CBD and other good ways to fight acne

It's very common but can really take its toll on people. A large proportion of 11- to 30-year-olds will get acne at some point, but older people can also get it. It's tedious to treat and it's not fully understood what causes it, but science has come up with ideas and solutions. And yes, a little chocolate can make the problem worse.

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Acne is a skin condition in which hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes blackheads, pimples and, in the long term, possibly scarring. Canada and the US spent over $10 billion on over-the-counter products to treat acne last year. Not every product helps and it's smart to take a break and make a sensible, effective plan to address the problem in the short and long term.

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Find out your skin type

Before you fill your shopping cart with products, know your skin type. This knowledge will help you choose better products to treat breakouts more effectively. According to Dermstore, there are seven skin types: normal, oily, dry/dehydrated, combination, acne-prone, sensitive and mature.

CBD

Although more research is needed, there is some evidence that CBD may help with acne. CBD, which is low in THC and doesn't get you high, helps reduce inflammation. This is crucial in skin care. Certain CBDs work directly on the cells that produce sebum, which can help balance oil production and reduce inflammation, leading to healthier skin. Consider using a well-reviewed CBD cream to combat acne.

Take care of your face

Wash your face twice a day—after you wake up and before you go to bed. You should also wash your face when you finish an activity that causes you to sweat. Doing it multiple times a day can further irritate your skin and lead to more breakouts. Be gentle when washing your face and other skin with acne. You should use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. Lightly apply the cleanser with your fingertips, using circular motions. Gently rinse with warm water, using only your fingers. Then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. If you sweat, gently pat the sweat from your skin with a clean towel.

Try a short detox

Foods with a high glycemic index, processed foods, and sugar can trigger acne. This includes chocolate with high dairy and sugar content. These foods and sweets can cause blemishes, especially if you're acne-prone. If skin feels blotchy and uncomfortable and you're experiencing more spots than usual, do a short detox and document progress. Cut out sugar, white bread, pasta, and other processed foods. Wait two weekends to see results, then slowly add things back into your diet.

Find a way to deal with stress

Research shows that stress correlates with the severity of acne. While it doesn't necessarily cause the breakout, it can make it worse. It can alter a person's hormone levels and the skin's immune function. When a person is stressed, the body releases cortisol. This can lead to the development of acne. Find a way to manage stress in healthy ways, such as physical activity, meditation, reading, yoga, and more.

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Do not use products too often

It's common to want to tackle pimples as soon as they appear. But while it's hard, it's best to let the skin breathe, at least for a while. Acne treatments are designed to remove the excess skin as quickly as possible, but they're often harsh and irritating. Once irritated, the skin becomes a painful mess of pesky pimples. And it can cause problems with the skin healing. Give the product or treatment time to work, usually 6 to 8 weeks. If there's no improvement by then, try a different product. Complete healing usually takes 3 to 4 months.