Does CBD Actually Help with Acne?

For thousands of years people have been using natural treatments to protect and maintain healthy skin. Most recently, CBD (Cannabidiol) has become an incredibly popular alternative to many traditional acne brands and treatments. But…How and why does it actually work? 

Acne affects people of all ages and can be incredibly debilitating, negatively affecting one’s self-esteem and self-image. The main cause of acne is clogged pores. Excess oils, dirt and dead skin get trapped and can build up bacteria, which leads to everyone’s least favorite things: pimples and zits. Some treatments tend to focus on keeping the skin clean to minimize that bacteria and keep the skin unblemished. There are CBD studies that focus on how the cannabidiol may stop oil buildup because it has anti-inflammatory effects on the glands. 

A study published in “The Journal of Clinical Investigation” in 2014 found that CBD prevented cells from creating too much sebum: the natural oils you find in skin and hair from the sebaceous glands. It also showed that the CBD prevented inflammation activation in cytokines. Cytokines are what can trigger acne, so the anti-inflammatory nature of CBD is able to reduce breakouts. A “Frontiers in Plant Science” review from 2016 showed it can also reduce infection on the skin due to its antibacterial and antifungal effects. It not only prevents oil build-up but protects the skin as well. Additionally, because the systems by which acne appear are the same throughout the body, CBD soap products have been shown to have some benefits in reducing body acne. 

In terms of any drawbacks, most reported CBD side effects are in relation to ingesting the product and not related to skincare. When it comes to CBD oil based topical treatments, one of the only things to be wary of is an allergic reaction, as with most skin products. Always make sure to read labels carefully, look for the percentage and type of CBD, buy from reputable businesses and look out for other inflammatory ingredients such as carrier oils or fragrances.