Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound created by the Cannabis sativa plant. There are more than 100 compounds in cannabis, but CBD, in particular, has many potential health benefits – including treating acne.

Acne is annoying for people of almost any age (especially for teenagers), meaning that any new natural way to prevent comes as great news to those with it.

There is evidence to suggest that using CBD oil as a remedy for treating acne has merit, as well as being great for treating other skin conditions. It can either be applied to the breakouts directly or taken orally to prevent them from occurring for the long-term.

What Is CBD?


Standard cannabis plants produce hundreds, if not thousands, of different chemical compounds but the most well-known and studied is called a cannabinoid. There are many other cannabinoids but the most recognized among traditional consumers are CBD and THC.

Cannabinoids such as CBD can impact cell receptors that are responsible for feeling pain by sending signals to the brain. They minimize the pain suffered by muffling the receptors that send pain signals to the brain.

Can CBD Treat Acne?

Acne is the most common skin condition suffered by humans across the world. It’s likely that someone will have to deal with it one way or another at some point during their lifetime.

Luckily, there is evidence to suggest that CBD oil can indeed help with acne treatment. It may differ on a case-by-case basis, depending on what kind of acne someone has, how severe it is and the root cause of each case.

The reason why CBD can be helpful is because of how it reacts when the body produces sebum, a waxy substance that is created by the skin. Its purpose is to protect our skin from harmful substances such as UV and other debris. However, it is also prone to mixing with dead skill cells and other pollutants. This collection of dirt then gets trapped in the skin’s pores and cause acne.

Acne breakouts can be worsened by triggers such as hormones, medications, diet, fitness and stress. Teenagers, in particular, are affected by acne because of the androgen hormone. This is because, during puberty, they cause the oil glands to enlarge, increasing the production of skin oil.

There are many inherent factors that contribute to acne, including genetics that affect someone’s ability to regulate sebum production, as well as environmental factors such as diet, fitness, stress and medication.

In 2014, a study was published showing that CBD prevented sebocytes (the cells responsible for creating the waxy sebum) from creating it. It also revealed that CBD oil triggered an anti-inflammatory response from the sebocytes and prevented cytokines, another acne trigger, from activating to prevent further breakouts.

In 2016, a review of the cannabis plant revealed that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties which may be able to reduce the chance of infections caused by the build-up of dirt and other pollutants in the skin.

However, it’s important to note that these results are not based on human trials. Therefore, if a doctor or other medical professional is to begin recommending CBD oil or other cannabinoids as part of a skin care treatment, further evidence is required.

Nevertheless, the results are promising.

How To Use CBD Oil

CBD oil can be used to prevent acne by either applying it to the skin directly or taken orally. For direct application, mix CBD oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or argan oil and apply it to the affected area.

Most studies have explored the direct application of CBD oil rather than oral transmission so it may be best to stick to this method.

It’s also possible to purchase other products that contain CBD oil online or in-store through licensed stores. In this case, it’s always advised that you read the instructions carefully and consult professional opinion if you have any doubt about how to use it. Make sure you check the ingredients to prevent suffering an allergic reaction or other possible side effects.

You may come across products that contain other marijuana-based compounds, such as THC, which unlike CBD has psychoactive effects on humans. THC is responsible for causing the ‘high’. While it’s unlikely that you can experience a high from topical application, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients, especially for those that have sensitive skin or anyone that takes regular drug tests.

CBD And Other Skin Problems

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CBD oil has the potential to help people with other skin conditions too.

Firstly, there is reason to believe that CBD oil can help reduce eczema as its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce potential triggers. While more research is needed, there are also signs that it can help to rebalance any imbalances in the immune system.

Furthermore, these benefits can also have a positive impact on soothing sensitive skin. Anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the appearance of sore and irritated skin but it’s important to be aware that other ingredients present in medication could cause further irritation.

Another exciting potential for CBD oil is its ability to help with ageing and reduce wrinkles. However, there are much easier alternatives than CBD to combat this problem, such as taking foods or supplements rich in vitamin E


There is certainly some evidence that suggests CBD oil can help with acne treatment. This is due to how it reacts with sebum when applied directly, balancing the amount of skin oil produced and reducing inflammation.

However, while there is a solid claim that CBD has these positive effects, more research is needed to confirm them. Anyone that wishes to explore CBD oil as a skin care solution should speak to a medical professional before purchasing and using such a product.