Besides being unsightly, acne can do long term damage to the skin leaving scars and discolorations that can last from weeks to the rest of our lives.
From a scientific standpoint, acne is more than just a few pimples. In fact, it is a medical condition that is characterized by increased sebum levels (oils produced to lubricate the skin) and inflamed sebaceous glands (the glands that produce sebum).
It turns out that the body’s natural endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in skin health so, it should not be a surprise to see that CBD skin cream for acne is not a pie in the sky idea.
This article is your guide to the latest research on CBD and acne so that you can judge for yourself if investing in a high-quality CBD cream is the right choice for you.
What causes acne?
Normal, healthy skin requires the production of sebum by way of the sebaceous glands. This is a natural oil that keeps skin lubricated, soft and moisturized.
However, for those that suffer from acne, the skin produces an excess amount of sebum. The excess can then clog the pores creating blackheads or whiteheads that then become small, inflamed bumps known as pimples.
CBD is Anti-inflammatory
One of the ways that cannabidiol can help with acne is by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect. This effect has been demonstrated when this naturally occurring compound was used either orally or via transdermal application (applied directly to the skin).
By keeping the inflammation down on both sebaceous glands and clogged pores, CBD can have a soothing and calming effect on the skin for acne suffers.
CBD helps regulate sebostatic function
The second way that CBD helps acne is by performing a regulating role on the complex processes that trigger the sebaceous glands to produce sebum, also known as sebostatic function.
CBD has been shown to have a direct effect in moderating the sebaceous glands implicated in acne. By normalizing the amount of sebum produced, CBD is active in addressing the root cause of acne, not just treating the symptoms.
More research is underway
It is clear that this area of research is promising, although it remains early in the process of understanding the role and mechanisms of this natural compound. Luckily, this is an area of research on cannabinoids that is well underway and continues to be funded.
Another thing to keep in mind is that CBD is but one of the hundred or so cannabinoids found in hemp, several of which may play a role in skin health. The research has begun to identify some specific cannabinoids that may be particularly helpful, including CBC, CBDV and especially THCV in addition to CBD.
In its current state of development, I wouldn’t expect CBD cream for acne to be any kind of miracle cure for any serious condition. However, many anecdotal reports from countless customers suggest that this may be one natural way to experience some relief from the symptoms of acne, without using harsh and toxic chemicals.
Since current conventional medicated topicals for acne come with significant side effects for many users, all-natural CBD creams to reduce acne are gaining in popularity. Of course, if you have severe acne, you should work with a dermatologist to develop the right treatment plan for you.
Where to find the Best CBD for Acne
Finding top quality CBD acne products can be a challenge. Scams have even made national news headlines. The problem is that demand for CBD products has outstripped the supply, making market conditions ideal for unscrupulous suppliers.
In fact, a 2017 study showed 26% of the 84 CBD supplements purchased online for the study were found to have less CBD than the label promised!
That is why I built this site – to find the most trustworthy CBD companies out there so consumers can find products they can trust are made with high quality ingredients, sound manufacturing techniques, and business practices oriented to building a strong reputation with customers for the long haul.
After plenty of research, this is my top recommendation for a CBD cream for acne control:
Myaderm – CBD Blemish Control
Myaderm is a company headquartered in Englewood, CO and has a full line of CBD enriched topicals, including this selection which is designed to help with acne. With dermatologists on staff, it is great to see a company so dedicated to developing specialized topical applications of cannabidiol.
This lotion comes in a pump bottle for accurate dosing. The light moisturizer won’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue. It also won’t leave your skin feeling dry and irritated like some prescription acne topicals do.
This formula is based on a CBD isolate, which means it’s not full spectrum. While I do believe in the so called “entourage effect” of multiple cannabinoids, some people prefer CBD isolate based products, mainly because they offer very precise dosing and because they contain no THC.
Strength: About 200mg/oz. CBD Isolate
Scent: Very nice, lightly floral scent
PROS:
- Excellent price point – a great way to go if you are new to CBD acne creams
- Designed by pharmacists specifically for acne control
- Certified organic
- Skin health supporting ingredients such as Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract, Pomegranate Seed Extract and Aloe juice
- Zero THC formula
- Excellent transparency on third party testing
CONS:
- Not full spectrum
Conclusion: CBD and Acne
I hope this article provided you with some useful information on the use of CBD for acne control.
While I don’t think you should expect CBD to be a complete cure for severe cases of acne, I do think there is research to support it’s use to both help regulate sebum production and sooth inflammation. In addition, it does so without using harsh chemicals that can create burning, itchy and extremely dry skin.
In addition, I provided my top recommendation for an easy to use, natural CBD topical made by a trustworthy company. If you decide to give Myaderm CBD Blemish Control a try, please check back to let me and my readers know about your experience.
