Does CBD Oil Help With Acne? Using Hemp Oil to Get Rid of Pimples
CBD is a natural compound found in Cannabis sativa plants. It’s only one of over 100 cannabinoids, which are the active ingredients in cannabis, but it has a plethora of potential health benefits. Can CBD oil also help with acne?
Acne affects over 90% of the global population at some point in their life. And despite being a common issue, for some people, it can be a bashful problem that affects their mental health and lays a shadow over their social life due to its telltale signs.
And if you’re wondering if CBD oil can help you fight acne, we provide the latest research from dermatological studies.
We’ve also prepared the list of the most reputable brands that offer CBD oil online.
Read on to find out what type of CBD is right for you.
CBD Oil for Acne: The Best Products for Healthy Skin (2023 Update)
CBD oil can be a fine addition to your daily skincare routine. The Internet is full of high-quality CBD products if you know where to look for. It’s important to do your homework before you trust any company with your hard-earned money. You should pay attention to how the hemp is sourced, what extraction methods the company uses to produce its oils, and whether or not these products are certified by independent laboratories.
If you live a busy life and don’t have the time to dig into the quality criteria, we have prepared our list of the best CBD products for acne after reviewing over 30 brands that sell CBD oil online.
Continue reading to find the right product.
1. Royal CBD (Best CBD Overall)
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Product Details
| Potency | 250 mg – 2500 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Berry, Mint, Vanilla |
| CBD per serving | 8.3 mg – 83.3 mg |
Why Royal CBD is the Best CBD Oil for Acne
Royal CBD is a Nevada-based manufacturer specializing in full-spectrum CBD oil from organic hemp. The plants used for the production of Royal CBD oils come from farms in Colorado, which is known for some of the finest conditions for growing hemp. The brand makes its products using CO2 extraction to ensure the highest purity and consistent potency of its extracts with no toxic solvents on the way. The entire Royal CBD collection is rigorously tested in a certified laboratory for its CBD content as well as for the presence of potential contaminants. You can ask the guys at Royal CBD for lab reports and they will provide it to you via email.
When it comes to using CBD oil for acne, I have two favorite products from Royal CBD: full-spectrum oil and broad-spectrum salve.
The oil is available in 4 strengths (from 250 mg to 2500 mg of total CBD) and 3 flavored options (Berry, Mint, and Vanilla). This product is made from the whole hemp plant, meaning it contains all the non-psychoactive cannabinoids, traces of THC (less than 0.3%), terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to the entourage effect, which is a synergy between all phytonutrients from hemp that makes them more effective together than in isolation.
The salve is infused with 500 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, containing all of the above except that there’s no THC in the formula. The salve is also enriched with a cayenne pepper extract to boost the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. It has a nice warming effect and actually makes a difference when it comes to the painful discomfort of skin breakouts.
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2. Gold Bee (Best Organic)
Product Details
| Potency | 300 – 1200 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Honey, Kiwi |
| CBD per serving | 8.3 mg – 33.3 mg |
About Gold Bee
Gold Bee is another great CBD brand from Nevada. Our runner-up makes unique CBD oils that carry a delicious honey flavor that masks the distinct earthy taste of natural hemp extracts. This is actually one of the best-tasting CBD oils I’ve tried during my 5-year journey with CBD products. The guys at Gold Bee have created their blend of organic CBD-rich strains by partnering with farmers from Colorado.
Gold Bee offers CBD oil in three concentrations: 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1200 mg of CBD per bottle. Similar to Royal CBD, these are full-spectrum extracts, so you’re getting the synergistic effects from the original hemp plant. Studies have shown that full-spectrum CBD works better for pain and inflammation than CBD isolate, so these are very decent products if you’re looking for something to deal with acne.
However, Gold Bee doesn’t have any high-potency oils in its selection, which is why they score second place in our ranking of the best CBD products for acne. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the release of a stronger product in the future.
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3. CBDPure (Top Transparency)
Product Details
| Potency | 100 – 1000 mg |
| Available Flavors | None |
| CBD per serving | 3.3 – 33 mg/mL |
About CBDPure
In my opinion, CBDPure is the best company for those who have never used CBD oil for acne. The potency of these oils is great for beginners, starting at 100 mg of CBD per bottle, which translates to 3.3 mg of CBD per milliliter. CBDPure has recently added a 1000 mg concentration to their lineup to cater to users who have some experience with CBD but don’t need more than 30mg of CBD in their routine.
CBDPure’s products are designed for mild-to-moderate symptoms of acne, so if you’re looking for something stronger, we recommend that you choose something from the two above brands. One thing is certain: you won’t be disappointed with the quality of its CBD oil. CBDPure is a living example of transparency, plus they have a 90-day return policy that allows you to get a full refund for your product if you’re not satisfied with the results.
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4. Hemp Bombs (Best CBD Isolate)
Product Details
| Potency | 125 – 4000 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Acai Berry, Orange Creamsicle, Peppermint, Watermelon |
| CBD per serving | 4 – 133 mg/mL |
About Hemp Bombs
Hemp Bombs offers the best products for those with acne who are looking for THC-free CBD oils. The company specializes in making pure CBD extracts in a very wide potency range, with up to 4000 mg of CBD per bottle.
