It does not matter whether you are young and just starting in the world or older; we all want to look fresh-faced, with bright and soft skin. But when acne marks its presence on the body, it can be hard to accept those red and white spots.
Acne does perplex medical professionals because there isn’t one fail-safe way of getting rid of it. Instead, doctors and aestheticians have to opt for a trial and error process until they find the best solution for that particular client.
Traditional medication, pills, and diet changes are all ways that can help ease acne, but there might be something else on the market that could prove to be helpful when it comes to solving the headache that is acne.
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What is CBD?
Cannabinol (CBD) comes from the same plant species as marijuana. Although their structure is very similar, there is one difference between them, which establishes CBD as a safer option to marijuana. It is this difference which also helped CBD become legal in all US states and other countries.
The difference lies in the THC levels of the two compounds. Marijuana can contain up to 30 percent THC, and it is why users experience those psychoactive effects. On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD has less than 0.3 percent THC. Accordingly, there is no risk of getting high nor a risk of overdosing from CBD.
This natural compound is infused in various products, from CBD gummies to oil, vape liquids, balms, and even skincare products. Research on CBD is limited because researchers can only conduct most experiments on animals. However, experts have observed encouraging results regarding CBD’s benefits for anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight loss, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and more.
Thanks to its health potential, CBD may also be of benefit in treating acne.
CBD’s potential to alleviate acne
Although genetics play a role in causing acne, this skin issue can also occur due to hormonal changes in the body, taking certain birth control pills, or consuming foods rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars. There is limited data on CBD’s benefits for acne, but evidence indicates this natural compound’s potential for better skin.
Primarily, researchers have observed CBD’s potent anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, it is why this natural compound is considered a potent tool for people suffering from chronic pain.
Since acne is an inflammatory disease, CBD can help combat chronic inflammation, leading to reduced redness in the face and easing the pain associated with redness, swelling, and deeply clogged pores.
Additionally, CBD can potentially manage sebum production to lower the overproduction of oil on the face. Sebum is an essential waxy oil that protects the skin from the pollutants we encounter daily. However, overproduction of this oil can lead to acne, so having something to counteract the overproduction is essential.
A 2014 study analyzing CBD’s effects on human sebocytes indicated that this natural compound could inhibit the cells from overproducing oily sebum and thus reduce the risk of acne. Moreover, CBD is also known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. This is an essential quality for people who want better skin.
CBD can protect the pores from infections caused by external pollutants and thus keep the skin cleaner and less prone to those red and white spots. This natural compound may even be beneficial if you have acne scars.
In one study, volunteers who had acne scars caused by atopic dermatitis and psoriasis were given CBD-infused creams to use twice a day for three months. After the set period, the researchers noted that the skin had better hydration and improved elasticity.
Although this study was relatively small, it does show CBD’s potential to help with scars. In another study, researchers noted how CBD could potentially control the fibroblasts’ movement, also known as the collagen-producing cells. In bettering their performance, CBD can help avoid the formation of scars.
Taking CBD safely
Despite the encouraging data, you might find that your doctor is still reluctant to give you CBD for your acne. The primary reason for this is due to the lack of data. Since there is a minimal body of research on humans, doctors don’t have direct information on how CBD can affect the patient’s skin in the long-term.
However, if you are keen on trying CBD, it is best to ask your doctor before taking any CBD-infused products, especially if you take other medication. CBD can block the work of particular medicine and cause you more harm than good.
Moreover, regardless of whether you are opting for oil tinctures, skin care products, or edibles, be sure to go for the highest-quality when it comes to choosing CBD products. Start by selecting a brand that is professional and transparent about how its CBD products are made. You can distinguish high-quality brands from low quality by looking at their website.
An authentic brand will have a professional-looking website where you can easily find all the answers to your questions. A brand should publish a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on its website, showing its CBD products’ recent lab results to prove its authenticity.
Moreover, if you want the best for your body and skin, ideally, invest in organic CBD products. This natural compound absorbs anything it is given when it is growing, and if it isn’t organically grown, it will absorb any toxins or chemicals provided by farmers.
Remember that you want the best healing option for your skin, so go for high-quality. More importantly, give the processing time. CBD can deliver some incredible results, but it is not a miracle drug either, so do not expect magic to happen overnight.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317185536_Cannabis_sativa_L_and_its_antimicrobial_properties_-_A_review
- http://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/index/login?source=%2Fojs%2Findex.php%2FClinicaTerapeutica%2Farticle%2Fview%2F377
