zits, it may be weighing down your self-esteem. Of course, no one should feel embarrassed or insecure about acne, but for many of us, we would still prefer to enjoy clear skin.

You may have tried over-the-counter drugstore products, do-it-yourself face masks from the internet, or even dermatologist-prescribed medications to treat your acne. If nothing has been successful so far, there is one potential new solution that you might not be aware of—CBD oil.

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What Is CBD?

You might not be familiar with CBD, CBD products, or hemp oil. If you are, you might be thinking, “Hey, that is just marijuana, right?” You may also be thinking, “How will that help me with my skin?”

Yes, cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid derived from hemp—it comes from the cannabis plant—but CBD is not the same as THC. THC is the chemical that makes you high when you smoke or consume marijuana. This means that even if you wanted to get high or buzzed from CBD, it will not happen. It simply does not have the same effect as THC.

However, research shows that there may be a number of medical benefits associated with CBD. Compared to a lot of other products on the market, CBD is just starting to receive the attention from researchers that it deserves, but so far studies are showing CBD can be an effective treatment for anxiety and seizures.

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CBD and Skin Care

It is important to understand that skin health is one of the many things that are influenced by our endocannabinoid system (to keep the scientific language to a minimum, this is the same bodily system that cannabis products, including CBD and THC, interact with). Our endocannabinoid system is the reason why cannabis products can influence so many aspects of our health, and why people experience such a broad range of results when using them.

So, it makes sense that CBD products can affect the general health of our skin and even treat acne. In fact, CBD is now being used in more and more beauty products. So far, research has suggested that cannabidiol oil can influence our skin health in two distinct ways: reducing inflammation and regulating oil production.

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Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a leading symptom of acne—it is the reason why, even under a thick layer of foundation, your zit will remain red and obviously visible. By reducing inflammation, you can reduce the appearance of acne and speed the healing process.

So far, research has pointed to CBD as having an anti-inflammatory effect, which could improve the health of your skin.

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Regulating Oil Production

Although inflammation is an all too common symptom of acne, oil production is the actual underlying cause. Sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands, is a naturally occurring oil used to lubricate your skin. But…when it is over-produced, your pores end up clogged and a break-out erupts. You end up with oily skin and clogged pores through dead skin cells.

Studies are starting to show that CBD can be used to not only manage the unpleasant symptoms of acne but address the root causes as well through regulating the glands that produce sebum. This can help keep your pores clean and reduce acne without drying out your skin.

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Other Skin Care Tips

When it comes to dealing with acne, there are a lot of different factors at play. Some people are genetically more likely to break out while others mainly notice acne appear with lifestyle changes, such as a poor diet or stress. Likewise, some people will notice acne primarily during puberty, while others will battle with it well into adulthood.

Whether or not you think CBD is right for you, there are other actions you can incorporate into your lifestyle to prevent acne and heal breakouts, including:

• Avoid over washing your face: although it may be tempting, washing more than twice a day can be damaging to your skin in the long run
• If you wear makeup, remember to remove it before going to bed
• Try to cut greasy, heavily processed foods from your diet
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Do not forget to moisturize, but choose an oil-free product
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day
• Wash your pillowcases often and keep your phone screen clean
• Talk to a dermatologist if your current routine is not working and your acne is severe

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How to Use CBD for Acne

If you are interested in using CBD for acne, you might be wondering the best way to start taking it. You might even be wondering if it is safe and legal.

The good news is that CBD is a safe product that millions of people are already using worldwide—and as it does not contain THC, it is legal in all fifty states.

As mentioned before, more research on CBD is underway than ever before. So far, studies have been focusing on it being taken orally or transdermally (directly on the skin) when it comes to acne treatment.  For this reason, it is up to you. You might want to start by taking a tincture or edible product to see if you notice an improvement.

You can also purchase skin care products that contain CBD or purchase a tincture and create your own home treatments (in the long run, this option might save you money and ensure you know exactly what ingredients are in your skin care products).

Ultimately, the choice is yours—whether you wish to use it as a face wash or take it orally, the only thing you have to lose is your pesky acne.