Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells and oils which causes whiteheads, pimples or blackheads. It occurs to people of all ages but teenagers are more prone to getting it. Even though there is a treatment for acne, it can differ from person to person as each skin type reacts differently to medication. 

Severe acne can cause emotional distress and even scar the skin. If treated on time, it can reduce the risk of these problems. 

What are the symptoms of acne?

The symptoms of acne differ depending on the severity of the condition:

• Small red, tender bumps
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Pimples
• Large, painful, solid lumps under the skin
• Painful, filled with puss lumps under the skin

There are four main causes of acne:

• Bacteria
• Excess oil production
• Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
• Inflammation

Acne can also be triggered or worsen due to the following:

• Diet – Consuming foods that are rich in carbohydrates such as bagels, bread and chips can worsen acne. Eating oily foods also triggers acne. 
• Stress – While stress does not cause acne, if you already have it then it can worsen the situation. 
• Certain medications – Drugs that contain testosterone, lithium or corticosteroids can cause acne
• Hormonal changes – Androgens and hormones increase in girls and boys during puberty and hence causes acne and breakouts. 

The most common places they occur are on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural component found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are more than 150 active cannabinoids. CBD products used for medicinal treatment are gaining a lot of popularity among patients. There are CBD products that can be used to reduce pain, skin softeners and also for the treatment of acne. 

Can CBD be used to treat acne?

Acne affects more than 90% of the population at some stage in life. Even though it is a common issue, it can get very serious and harsh for some. 

According to The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers measured the effects of CBD compounds on human skin samples. They found that CBD oil had anti-inflammatory effects on oil-producing glands. They further agreed that CBD could be a promising therapeutic agent for treating acne. 

If researched thoroughly and consulted by your doctor, one can use add CBD oil to their skincare routine. It is important to know how the hemp is sourced, what extraction methods the company uses to produce its oils and if they are tested and approved by the TGA. 

Body acne is caused by the same mechanisms as compared to facial acne. Even though it is not certain and there are not enough studies to prove, there is a possibility that CBD products will help reduce body acne. Skincare producers incorporate CBD into soaps or body washed. 

Can acne scars be treated with CBD oil?

Acne scars are caused by skin picking and large pimples. According to a study conducted, participants used CBD based ointment to their psoriasis and atopic dermatitis scars twice a day for three months. After three months, they noticed their skin had improved in areas like hydration and elasticity. While this was a very small study and was not conducted on acne scars, there is no evidence that it works on acne scars. If you want to learn more about the effects of CBD Oil, learn more here

External Links:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/cbd-for-acne#for-acne-scars

https://cfah.org/cbd-oil-for-acne/