This CBD oil is a good choice for people with acne who don’t want to take any amounts of THC in their routine. Hemp Bombs offers both broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate, so if you undergo drug tests at work, this is your best bet. While full-spectrum products won’t get you high, taking high doses daily may result in a false-positive result on the drug test.
Keep in mind that using CBD oils with zero THC only provides some part of the entourage effect, or no entourage at all when you take CBD isolate. This means that you may eventually need to take more CBD oil to experience the desired effects.
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5. CBDistillery (Most Affordable)
Product Details
| Potency | 250 – 5000 mg |
| Available Flavors | None |
| Potency | 8.3 – 166 mg/mL |
About CBDistillery
CBDistillery blazed the trail for other companies when they started to sell CBD oil over five years ago. Since then, the brand has not only become one of the largest suppliers in North America, but it has also managed to maintain high quality and uphold its reputation in the cannabis community. On top of selling an impressive range of different CBD products — available as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD (pure oil) — CBDistillery also provides education to its customers under the hashtag #CBDMOVEMENT.
One of the great things about this company is the potency choice it offers. CBDistillery covers the entire potency range for CBD oils, from 250 mg to a massive 5000 mg of total CBD. At 166 mg of CBD per milliliter, the strongest bottle provides enough CBD to get you supplied for months to come.
CBDistillery offers the most affordable products, with prices starting at $20 per bottle of CBD oil (250 mg), so while the company doesn’t use organic hemp (which is a little downside), it still has the best CBD oil for those shopping on the budget.
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What Causes Acne?
Acne typically affects teenagers, particularly throughout puberty, but it can happen to people of all ages. Acne is a skin condition that causes white-headed or dark-headed breakouts due to clogged hair follicles on the face and upper body.
The area around the face and upper body have the highest concentration of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil production in the skin and are connected to hair follicles.
Read more about CBD and its effect on hair health.
There are four main causes of acne:
- Excess sebum production: the sebaceous glands can produce too much oil, giving the skin a greasy look. This, in turn, can block the follicles.
- Dead skins due to the clogs: when the follicles get clogged, they become inflamed and cause dead skin cells to amass. The problem gets continuously worse because more oil and dead skin gathers in one place, resulting in cyst-like lumps.
- Bacteria build-up: dirty pores can result in bacterial infections, which can deteriorate inflammation and increase the size of the breakouts.
- Stress, medication, and hormones: these three factors can make acne worse, especially when it comes to androgens, which are hormones released during puberty. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to swell, causing more clogs. Certain medications and excessive stress have also been identified as potential causes of acne.
Contrary to common myths, acne can’t be caused by poor hygiene or eating greasy foods.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a natural compound found in cannabis that has been a hot topic in the medical world for the past few years. Touted for its wide range of health benefits, CBD oil is widely used for a variety of conditions, from anxiety and depression to pain, insomnia, seizures, and neurodegenerative disorders.
CBD oil is actually a worldwide phenomenon because it provides the benefits associated with using cannabis without the high feeling of marijuana. CBD itself is non-intoxicating, and the majority of CBD oils are made from hemp plants, which contain less than 0.3% of THC.
CBD also has no known overdose limit and is non-addictive. Even high doses such as 1,500 mg daily are well-tolerated in humans.
CBD belongs to a group of molecules known as cannabinoids. It’s actually one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids within the cannabis plants. These compounds interact with a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD Oil and the Endocannabinoid System
The human body is a very complex organism. It consists of over 37 trillion individual cells on average. The human brain alone is made from millions of neurons that can send thousands of different messages every second. Many of the pathways in our bodies are well understood, whereas others remain a bit fogged by the lack of long-term research. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the latter, although scientists and medical researchers are learning more every day.
The ECS is the major regulatory network present within all animals, from primitive sea life to monkeys, domesticated animals, and humans. Each body naturally produces its own cannabinoids internally; these molecules control a wide range of biological processes through a network of cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system is just as important as our ability to breathe.
That’s because the ECS helps maintain homeostasis in the body, which is a state of biological balance between all vital functions.
Consuming plant-derived cannabinoids, such as CBD, will cause them to interact with the ECS. By signaling the cannabinoid receptors, they can produce beneficial effects for physical and mental health. One such benefit is reducing the symptoms of acne.
Does CBD Oil Work for Acne?
There’s a growing amount of research supporting the theory that CBD oil may be helpful for acne. The effects may vary from person to person depending on what type of acne a person suffers from and what causes it.
CBD oil may help reduce various forms of acne thanks to its ability to influence the production of sebum in the body. Sebum is a waxy, oily substance produced in the skin. CBD oil also has remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities, which makes it a good option to consider as an acne treatment.
Why is this trait important for acne and its symptoms? Sebum helps protect the skin from environmental risks. However, it can mix with dirt, dead skin cells, or other pollutants, causing the pores to clog. Clogged pores then become inflamed and cause skin breakouts.
