6 Ways Smoking Marijuana Can Trigger Acne Breakouts

We’ve had several dozen readers reach out asking if smoking weed can trigger acne breakouts. The short answer is yes, smoking weed increases the chances of developing acne. However, many people do not know the science behind why this happens. If you understand the science behind why weed triggers acne there are steps you can take which will allow you to continue using cannabis without triggering an acne breakout.

The primary reason weed contributes to acne breakouts is that smoking weed increases oil production in the skin glands. When sebum (oil) and dead skin cells clog pores in your skin pimples, cysts, and blackheads all start to form.

This increased level of oils will mix with other substances in your system (including comedogenic skin care products) that can also cause acne, such as bacteria on the surface of your skin. Below we have outlined the top 6 reasons marijuana can trigger acne breakouts

1: Smoking Weed Can Dry Out Your Skin

Weed contains THC, which is a psychoactive ingredient that stimulates your brain cells to release dopamine. If you have acne, smoking weed can make it worse because the process dries out your skin. 

When the outer layer of your skin loses its moisture and natural oils, it becomes more vulnerable to inflammation from bacteria on the surface of your face or within pores deep inside this layer of dead cells.
If you are going to be using cannabis it is essential that you drink plenty of water and stay as hydrated as possible. It is also beneficial to use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin firm and hydrated.

2: Weed Increases Oil Production

Oil production is natural, but weed causes an abnormal amount of oil released into the skin. This excess sebum then gets caught in hair follicles (pores) that are already blocked with dead cells and dirt, resulting in acne breakouts on your face. 

This is why people who smoke weed often have shiny skin. It is not because their face moisturizer is not working; it is because they are breaking out all over! 

Additionally, smoking weed can cause your blood vessels to increase in size (dilate), allowing more oxygen into the body and resulting in redness or flushed-looking skin that you may think looks healthy but just makes acne worse by feeding bacteria sitting on top of your pores.

3: Weed Makes It Harder To Fight Off Bacteria

Bacteria can become harder to fight off due to weed, which can cause acne. THC binds to vitamins A and E, which are good for the skin as they help fight off bacteria that cause acne. 

To add to this, weed can reduce the skin’s ability to shed off dead cells, which causes pores to become clogged more easily. 

Furthermore, smoking weed makes it harder for your body to absorb zinc and selenium – both of these things are good for acne-prone skin because they help destroy bacteria that cause acne.

4: Weed Alters Hormone Levels In The Body

When smoking weed, hormones can become imbalanced in both men and women because of their active ingredients, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol. 

The high concentration of these chemicals stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can cause acne or worsen existing breakouts. 

Make sure to use an oil-free moisturizer when smoking weed to help prevent breakouts. If you are worried that your acne may be caused or exacerbated by smoking weed, see a dermatologist for the best course of treatment.

5: THC Is An Immune Stimulant That Increases Inflammation

In addition to hormonal changes occurring from smoking marijuana, THC is an immune stimulant that increases inflammation in skin cells under the pores where your pimples form. This causes a blockage between the top surface of your skin and the pore opening below it. 

As you know well by now, this creates trapped bacteria that results in blemishes on the face – another reason why those who smoke weed are likely to develop acne problems!

6: Weed Causes Hunger Cravings & Snacking

Everybody knows that weed brings on the munchies. Typically, you aren’t going to be eating chicken and salad when you are high. Usually, it’s processed carbs, sugar, and ice cream. All of the common foods that are eaten after smoking weed are huge acne triggers. To mitigate this I highly suggest smoking weed right before you go to bed so you are not tempted to eat any junk food.

What About The CBD Content in Weed?

Despite the overwhelming evidence that smoking weed is not beneficial for acne there are a lot of people who believe smoking weed can actually help manage acne because of its CBD content. While CBD is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body (including the skin) the THC content and potential carcinogens in weed make it net negatively specifically for acne.

There are lots of anecdotal reports that CBD usage is beneficial for acne. However, these reports typically come from the use of CBD in a cream or pill that is absent of THC. This makes sense because CBD is anti-inflammatory in its isolated form.

Takeaway

There are ways to minimize the issue, like getting enough rest, using CBD oil or topical creams, which help inflammation pores on the skin. Smoking weed can also irritate dry patches on the face, so keep that in mind as well! Despite this cannabis use is still much better for your skin than using nicotine or an e-cigarette.

While smoking weed does cause acne, it can be managed to help minimize the effects. CBD oil helps treat acne at least topically; smoking pot may make things worse when it comes to acne. Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor and you should always follow the advice of your doctor and local laws surrounding cannabis usage.

Frequently Asked Questions