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Acne is a common dermatological condition characterized by the appearance of red pimplesblackheads and cysts; in severe cases, it can take the form of pustules.
The areas most often affected are the face, neck and sometimes the chest and back.
Acne is a hormonal phenomenon that most often appears during adolescence (around age 12) and disappears spontaneously between the ages of 18 and 20.
It affects around 80% of teenagers (15% of whom have severe acne) and 25% of adults[1].
This dermatological condition affects the hair follicle at the root of the hair, which contains the sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a protective grease that prevents skin dryness. Due to the high production of androgens (male sex hormones), these glands produce excess sebum, which clogs the sebocyte ducts.
So when a button appears, it's due to :
Stress is one of the causes of excess sebum production.. Indeed, many nerve cells are present near the sebaceous glands, and these cells can produce a substance P which acts on the overproduction of sebum.
Endocannabinoid receptors, mainly CB2, present in the sebaceous gland, also stimulate this overproduction of sebum.
Acne is a real problem for teenagers who suffer from it, causing mental and psychological problems at a time that is already very delicate for some. What's more, severe acne can leave significant scars, cysts and lesions for life. Even if acne disappears on its own after a few months or years, treatment is recommended in severe cases.
Traditionally, the remedy is local or oral anti-acne medication usually containing an antiseptic, sometimes antibiotics or retinoids (vitamin A derivatives)[2]. The latter are not without side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, etc.
It is advisable to adopt a diet without too much lactose and sweets. [3]
It's important not to tamper with your pimples, as this can lead to further inflammation.
Dr Catherine Braeken gives some quick recommendations on acne treatment:
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a molecule derived from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa L.) alongside THC, but which has no psychotropic effects. Numerous studies have been carried out or are underway on the use of CBD in a number of cases, including acne.
Recent studies position it as the best treatment. Interacting with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, it could have an immediate impact on this disease.
A 2009 study[4] highlighted the role of these receptors in the production of excess sebum. Targeting these receptors could therefore have real therapeutic potential in the treatment of skin disorders. These researchers observed that CBD acts directly to inhibit lipogenesis (the body's synthesis of sugars and fatty acids) and suppress the proliferation of sebocyte cells responsible for excess sebum production. So, by reducing sebum, CBD acts directly to reduce acne.
Another 2014 study[5] suggests that CBD acts as a sebostatic agent, regulating sebum production. It also acts on inflammation and stress[6], having a calming and soothing effect on the skin.
Finally, CBD (full-spectrum) oil also contains components that act on good skin health, such as vitamins B, C and E as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, deficiencies of which can lead to skin problems, including acne.[7]
In severe forms, acne can leave indentations and scars. An Italian study published in 2019[8], carried out on a small sample, administered CBD to the skin of twenty participants who had scars linked to psoriasis and atopic eczema.
After three months of treatment, the researchers found that CBD had significantly improved the appearance of the skin, particularly its elasticity and hydration.
Although the study sample was small and not conducted on those with acne scars, it shows that CBD products could help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
One of the most effective ways to take cannabidiol is in oil form. Simply place a few drops directly under the tongue for about a minute. Although CBD has no side effects, it's advisable to start with the lowest dose and gradually increase the number of drops as necessary.
For post-acne scars, we recommend using CBD in ointment or cream form, or applying CBD oil (5% concentration) directly to the skin.