Can Smoking Weed Cause Acne? Facts About Weed And Acne
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Time to read 3 min
One of the worries of weed smokers is the ways it may affect their body. Truth be told, even though there's a great amount of people around the world that have been smoking weed for centuries, cannabis as a topic has been studied way less than it should.
There's no wonder there are still many questions in the air that need to be solved. This is (partially) the case of the connection between weed and acne. Therefore, we'd like to bring the question to the table: can smoking weed cause acne?
Table Of Contents
Can Weed Cause Acne?
The skin is the biggest organ of the body and (like everything you consume), it's expected to receive some of the effects of the substances you ingest, even if it also has good properties.
The first thing you have to know is that there is no conclusive evidence that weed causes acne, and this is a subject that is still being studied.
However, there are some facts that might shed some light about the connection between smoking cannabis and getting acne.
Woman with acne in her face (Envato)
Acne has several causes
This ailment can be related to a variety of factors like hormonal fluctuations, sebum production, bacteria, genetics, lifestyle and others.
There are factors that can make existing acne worse
Like not having good hygiene, not having a healthy diet, as well as having too much stress. These are some of the dangers your skin faces when there is a pre-existing acne condition.
According to research, substances that are present in marijuana (CBD and THC) can reinforce these factors and make your acne worse.
Another point you should consider is that THC is thought to have an influence on hormones, including those that produce sebum.
In general, smoking has consequences for your body
When you smoke, –whether it is tobacco or weed–, your skin can get into a process called “oxidative stress”, which means there's an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses.
Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage your skin and make you age, as well as increase the amount of time it takes your skin to heal. This is definitely something to think about when you want to pop pimples- which we do not recommend to do.
Alas, while smoking weed might not directly cause acne, there is a chance there can be a link between those conditions that may worsen the problem, especially if your skin is prone to breaking out.
However, cannabis can also be positive for your skin
If you read the last section and are now worried about your skin, let me tell you some good news!
Although some studies show that smoking weed may cause acne, topical CBD products are also used to treat skin problems, since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
So how about mixing up your skin care routine with some topical CBD oil after every smoking sesh?
Woman smoking a joint (Envato)
Woman applying CBD oil as serum (Envato)
Weed And Acne: Here's How To Protect Your Skin
The bottomline is that smoking weed can cause acne if:
- Your skin has is prone to acne
- Your skin is already affected by acne
- You neglect your hygiene habits when being high
If you want to keep on having great smoking sessions and don't want to give up your stoner habits, solving the problem from its core is the best way to handle your pre existing acne.
Nowadays there are many treatments a dermatologist can recommend you to improve the state of your skin, so checking in with a professional is always a great way to start. In the meantime you can:
- Clean your skin with face soap after you wake up and before you go to bed, then moisturize it
- Use sunblock every single day
- Avoid touching your face, especially when your hands are dirty
Remember that, even though there is some evidence that smoking weed (and any other product) can cause acne, the is not enough convincing evidence yet to make a formal, undeniable association between acne and marijuana users. So keep on rolling joints, do your skin care routine, and have fun!
Simon V. Folmann
Simon Folmann
Simon is an accomplished entrepreneur and inventor in the cannabis industry. He’s the founder and CEO of HØJ; a revolutionary high-end cannabis accessories company. His mission is to change the way we experience the herb and enhance people’s smoking experience through knowledge and unique products.
Edited by Rola
Disclaimer: HØJ is not a medical advice blog, so please consult with a doctor or a specialist if you have any questions regarding smoking or anything related to cannabis consumption itself.
Betteridge DJ. What is oxidative stress? Metabolism. 2000 Feb;49(2 Suppl 1):3-8. doi: 10.1016/s0026-0495(00)80077-3. PMID: 10693912.
Medical News Today. Does smoking marijuana cause acne? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-smoking-weed-cause-acne
