CBD For Acne – The Ultimate Guide

What is Acne and the Causes of Acne?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects the hair follicle. The inflammation of the skin that affects the hair follicle causes something called retention hyperkeratosis. This is triggered by inflammatory cytokines and when desquamation inside of the follicle is not happening at a “normal” rate. To put it simply, “greasy” sections from the skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands can clog the tiny openings for hair follicles. Depending on many factors, the clogs can take on the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or acne. There are a variety of factors that can cause acne, such as hormones, excess sebum production, and genetics. 

What Types of Acne are There?

Acne isn’t one size fits all and everyone can be affected differently by acne and for different reasons. There are several different types of acne including:

• Whiteheads: one of the most common kinds of acne appearing on the skin as small to medium-sized bumps that are skin-colored or white in appearance. These are caused by a mix of sebum and dead skin cells that clog the pore and allow pus to develop within. 
• Blackheads: these get their name because they appear as dark, blackish spots on the skin. Blackheads are also caused by clogged pores that then change color and darken when they come into contact with oxygen. This type of acne is considered noninflammatory because it doesn’t cause swelling or infection. 
• Papules: this is what most of us imagine when we think of a typical “break out.” Papules also develop when dead skin cells and sebum clog your pores, but then pressure builds up in the pore and can cause the pore walls to rupture and spread the break out to the surrounding skin. 
• Pustules: after a few days of having papules, pustules can form after becoming infected and filling with pus. They are characterized by a swollen red appearance with a white or yellow cap. Keeping inflammation down can help prevent the formation of pustules. 
• Nodules: this more severe form of acne can be challenging to address. The appearance of nodules are similar to papules, but they are deeper within the layers of your skin. They are usually painful to touch and don’t get the “head” like pustules.
• Cysts: another severe form of acne, cystic acne forms deep below the surface of your skin and resemble red lumps. The cysts are filled with pus and feel soft to the touch, yet can be quite painful and tender. 

Treat Acne Naturally

There are many conventional acne treatments out on the market today. Some of these include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects like redness, dryness, and irritation. With an estimated 85% of young adults being affected by acne, it’s no surprise that many people are looking for natural acne solutions. A study from 2014 explored the effects of CBD on sebocytes, the cells that create sebum. The results showed that CBD can prevent sebocytes from creating an excess of oily sebum. Additionally, it revealed that CBD oil triggered an anti-inflammatory reaction and prevented inflammatory cytokines (which trigger acne) from becoming activated. 

Potential Benefits of CBD for Acne

CBD has a wide range of benefits for the skin; many of these benefits can be helpful for those who battle with acne. 

Reduce Swelling and Inflammation

CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help combat the swelling and inflammation associated with acne while also inhibiting the lipid production in skin cells. This makes it an excellent option for those dealing with inflammatory acne conditions such as cystic acne, nodules, pustules, or papules. 

Fight Bacteria

CBD can help in the fight against bacteria that promotes acne. Bacteria can cause acne to spread, last longer, and become more of an issue. By keeping your skin free from bacteria, you can work towards clearing up your acne. 

Balance Your Skin

Skin needs the right balance of moisture. Too much or too little can promote acne on your face, chest, back, or other areas. CBD may be able to help balance your skin. The endocannabinoids contained in CBD play a large part in oil production by regulating the excretion of sebaceous glands. If the sebaceous glands aren’t functioning properly, it can promote the formation of acne. By keeping the skin in this state of homeostasis, or balance, the skin can stay adequately hydrated while also reducing the likelihood that pores will become clogged.

Combat Stress Hormones

One of the factors that can play a role for those who suffer from acne is stress hormones. Stress can have very negative impacts on our bodies, and unfortunately, sometimes it shows up on our faces in the form of acne. CBD has the ability to help the body adapt to and decrease the effects of stress hormones. It helps to promote balance in our body and mind, which could make a difference in skin-related issues and breakouts caused by stress. 

Reduce Pain from Acne

Sometimes acne can be very painful, especially cystic acne or nodules. CBD has been known for its analgesic (pain reducing) properties and the ability to soothe the skin. When ingested or applied topically, it may reduce inflammation that causes pain and take the edge off that painful sting. 

Skincare Products To Help Acne 

There are a variety of products containing CBD that can be beneficial to use for those looking to reduce acne. All products listed below contain organic CBD. 

Remove Foaming CBD Cleanser

Finding a cleanser is an important first step in fighting against acne. Our pick is a gentle, foaming cleanser. The Remove Foaming Cleanser contains organic aloe and rose essential oil. Organic aloe is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, has wound healing properties, and aids in collagen synthesis. Rose essential oil is anti-inflammatory, revitalizing, astringent, and highly emollient. 

Refine CBD Cleansing Pads

The Refine Cleansing Pads are an excellent choice for a way to quickly cleanse on the go. They have organic willow bark extract, which is a natural form of salicin, the precursor to salicylic acid, which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. It is soothing, aids in cell regeneration, and reduces large pores. Organic licorice root and mulberry root extract is an antioxidant that is brightening, reduces the pH of skin, and evens skin tone. 

Exfoliate CBD Enzyme Mask

The Exfoliate Enzyme Mask is a mild exfoliating mask, so it is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. It contains organic hemp seed, CBD, and aloe to give you anti-inflammatory properties and calming effects. The exfoliating ingredient used is bacillus ferment, which is an active enzyme that gently exfoliates without being rough on the skin. This is a mild alternative to AHA, so it can be used on more sensitive skin. 

Exfoliate CBD Pumpkin Mask

Pumpkin is very rich in zinc, which can be very healing for acne and will gently digest the surface cells. It is also rich in Vitamin A, C, and betacarotene. Bilberry fruit, sugar maple, orange, and lemon fruit extract, and sugar cane extract are all naturally occurring sources of different acids that can be beneficial in gently removing surface skin cells. It is a mild exfoliant with a pleasant tingle yet soothing feel thanks to the pumpkin. 

Elemental Zinc CBD Moisturizer

The Elemental Zinc Moisturizer contains zinc oxide, which is incredibly healing topically and internally for acne-prone skin. It has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, provides mineral protection against the sun, promotes healing responses in the skin, and is beneficial for reducing hyperpigmentation. This moisturizer also contains organic raspberry seed oil, organic cranberry seed oil, and organic carrot seed oil to give skin a boost of essential fatty acids, build tissue, and promote regeneration for sunburned skin. 

High-Quality CBD for Acne-Prone Skin

When it comes to your skin, you only want the best, highest quality ingredients. At Color Up, you can be confident that our products contain ingredients that are good for your skin and sourced ethically. All Color Up products are all sent to a third-party lab for testing to ensure the quality of our CBD, but we take one step further and send samples of each batch to be tested ourselves (4th party) to verify against the 3rd party tests. Guaranteeing a highly concentrated, pure, and pesticide-free product is at the foundation of our company. Click here to see our product COAs. Our skincare products are so amazing, estheticians all over the country choose to use Color Up products on their clients. Try them for yourself by visiting our website!