CBD and Acne: Benefits, Studies, and How to Use It for Healthier Skin

Acne is a common skin condition among teenagers; it can be very distressing and lead to sometimes irreversible problems: pimples, scars, etc. Various medications can be effective in treating it. However, they don't work in all cases, and some can cause serious side effects.

This is precisely what makes CBD so interesting. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of CBD in treating acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties and its lack of serious side effects.

How does CBD work on the skin? What are the proven effects of CBD ? How do you use it? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about how CBD works against acne, with supporting scientific studies.

What is acne?

Acne is a common dermatological condition characterized by the appearance of red pimples, blackheads, and cysts; in severe cases, it can take the form of pustules.

The areas most often affected are the face, neck, and sometimes the chest and back.

In most cases, acne is a hormonal phenomenon that appears in adolescence (around 12 years old) and disappears spontaneously between 18 and 20 years old.

It affects approximately 80% of teenagers (15% of whom have severe acne) and 25% of adults1]

How does acne appear? The main causes

Acne affects the hair follicle at the root of the hair, where the sebaceous glands are located. These glands produce sebum, a protective oil that prevents skin dryness. Due in particular to the high production of androgens (male sex hormones), these glands produce an excess of sebum that clogs the sebaceous ducts.

Thus, whena pimple appears, it is due to several factors :

• Obstruction of follicles by the accumulation of dead cells
• Development of bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes)
• Inflammation of the sebaceous glands
• Overproduction of sebum due to hormones

 

In the most severe cases, if acne is left untreated, it can lead to permanent scarring. That's why it's important to monitor and treat acne effectively.

Factors that aggravate acne

Acne and stress

Stress is one of the causes of excessive sebum production. Indeed, numerous nerve cells are located near the sebaceous glands; these cells can produce substance P, which acts on the overproduction of sebum.

Endocannabinoid receptors

Just like stress, endocannabinoid receptors, primarily CB2 present in the sebaceous gland, can worsen acne by stimulating the overproduction of sebum.

The psychological impact of acne

Acne is a real problem for teenagers who suffer from it, leading to psychological distress during an already very delicate period.

In fact, acne can be a source of stress, which is an aggravating factor. This creates a vicious cycle.

Drug Treatments for Acne

Traditionally, acne treatment involves prescribing topical or oral anti-acne medications, which generally contain an antiseptic, sometimes antibiotics or a retinoid (drugs derived from vitamin A) [2].

These are not without side effects suchas vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, etc.

The Effects of CBD on Acne

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main molecules derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L.). Like the well-known THC, CBD does not produce psychotropic effects, carry a risk of addiction, or have major side effects, but unlike THC, it is legal in many countries.

CBD works by regulating sebum production through its interactions with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effect helps soothe the redness that can occur with acne. Recent studies indicate that it may effectively reduce acne.

CBD and Acne: Clinical Studies

The CBE and its Role in Sebum Production

A study conducted in 2009 [3] highlights the role of CB2 receptors present in sebaceous glands in excessive sebum production.

By acting specifically on these receptors, CBD could help regulate sebum production.

Researchers have observed that CBD directly inhibits lipogenesis (the body's synthesis of sugars and fatty acids) and suppresses the proliferation of sebocytes, the cells responsible for excess sebum. Thus, by reducing sebum production, CBD may directly contribute to the reduction of acne.

The sebostatic role of CBD

Another study from 2014 [4] suggests that CBD may act as a sebostatic agent. By administering CBD to cultures of human sebocytes, researchers observed a reduction in their proliferation and a decrease in sebum production via the activation of TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-4) ion channels.

This would tend to prove that CBD can also regulate excessive sebum production by acting directly on skin tissues.

The anti-inflammatory and calming effect of CBD

Finally, a last study [5] demonstrated the major role of inflammation in the appearance and worsening of acne, pimples and redness, as well as the calming effect of CBD.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, CBD acts as a modulator of skin inflammation. Through a complex action on inflammatory mediators (such as TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha), IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β cells, etc.), CBD may be able to soothe acne lesions and prevent the appearance of redness. [6]

The effects of CBD on acne scars

In severe cases, acne can leave marks and pitted scars. An Italian study published in 2019 [7], conducted on a small sample, administered CBD to the skin of about twenty participants who had scars related to psoriasis and atopic eczema.

After three months of treatment, researchers found that CBD had significantly improved the appearance of the skin , particularly its elasticity and hydration.

Although the study was not conducted directly on cases of acne scarring, it would tend to show that CBD products could help reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Treating acne with CBD oil

In addition to its multiple effects on sebum production and skin inflammation, full-spectrum CBD oil also contains vitamins B, C, and E, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, deficiencies of which can lead to skin problems, including acne7]

This is one of the most effective ways to treat acne with CBD.
To do this, you can use CBD oil topically, applying a few drops to the skin morning and evening.

You can also use oil or capsules for oral treatment. If using oil, simply place a few drops directly under your tongue for about a minute.

Discover our CBD Oils

Although CBD does not have serious side effects, it is advisable to start with the lowest dose and then gradually increase the number of drops if necessary.

Regarding post-acne scars, we advise you to use CBD in the form of an ointment or cream, or to apply CBD oil (at a concentration of 5%) directly to the skin.