Can CBD Help Treat Acne?

Some patients experience success with CBD as an acne treatment. All photos provided by Mandy Lile, owner of Potency 710.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an average of 50 million Americans suffer from acne. Only 20% of those people are adults, and the rest are between the ages of 12 and 24. Since the majority of acne patients are in their teen years, the cases are most commonly due to hormonal changes. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more adults are experiencing it. The main culprit: masks. 

UC Health, a company that provides care for nearly all medical conditions, call this issue “acne mechanica.” That is because it is caused by the mechanics of mask-wearing. As a result of the increase of mask-related acne or maskne, more people are researching treatment options. 

Sapna Palep, the founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City, told Everyday Health, “I truly have 10 people a day who come into my office with one of these problems from wearing a mask — minimum.”

A recent survey from beauty company, Shiseido, also reveals an increase of maskne. The survey showed that as many as 99% of respondents expressed concerns about mask wearing. Concerns are expected to become more severe as temperatures and humidity rise during the summer of 2021. 

The most obvious way someone can keep their skin in-tact is to wash their face day and night, and avoid wearing heavy make-up underneath the mask. However, it is common to experiment with treatment options to fully get rid of acne.

One option in particular — cannabis-infused beauty items — have become quite popular. According to a press release by Financial News Media, the global CBD skincare market is expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2025. Increasing awareness related to the healing properties of CBD-infused beauty products is driving this growth.

Oil to Combat Oil?

CBD has various effects on damaged and inflamed skin. According to Healthline, CBD prevents excess oil buildup, which is a large contributor to acne and maskne. 

As such, experts recommend mixing CBD oil with a carrier oil — such as coconut oil — in order to have the best application effects, reports Lab Roots. 

CBD has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can naturally reduce acne and blemishes, adds Lab Roots. Moreover, the human body has an endocannabinoid system, meaning that we produce cannabinoids naturally inside of our bodies. 

As stated on CFAH health and wellbeing, consuming plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD can be beneficial for physical and mental health. Additionally, this includes the treatment of acne through the reduction of excess sebum production. Sebum, an oil produced by glands, helps protect the skin. However, when it is produced in excess, it can mix with dirt and dead skin cells. As a result, it can cause inflamed skin and breakouts that many people experience. Since CBD also initiates an anti-inflammatory reaction in the cells, it reduces the activation of cytokines, which are another common cause of acne. This breakthrough of skin enhancement can effectively be shown through progress pictures.

The Benefits of Natural Ingredients

Mandy Lile, founder of the hemp skin care line, Potency 710, has helped people see real results in a short time with the use of CBD-infused products. 

Lile opened her first skin care clinic at the age of 20. She did this with the dream of creating a non-toxic, effective skin care line made from hemp. As of today, Lile has acquired a fast-growing, loyal client base for her natural products. 

Mandy Lile believes that all skincare products should include ingredients that consumers can pronounce. She explains that acne medications like Accutane and Cetaphil can cause extreme dryness and irritation. Additionally, Accutane can have severe side effects. That can include issues such as liver or kidney damage, worsened depression, and increased anxiety. 

According to Healthline, the side effects of acne treatments depend on the strength of the product. Many of the common topical acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, which has the ability to calm the skin. But it can also instill further redness and dryness on to the affected area. 

Furthermore, the use of oral medications can cause an upset stomach, dizziness, lightheadedness, and complications with other medications. According to the modern sustainability site, Treehugger, it is always safer to use products with all-natural ingredients in order to avoid any complications that could arise. 

At Potency 710, Lile includes several other essential oils in her products, such as Argan, coconut, and jojoba oils. The oils themselves compliment the effects of CBD oil to treat skin conditions.

Photo Evidence

Lile explains that she sends a 1 milliliter sample to patients, and tells them to begin using it day and night. By Monday, many notice a reduction of symptoms: less oil, less redness and less inflammation. 

She lets the results of her treatments speak for themselves. 

• 

• 

The differences are significant. For example, many patients experience a reduction in redness and inflammation within days. Patients begin with acne or scarring and are shortly left with glowing skin. By incorporating all-natural products, including CBD into her products, Lile has successfully managed to keep her clients acne-free.