As the consumption of marijuana increases worldwide for both recreational and medicinal purposes, people want to know more regarding its effects on human health. When it comes to skin, some sources suggest that cannabis aggravates oily skin causing acne, while some suggest that smoking is beneficial for the skin.
The fact is that there is not enough evidence to prove any relation between smoking weed and acne. However, for those who have acne already, marijuana can worsen it. This is because some factors related to smoking, like behavioral changes, testosterone levels, skin healing, etc., have an effect on acne.
There are many cannabis consumers who wonder does smoking weed cause acne, and in this blog, we will learn more about this.
Does Smoking Marijuana Cause Acne?
Traditional weed contains THC and CBD that can cause side effects affecting the heart, lungs, and brain, but there is no scientific evidence proving that weed causes acne or dry skin.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products cause skin damage, fine lines, wrinkles, etc. Tobacco affects the skin’s collagen content which is responsible for plumpness and elasticity. However, it is not clear if weed smoking has any similar effect and whether one can get acne from smoking.
Cannabis is not carcinogenic, but its smoke is, and this may lead to negative side effects like pot pimples and acne. Acne is caused when dead skin cells are trapped under hair follicles. Sebaceous glands release extra sebum because of the clogging that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
Therefore, there is no direct relation between marijuana and acne, but some factors related to pot smoking, like changes in hormone level, anxiety, overall health, etc., can influence acne.
Why Smoking Weed Causes Acne?
As discussed above, smoking and acne may not always occur, but existing acne can get worse by weed smoking. Marijuana causes behavioral changes in humans that can lead to acne. Here are several reasons that can cause smokers acne –
Change in Hormone Level
Weed smoking may lead to a rise in testosterone levels. Females and males both have testosterone, and its amount keeps changing from time to time. During puberty, testosterone levels are high, which increases sebum production and causes acne. Thus, smoking marijuana triggers a brief rise in the hormone that can cause acne in people.
Increased Appetite
Smoking cannabis increases the appetite, and people may start eating fast food high in fat, carbohydrates, and sugar. Eating too much of such food can lead to high blood sugar and increased skin inflammation due to sebum release. When too much sebum is produced, dead skin cells stick together. This forms plugs that clog skin pores and worsen acne.
Smoke and Aging
Smoking and acne aren’t directly related, but exposure to smoke leads to skin aging, an increase in skin healing time, and lower blood flow to the skin. When people smoke marijuana with tobacco, it can increase the risk of skin inflammation as well. Pimples take more time to heal, and acne can get worse.
How to Reduce Acne Problem
If you are sick of acne on your skin, you can follow these methods to reduce the problem and feel better –
- Wash your face and keep the skin clean using a gentle cleanser at least twice a day. Cleansers with salicylic acid eliminate harmful bacteria that cause acne.
- Visit a dermatologist if you see acne on your skin. There are many factors that can lead to acne, and expert opinion will be the best.
- You can apply a light moisturizer, toner, or anti-acne ointment to protect the skin and prevent the production of excess sebum.
- Make sure any makeup used by you is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
- Try to drink 4-5 liters of water daily.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables that have lots of fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
Does Delta 8 Cause Acne?
Delta 8 THC is found naturally in cannabis but not in large amounts. Just like marijuana, Delta 8 does not cause acne directly. It is possible that Delta 8 affects some factors that influence acne, but it does not cause acne itself.
Conclusion
Right now, there is not enough evidence to properly answer the question, does smoking weed cause acne. Smoking marijuana may not cause acne, but it can cause behavioral changes, shift in hormone levels, etc., that can worsen existing acne.
If you suffer from acne, visit a dermatologist and try various methods to reduce it. If you believe that the use of cannabis is worsening your acne, you can consider reducing or stopping its consumption.
