Natural skin treatments have been a part of human life for millennia. One particular kind of treatment that has received considerable attention recently, though, is cannabidiol, or CBD, a substance obtained from the cannabis plant. Medications and cosmetics containing CBD -- from ointments for painful conditions to skin remedies -- are commonly available. Does CBD help with breakouts, however?
The use of CBD for acne breakouts
Acne comes about when skin pores become clogged with oil, dermal particles, and grime. Microorganisms thrive in these conditions, and form blemishes on the skin.
In general, then, addressing acne requires skin hygiene, and making sure that the skin doesn't deal with excess oil. Scientific knowledge to do with the way acne responds to the administration of CBD has usually focused on the ability of CBD to regulate the skin's tendency to build up excessive quantities of oil. One study (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/), in particular, is well regarded, and reports on how CBD is able to suppress oil secretion, and soothe inflamed oil-producing glands. The study concludes in favor of CBD in the treatment of acne.
Using CBD to help with body acne?
Body acne forms by the same processes that cause facial acne. For this reason, CBD formulations such as CBD oil, in theory, could help with body acne, as well. While CBD bathing products are usually not marketed directly to those with body acne, the anti-bacterial properties of CBD could offer benefits.
Can CBD help with acne blemishes?
Small studies have looked at the subject of skin scars that result from conditions like dermatitis, and found that the application of CBD to scars over a period of months makes them less noticeable, and restores moisture and elasticity to skin. While large studies haven't looked at the subject at this point, the idea of using CBD to improve acne scars has limited scientific support.
CBD and other skin conditions
A study (peerj.com/articles/40/) has discovered that topical application of CBD is often effective against psoriasis. Cannabinoid receptors in the skin, according to the report, possess the ability to temper the excessive growth of skin cells that psoriasis is known for.
Another study (jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30308-0/fulltext) has found that patients suffering from serious kidney failure, who tend to complain of itchy skin, often experience considerable relief applying CBD products on their skin. Cannabinoids are able to shut down nerve signals to do with itchiness.
The bottom line is that CBD may be effective at helping clear away acne and other skin conditions for many people. While large-scale studies haven't been done yet, the ones that have been done so far do indicate that it would make sense to try topical CBD applications during breakouts.