In a 2014 study, researchers examined the effects of CBD on human sebocytes, which are the cells that produce sebum [1]. The research team found that the CBD prevented these cells from releasing excess sebum. They also discovered that the CBD oil prompted an anti-inflammatory reaction in the cells, preventing inflammatory cytokines from activation. Cytokines may cause acne, so reducing their concentrations may prevent future breakouts.
Finally, in a 2016 review of the cannabis plant, cannabinoids such as CBD were mentioned for their antibacterial and antifungal effects [2]. These properties may help reduce infections from pollutants on the skin.
That being said, we still lack human clinical trials to recommend CBD oil products as a direct anti-acne treatment. If you feel that CBD oil could help with your condition, consult a holistic physician who will be knowledgeable on natural skincare remedies.
CBD Oil & Body Acne
Body acne is triggered by the same processes as facial acne, so there’s a chance that CBD-rich products could help reduce it. Many skincare companies incorporate CBD into bath bombs, soap bars, and lotions. Although CBD products may not be specifically advertised as anti-acne, their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects may provide some relief.
What About Using CBD Oil for Acne Scars?
Sometimes, when a pimple gets enlarged and the skin is picking, you may suffer from acne scars. In a study published in the journal La Clinica Terapeutica, 20 participants with scars from atopic dermatitis and psoriasis used CBD-enriched ointment to affect areas on the skin twice daily for three months.
After that period, the researchers found that the skin’s appearance improved when it comes to elasticity and hydration thanks to the CBD treatment. Although the study didn’t tackle pitted scars, it does show promise that CBD oil could help reduce the appearance of scarring.
How to Use CBD Oil for Acne?
There’s a common misconception about using CBD oil for acne, namely that you have to apply it directly to the skin. While CBD has anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically, pores that are already blocked pores will be more difficult for CBD to get through. CBD is an oil, so putting it directly on the trouble spot can cause further clogs to the pores which could subsequently spur the onset of acne or worsen it.
If you want to use CBD oil for acne, keep in mind that it can reduce inflammation and influence sebum production by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. To ensure the most efficient route of administration, place a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue twice a day to reduce excessive sebum release.
Once the skin is able to cleanse itself, you can begin to use CBD-infused topicals to enhance the effect and provide your skin with other nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals. Still, we recommend that you continue to ingest CBD for acne.
How Could CBD Oil Help with Other Skin Problems?
Wondering if CBD oil may be helpful in treating other skin conditions on top of acne? Below you’ll find some examples.
Itchy Skin
CBD was mentioned as a potential treatment for itchy skin in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) [3]. The journal cited a 2005 paper that found 81 percent of patients with itchy skin who treated their problem with a CBD cream experienced complete regression of their symptoms [4].
The authors of the JAAD article suggested that cannabinoids may be able to block signals transmitted to the brain from nerve endings in the skin that indicate skin itching. When combined with skin-soothing ingredients like menthol in topical products, the effect can be even stronger.
Psoriasis
A study published in the journal Peer J Life & Environment revealed promising findings for people with psoriasis [5]. The study found that cannabinoid receptors located in the skin can reduce excess skin cell growth, which is a common issue among those with psoriasis.
The researchers stated that cannabinoids could have the potential to turn off the receptors that are involved in excess skin cell buildup in patients.
Because the researchers used human cadaver skin instead of living skin, it’s difficult to say if they could achieve the same results with the latter. Nevertheless, the study holds promise for those looking to try CBD products to reduces the discomfort resulting from psoriasis.
Sensitive Skin
The same benefits that apply to conditions like eczema or psoriasis may also help with general irritation of the skin and its appearance. However, people need to make sure that their products don’t contain other skin irritants that could compromise the efficacy of CBD and further irritate sensitive skin.
Aging and Wrinkles
Not only is CBD a potent anti-inflammatory, but it also has remarkable antioxidant qualities, which may translate to better skin health and reduced age lines and wrinkles. If you want to maximize the benefits of using CBD oil in your anti-aging routine, make sure to include other antioxidants, such as those from fruits and vitamin E.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Acne?
CBD has a “favorable safety profile,” as stated by the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research [6].
The researchers found that the most common side effects of taking CBD oil include fatigue, diarrhea, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. However, these side effects were mostly experienced by people who took CBD under the tongue or in a capsule form, not topically.
If you experience symptoms like swelling, itching, or skin peeling after applying CBD-infused products, wash the irritated area with water, and apply cold compresses if needed.
Key Takeaways on Using CBD Oil for Acne
Studies show promising results when it comes to using CBD oil for acne, but until researchers conduct large-scale trials on living skin, official government agencies won’t acknowledge it as an official treatment.
If you buy CBD products for acne, make sure that they come from a trusted source — one that uses organic ingredients and doesn’t include any skin irritants. Always check if the company you’re about to buy from provides third-party lab testing reports. Certificates of Analysis from an independent laboratory are proof that the oil contains the advertised amount of CBD and is free of potential contaminants and unwanted additives such as solvents or pesticides.
Do you use CBD for acne or other skin conditions? Does it work?
