Use our chat feature to speak with one of our expert consultants who can help you identify if medical cannabis can help you.
5 min read
Sam North
Research, which we will go into further down in this article, shows that CBD may be an effective treatment option for acne sufferers and that it could be among the best natural treatment option available right now.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is naturally occurring in medical cannabis. It offers a range of possible health benefits, including acne reduction and prevention. Acne. The most common skin condition worldwide, negatively affecting the quality of life of hundreds of millions. Up to 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 are impacted in the UK, with estimates pointing to more than 9% of the total world population dealing with acne at some point in their life. With such huge numbers battling the condition, it's little wonder that the search for additional, natural remedies to help boost the efficacy rates of conventional therapies is never-ending. Leading this charge currently is CBD.
Acne is an inflammatory issue that occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, bacteria, dirt, or dead skin cells. The more commonly seen symptoms of acne are whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and (in more severe cases) cysts. Most often affecting the skin on the face and forehead, it can also pop up on the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
There are many contributing factors to acne. Stress, diet, hormonal imbalance issues, and genetics all play a part – as does the overproduction of sebum. Sebum is the oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin.
CBD – full name Cannabidiol – is just one of the over 110 cannabinoids that have been isolated from the cannabis plant. Most often seen in the medical cannabis scene as an oil, or as an additive in skin care products, there is research suggesting that this particular cannabinoid may offer a variety of possible health benefits, including:
The research certainly suggests so.
Current conventional therapies include bactericidal agents, topical retinoids, and oral antibiotics – and while these treatments do offer acne sufferers relief, they come with a range of unwanted (and sometimes significant) side effects, and the ever-dreaded antibiotic resistance. These less-than-desirable outcomes play a major role in the push for natural, yet effective alternatives.
A groundbreaking study from 2014 was the first peer-reviewed paper to delve deep into the world of CBD and its effect on acne. It showed that CBD may potentially help reduce the amount of skin oil (sebum) produced by suppressing the growth and output of sebocytes - the cells that produce sebum. The findings also suggest that CBD has the potential to be a promising acne treatment, thanks to the reported anti-inflammatory effects of the cannabinoid.
There is also research that points to the possibility that CBD (and cannabis as a whole) has inherent antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may help cut the risk of acne flare-ups caused by bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants coming into contact with the skin and blocking the pores.
Research into cannabinoid efficacy is still in the early stages, but thanks to the sweeping changes in the legal standing for both medicinal and recreational cannabis worldwide, this area of study is set to boom in the coming years.
It is safe to say that treatment options containing CBD seem to have a positive impact on acne sufferers. It is good to keep in mind that this may not be the case for everyone, as with all medications there will be a range of effectiveness from patient to patient. Always talk to your doctor before making any decisions on which treatment route is best for you.
CBD treatment options come in all shapes and sizes. Again, thanks to the recent shift in cannabis legality, the past few years have seen a massive increase in CBD options becoming available to people looking for additional methods to help reduce acne-related issues.
For people suffering from acne, the most widely prescribed are CBD-infused skin care products – think creams, cleansers, lotions, facemasks, soap, and serums – but many patients find that simply mixing a small amount of prescribed CBD oil with a carrier oil (coconut oil works great) and applying it directly to the affected areas shows promise in being effective.
Oral CBD products such as gummies or capsules may also help with the fight against acne outbreaks, but the majority of the research points to topical application directly to the skin as the best line of defence.
It is important to always choose CBD products from proven, reputable sources, as the industry at large is awash with companies making dubious claims.
While there is more research needed before we can hold any definitive answers on whether CBD is truly effective in the treatment for acne, it definitely seems to have a level of efficacy and may be a great addition to any acne treatment plan.
Natural treatment options are becoming increasingly popular in the current age. CBD is poised to be one of the few truly natural options and a possible top-level acne-fighting contender.
In the UK, to receive a medicinal cannabis prescription, you must first speak with a physician that is registered and qualified to prescribe cannabis. Here at Releaf, we have a team of doctors that meet these criteria, ready and waiting to help you in the fight against acne.
At Releaf, we believe that access to medical cannabis is important. That's why we offer tailored monthly packages based on your cannabis prescription, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a unique medical cannabis card for protection. Feel free to reach out at any time.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.
Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
Our articles are written by experts and reviewed by medical professionals or compliance specialists. Adhering to stringent sourcing guidelines, we reference peer-reviewed studies and scholarly research. View our editorial policy.
Need more help?
For some patients, medical cannabis really is a lifeline and is therefore a necessary component in the holiday of a lifetime. So that you don’t have to choose between your health and a holiday, we’ve put together this guide that explains which countries currently have medical cannabis policies in place.
Lucy MacKinnon
Here at Releaf we understand that holidays should be about relaxation, but travelling with medical cannabis sounds like a stressful voyage. We’re doing what we can to absorb that stress so that you can soak up the sun, and so, we’ve designed a series of articles to cover the subject: medical cannabis on holiday.
Lucy MacKinnon
The time it takes for you to feel the effects of THC depends on the methods of administration as well as your own physiology. Fortunately, there are fast and slow-acting options, as well as ways to take low or high doses in order to facilitate control over the way your body reacts to your medicine.
Editorial Team
