Can CBD Oil Get Rid of Acne? (An Esthetician Explains)

Thanks to the loosening of cannabis laws and the enthusiasm around emerging science, there are now legitimate medicinal claims that CBD can actually give us glowing skin besides simply being a compound of something that gets us high.

However, as the ingredient rises in popularity, many have started wondering if this component is inclusive for those of us dealing with acne or if CBD is just another trendy ingredient that works for some but can ruin another’s skin.

As it turns out, CBD oil has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce the inflammation surrounding acne.

But does this mean it can get up there with many ingredients that have stood the test of time when it comes to fighting acne?

Before we fully embrace CBD as a miracle cure for acne, it’s crucial to dissect the hype from the hard facts.

In this article, I will delve into the scientific evidence behind these claims and explore whether CBD can get rid of acne and give us the clear, healthy, and glowing complexion of our dreams.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 80 compounds extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant associated with many of the general wellness and medicinal qualities of marijuana.

The two most well-known of these are:

• CBD – or cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid (the one that doesn’t get you high.)
• THC – or tetrahydrocannabinol or psychoactive cannabinoid (the one that allegedly made good girls go crazy & gets you high.)

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors found throughout the human body.

These receptors are involved in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, pain sensation, appetite, and immune response.

When CBD oil is ingested or applied to the skin, our cannabinoid receptors can recognize and bind with both CBD and THC and set off a series of chemical reactions in the brain and spinal cord that ultimately produce their effect. 

Strains are usually bred to contain high THC because consumers generally use cannabis for its psychoactive effects, which include euphoria, pain relief, and increased appetite.

However, when THC isn’t involved and we are just consuming CBD, the effects are different.

Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive properties, meaning it won’t get you “high.”

Instead, CBD is primarily recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits.

When CBD binds to the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, it doesn’t activate them directly as THC does.

Instead, CBD can influence the receptors to use more of the body’s naturally produced endocannabinoid.

This interaction helps regulate and maintain homeostasis, or balance, within the body.

CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain by influencing the activity of both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

It may also interact with serotonin receptors, which could help to manage anxiety and depression.

Additionally, CBD may slow down the breakdown of anandamide, a compound associated with pain regulation, thereby increasing its levels in the bloodstream and reducing pain.

The Benefits of Using CBD Oil on The Skin

Here are a few benefits of using CBD oil on the skin:

Anti-Inflammatory: CBD oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce puffiness, swelling, and even soreness on the skin. This makes it an effective solution for inflammatory conditions such as acne, as well as wounds, cuts, and scrapes.

Antioxidant: CBD oil acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays.

Soothing: CBD oil can provide a soothing effect to the skin, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin types. It is known to relieve skin discomfort and visibly reduce redness.

Softening: CBD oil has excellent skin-softening properties, making it suitable for dry skin with a rough, patchy texture.

Can CBD Oil Get Rid of Acne?

CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, which means that it can potentially soothe inflammation associated with acne.

Additionally, some studies suggest that, besides soothing inflammation, CBD can also balance sebum production and reduce the potential of clogged pores, which are the main cause of acne.

Finally, another test-tube study found that CBD oil also prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines, which are small proteins produced predominantly by immune cells in response to stress, infection, or other triggers, such as bacterial overgrowth, which is associated with acne.

Can CBD Oil Cause Acne?

CBD oil has been recognized for its potential to combat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to control sebum production.

However, CBD oil may not provide a universal solution for everyone dealing with acne.

There are instances where CBD oil use may not only be ineffective in treating acne but might also exacerbate the condition.

One potential reason for this is cannabinoid abuse.

Overuse or misuse of cannabinoids can lead to hormonal imbalance, which might induce or worsen acne.

Secondly, not all CBD oils are created equally.

Some are mixed with other oils that might be pore-clogging, so while CBD itself may not cause acne, the oils in a CBD product might.

Finally, everybody’s skin is unique and reacts differently to different ingredients.

