Uncovering the Benefits of CBD for Acne-Prone Skin
If you have acne-prone skin, you’re not alone. Acne is a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide, and finding an effective treatment is usually a case of trial and error. While many products and remedies are available, some contain harsh chemicals which can damage the skin, leading to further irritation and inflammation.
This is where CBD comes in – a natural and gentle alternative skincare ingredient that has recently gained popularity. In this article, we’ll uncover the benefits of CBD for acne and explore how it works to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health. So whether you’re struggling with occasional breakouts or chronic acne, read on to learn how CBD may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the hemp plant known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe skin irritation and promote faster healing. This makes it especially beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. The soothing properties of CBD also make it suitable for sensitive skin types that have a tendency to react negatively to certain products.
CBD also has antioxidant properties that can help combat free radical damage and works internally and topically with the body’s natural Endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors are located all throughout the body, including directly underneath the skin.
CBD and Acne
We all suffer from acne breakouts. Even if you’re blessed with
flawless skin, the occasional pimple can be even more annoying – especially if you’re used to smooth, unblemished skin. These breakouts aren’t just mildly frustrating; they can also be painful, inflamed, and itchy. Plus, they can wreak havoc on your self-esteem, turning a good day into a bad one.
Acne happens when the skin pore surrounding a hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells and oil produced by the sebaceous glands that normally keep the face moisturised.
Many factors go into what causes acne and how severe it is. Genetics can play a role, hormones can cause excess oil production, and stress can worsen it.
What Are the Common Causes of Acne??
Menstruation and Acne in Women
Hormone balance can cause constant concern for many women. The rise and fall of hormones every month contribute to a diverse array of side effects, including pimples and acne. During the beginning of the menstrual cycle, testosterone levels are low. And when ovulation finally occurs, hormone levels spike to help prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are responsible for carrying out this process.
Have you ever noticed that you get pimples on your chin right before your period? This is likely due to the rise and fall of hormones in your body. Just like other premenstrual symptoms (PMS), pimples will appear when certain hormones are more present than others.
Some women have hormone imbalances that increase their risk of acne. A woman developing too many androgens or producing too little estrogen can disrupt her cycle and cause skin issues like acne.
Genetics
Some people suffer from full-blown acne, and others experience the odd a pimple or two.While reasons for this can vary, genetics is usually one dominant factor. Also, genetics usually determine how each individual deals with acne. A few pimples here and there can be due to environmental factors, while consistent acne is primarily caused by hormones.
If you suffer from chronic acne, you may want to see a doctor to take a blood sample and measure your hormone levels.
Does chocolate really cause acne?
There are many myths surrounding certain foods causing acne. Although food doesn’t necessarily cause adult acne, if you have acne-prone skin, it might not help it. Many dermatologists suggest that the over-consumption of carbohydrates (bread, pasts, chips) may worsen acne if you already have it. At the end of the day, you are what you eat. Making sure that you’re eating a balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and veg will improve your skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. Plusit’ll benefit your overall health. Some studies have also linked dairy consumption to adult acne. So, if you’re prone to adult acne, the hormones in dairy products might not be helping. If you think this is the case, perhaps opt for a soy latte on your next Starbucks run and see if you notice any improvement.
Stress
When it comes to chronic acne, stress works similarly to diet. Although stress doesn’t necessarily cause acne, it can cause high levels of inflammation which can reflect on the skin.. You might have heard of the stress hormone, cortisol. When you’re stressed, cortisol, aka the stress hormone. This triggers oil production in the sebaceous glands, leaving skin more oily and more prone to breakouts.
Makeup brushes
We’re all guilty of not cleaning our makeup brushes as often as we should. But if you find that you’re suffering from adult acne, your brushes could be to blame. Using the same brushes every day means that products and old skin cells build up. Shockingly, dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil will also transfer from your face, onto the brushes and then back to your clean face when you use them again. Soaking makeup brushes at least once a week will ensure that they are clean and bacteria-free. Pay particular attention to foundation and concealer brushes as they have the most contact with your skin.
Dehydrated skin
Water plays a huge part in skin health and hydration. And hydrated skin is healthy skin. Drinking water is important for your overall health, but it also affects the appearance of your skin. Dehydrated skin will trigger excess oil production. Making sure that you get enough water will help balance the oil production, and the overall appearance of your skin
CBD for Acne Research
Many scientists and researchers have been investigating the benefits of CBD when it comes to acne, and they’ve discovered some pretty interesting results. One amazing group of scientists looked into whether CBD can prevent our bodies from creating too much sebum. Aaa and you guessed it – it can! CBD affects our sebocytes which are the cells that actually create the sebum.
But their discoveries didn’t end there. They also found that CBD prevents inflammatory cytokines from activating. Confused? Cytokines are responsible for swelling linked with acne and causing breakouts, so stopping these from activating is a big deal.
Bacteria buildup plays a big part in prolonging acne breakouts. Dirty skin is never a good thing when it comes to skincare. A study in 2016 took a detailed look at the antibacterial and antifungal properties of cannabis and how it can reduce skin infections. These studies are ongoing and ever-evolving, so there are no concrete results just yet, and more tests on humans are needed.
So, how does CBD oil help acne?
CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-inflammatory means that it reduces swelling, which is extremely common in acne. Say goodbye to irritation, pain, and redness by soothing your skin with CBD oil. It’s even a great option for those of us with sensitive skin, as it’s also really gentle to use.
Controls sebum/oil production
It stops your skin from producing too much oil. CBD stops lipogenic actions and regulates how much sebum is produced.
Acts as an antioxidant
CBD is jam-packed with antioxidants that protect our skin from the environment around us. Things like pollution and free radicals can wreak havoc, so it’s always a good idea to block these out. It even has the potential to improve skin tone too!
Manages breakouts
Hot, red breakouts are one of the worst parts of acne. While CBD oil can’t get rid of them completely, it can help manage these nasty outbreaks, making them milder by working on the root cause of acne – excess oil production.
Benefits of CBD for Skin
Treat Inflammatory Acne: CBD might help reduce redness, pain, and swelling associated with inflammatory acne.
Regulate Oil Production: As previously mentioned, CBD helps regulate hormones involved in oil production, reducing excess sebum.
Reduce Breakouts: CBD may help reduce inflammation of breakouts and, thanks to its oil production regulation, reduce breakouts in general.
Calm Rosacea: With its ability to reduce inflammation, CBD may help calm rosacea flare-ups.
Neutralise Free Radical Damage: CBD may work to prevent skin weakening by neutralising free radical damage.
Soothe Eczema: CBD helps combat irritation and inflammation caused by eczema, along with chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
Decrease Hormonal Conditions: Since CBD is thought to be an adaptogen, it may work to decrease the effects of hormones and other compounds that are released into the body in times of stress (ie. kinase, nitric oxide, and cortisol).
Hydration: CBD has moisturising properties that can help combat dehydration and dryness.
The bottom line
Everyone suffers from spots and acne at some point in their lives, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Adopting an effective, easy acne routine canhelp manage acne-prone skin. Following a balanced diet and getting enough water will always help with the appearance of the skin, and overall health.
Shop the best CBD oils and CBD topical products online here at Miracle Leaf today.
