CBD oil is slowly but surely making its way to the mainstream medical and cosmetic arena. From CBD toothpaste and lip balms to CBD body lotions and deodorants, the number of products that are coming up is endless. And there are several reasons why CBD is used for so many different things – it has antioxidant, anti-stress, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which are hallmarks for healthcare products.
However, what really turned the tables is the fact that CBD might also be the solution to treating acne. Could it be that this product can put an end to all your skin problems and acne woes? Let’s find out!
What Is CBD?
The two main compounds of cannabis plants are THC and CBD. CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is an important compound that can be found in the cannabis plant. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is another well-known compound present in the plant, responsible for the “high” that you experience when you smoke or ingest marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, does not have psychoactive properties. Unlike THC, it does not change your state of mind or intoxicate you when you smoke or ingest it. Instead, what it does is it can serve several medical benefits and make significant health-related changes to your body (1).
How Does CBD Work?
The cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant works by reacting with the cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoid receptors are a part of the endocannabinoid system. It is worth noting that the body essentially produces two kinds of receptors. The first is the CB1 receptor. A significant portion of these receptors are present in the brain, but they are also found in the other parts of the body. Often, the CB1 receptors are associated with functions such as pain, mood, emotions, thinking, cognition, appetite, and even the coordination of movement. The CB2, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with the immune system. They play a significant role when it comes to pain and inflammation (2).
It has been found that the THC compound present in cannabis attaches itself to the CB1 receptors. On the other hand, the CBD compounds essentially work by stimulating the receptors in such a way that your body begins to produce its own set of cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are known as endocannabinoids (3).
CBD Oil For Acne
A lot of research is going into the study of CBD oil, its uses, and its risks. Studies have shown that CBD oil can have a significant impact on human skin as well. Having said that, just like every other product, natural or chemical, the effects can vary from person to person, depending on the kind of condition a person is suffering from and the duration of it.
It is believed that CBD may have the ability to treat acne. This stems from the fact that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the inflammation caused due to acne. Additionally, CBD oil may also help regulate the production of sebum in the skin. Sebum is found on the surface of the skin and is like an oily or waxy substance. It is essential for keeping the skin moisturized and protected, but too much of it can cause breakouts. It can also clog your pores and mix with pollutants such as dust and dead skin cells, resulting in breakouts and inflamed skin. Hopefully, with the help of CBD oil, the excessive secretion of sebum can be addressed, thereby preventing uncontrolled acne (4).
Benefits Of CBD Oil For Acne
Let’s now go into detail about the many benefits that CBD oil has to offer in the treatment of acne (5):
- It May Help Reduce Inflammation: As mentioned above, CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be a massive relief for those who have a terrible case of acne. Even those who suffer from mild or occasional acne breakouts will agree that it can be very uncomfortable and sore. CBD oil can help fight inflammation and soothe the redness and irritation caused by acne.
- It May Work As An Antioxidant: CBD oil is chock full of antioxidants, and this characteristic can work wonders for your skin. Antioxidants are essential for your body because when they come across free radicals, these antioxidants give away their own electrons. Too many free radicals in the body can cause several illnesses such as diabetes, heart ailments, and even cancer. Free radicals can also harm your skin and cause acne, so the antioxidant properties of CBD oil can be specifically beneficial for you.
- It Can Control The Production Of Oil: This is perhaps the most important benefit of CBD oil for acne. As we mentioned before, CBD oil can regulate sebum production, thereby reducing breakouts and acne.
- Gentle On The Skin: For those with extremely sensitive skin, CBD might work for them as gentle, unlike other acne-treatment products. Some people are sensitive to specific components in the skincare products such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide — CBD oil might be a more effective and smarter alternative.
CBD Oil For Body Acne
Like facial acne, body acne too is caused due to inflammation, clogged pores, and excessive oil production. CBD oil may be beneficial for body acne as well, which is why you have products such as CBD-based soaps, lotions, bath bombs, gels, and skin butter. To use CBD oil for body acne, you might have to get a specifically designed product for body acne, as opposed to facial acne. Make sure you consult a good dermatologist and ask for their recommendations (6).
Our Favorite CBD Products for Acne
CBD Oil For Other Skin Problems
In addition to working wonders on the skin for acne, CBD oil may be beneficial for other skin issues as well; let’s have a look at this (7):
CBD Oil For Itchy Skin
Research has shown that CBD oil may have a potentially beneficial effect on itchy skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the skin and block specific signals to the brain that are responsible for making you feel itchy.
CBD Oil For Sensitive Skin
Most skincare products contain chemicals that are harsh and harmful to the skin. CBD oil, on the other hand, is a more natural and gentle alternative. It has antioxidant properties, which can help with inflammation that most people with sensitive skin experience.
CBD Oil For Wrinkles
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, CBD oil can have an anti-aging effect on you and prevent or reduce age lines and wrinkles. To experience its anti-aging benefits, it is best to use CBD oil along with Vitamin E.
Make sure you consult your doctor before using CBD oil for any of your skin conditions.
How To Use CBD Oil For Acne
Many of us are quick to assume that the only way to use CBD oil for acne would be via topical application, isn’t it? But what about if your pores are too clogged? Applying oil on clogged pores will have a counterintuitive effect and lead to further clogging of pores. This is why there are other recommended ways to use CBD oil for acne.
You can begin with using mild cleaners that contain CBD oil to clean and unclog your pores. As we had mentioned before, CBD is gentler in comparison to a few other products, so you don’t have to worry about it harming your skin. You can also try your hand at CBD-based soaps, gels, creams, and body baths. Another way to use CBD oil for your skin is by placing a few drops of a CBD tincture under your tongue once or twice a day. Once your skin has cleared out significantly, you can go ahead and apply it directly to your skin as a topical application.
Side Effects Of CBD Oil
Although CBD oil has several benefits, it also has some side effects. It’s essential that you know about them too. In most cases, CBD oil is considered safe to use and doesn’t seem to have any health risks associated with it. However, each individual is different; if you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, it is best to test before using CBD oil or consult a doctor. Before topically applying it, do a patch test. If you notice any skin irritation, refrain from continuing with its use.
Clinic studies show that CBD oil may have certain side effects such as dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, changes in mood, changes in appetite, and dizziness. In addition to this, CBD oil can also cause an increase in liver enzymes, which in turn can cause inflammation in the liver. People who have liver issues, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers will have to steer clear of CBD oil, to be on the safe side (8).
CBD oil has numerous benefits not just for acne but for other skin conditions as well. Whether you consume it orally or apply it topically, the chances are that you will experience its benefits and notice visible results. However, just like everything else, it is best to consult your doctor before using CBD oil to avoid any adverse reaction you may end up having. Have you used CBD oil for acne? Did it help with your condition? Do let us know!
Author Bio:
Ramya Karamsetti is a contributor to StyleCraze. She loves writing articles on beauty, health, and wellness and advocates using natural remedies to solve everyday skin and hair issues. When she is not writing, she loves traveling and going on adventure trips.