Even with its many potential benefits, CBD oil might not work for everyone when it comes to acne.

As with any skincare product, introducing CBD oil into your routine will require some experimentation and attention to potential side effects so that you can react in time if these occur.

If you experience any adverse effects, such as increased breakouts or skin irritation, it’s best to discontinue the use of CBD oil and try an alternative solution for your skin concern.

The Side Effects of Using CBD Oil on The Skin

While CBD can have many benefits for the skin, it may still trigger unwanted reactions for some.

Here are a few potential side effects of using CBD oil on the skin:

• Allergic Reaction: Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to CBD oil. Symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, and hives.
• Photosensitivity: While CBD itself won’t increase photosensitivity the way exfoliating acids do, using an oil in the morning and not having enough SPF protection in place could make you more prone to sunburn.
• Hormonal Imbalance: As mentioned earlier, misuse or overuse of CBD oil may cause a hormonal imbalance, which can lead to skin issues like acne.
• Breakouts: CBD oil may exacerbate acne and cause breakouts for some people.

3 Best CBD Skincare Products 

Here’s a list of the best CBD skincare products that I am personally very interested in trying after reading through the ingredient list, and I highly recommend if you want to introduce this particular compound in your daily skincare.

Herbivore – Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Glow Oil

Herbivore’s Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Glow Oil is packed with a blend of skin-softening ingredients meant to protect the cells from environmental stressors and smooth out your complexion for a youthful, radiant glow.

The product contains full-spectrum organic CBD oil, pink grapefruit oil, and the powerful adaptogen ashwagandha to improve elasticity while offering antioxidant protection.

Kiehl’s – Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate

The Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate is a soothing oil that helps reduce redness and soothe inflammation thanks to a combo of hemp-derived cannabis Sativa seed oil and green oregano oil, an antioxidant and natural antiseptic.

Perricone MD – Hypoallergenic CBD Rebalancing Elixir

The Hypoallergenic CBD Rebalancing Elixir is a skin-soothing serum from Perricone MD that combines the calming effects of CBD with other gentle ingredients like brightening mushroom extract, which helps reduce redness and inflammation and even out the skin tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD Oil Addictive?

After analyzing the results of CBD with an oral placebo and active marijuana, a study concluded that CBD did not display any signals of abuse liability.

While the most simple answer to this would be: No, CBD is not addictive, there is another important and slightly complicated matter I would want to address.

Numerous CBD products contain varying levels of THC, so to further examine the asked question, we first have to know where CBD comes from.

There are two classifications for the cannabis plants that produce CBD, and these are:

• Marijuana
• Hemp

CBD derived from hemp plants contains little to no trace of THC and, therefore, should not put an individual at risk of developing cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

On the other hand, CBD derived from marijuana is extracted from plants that are usually grown for their intoxicating properties.

Unlike hemp-extracted CBD, marijuana-derived CBD oil often contains some levels of THC, and this means that an individual could experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms if used in excess.

THC has no skincare benefits whatsoever, and this derivative is not used in skincare products.

In short, it cannot get inside your bloodstream through topical use.

You can read more about the extra benefits and uses of CBD oil here.

Can CBD Oil Reduce Wrinkles?

Besides being anti-inflammatory, CBD also has antioxidant properties, which indicates it may slightly help reduce the visible signs of aging skin.

By counteracting free-radical damage, CBD anti-aging creams may help diminish issues like lines, wrinkles, and dullness on the skin.

Can CBD Oil Help With Dark Spots?

CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation that’s causing dark spots and encourage the skin to heal, leading to a more even tone.

Additionally, the mild antioxidant effect of CBD oil can also encourage the production of healthy and even skin cells that will replace the damaged ones, leading to a brighter complexion overall.

Is CBD Oil Good for Scars?

CBD oil can reduce the appearance of scars by softening the skin, which will make it appear smoother and more even.

However, CBD oil cannot completely eliminate scars or reverse the underlying damage.