Acne is a term that encompasses a series of dermatological problems. This includes blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, and even cysts. It is one of the most common skin problems in the world. It happens when secretions from the skin clog the pores, which happens especially in the teenage years. Other factors such as genetics, diet, hormones, menstruation, stress, and certain medications can play a role in oil production. Acne is characterized by the outbreak of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, which appear on the face, neck and back. Typical treatments include oral antibiotics that can be taxing on the body, or creams that are quite expensive.
The increase in hormonal activity during adolescence is a triggering factor. If left untreated, it can leave scars and is a very common factor in depression among young people. Because of this, for many years the market has been flooded with cleansing, moisturizing or exfoliating products to combat or prevent acne.
Dr. Tamás Bíró in 2013 tested CBD for acne and reported that “when he applied non-psychoactive CBD to these skin cells, he noticed that the production of oils stopped.”
In 2014, the JCI (Journal of Clinical Investigation) noted that CBD regulates the production of oil in the skin and inhibits the production of lipids in skin cells. This means that, unlike many anti-acne products, CBD will not affect the physiology, nor will it dehydrate the skin.
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to have receptors throughout the skin. It is responsible for controlling the balance and general well-being of cells, it also has receptors scattered throughout our body, brain and central nervous system influencing various physiological processes. So much so that the sebaceous glands (responsible for secreting oils into the hair follicles) have been shown to contain cannabinoid receptors. This means that cannabinoids interact with these glands, affecting their normal function.
Another study was also conducted that looked at the relationship of CBD and skin through a chemical procedure. To the surprise of the researchers, 100% of the participants noticed an improvement after only 14 days. It is extremely rare to find a study with a 100% success rate, even with small sample sizes.
CBD oil is gaining prominence as one of the best food supplements and as an alternative treatment for people suffering from a number of problems, including dermatological ones. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effect. Replenishing our endocannabinoid system with CBD could be the answer for the millions of people who suffer from acne each year.
