Using CBD for Scars: Keloid Scars, Acne Scars & What to Know
Ashley Reynolds is the Co Founder of EMTCBD. Working with those ready to make the transition to plan based medicine is the driver behind Ashley’s ambitions to marry education with safe consumption of cannabis. A mom, dental hygienist, wife, and Vermonter, Ashley brings a unique story sharing perspective to the everyday women just trying to be well in a life of ups and downs.
When your skin sustains an injury, the way it heals causes an imperfect finish. While most scars are minor enough that they are no big deal, some scars are more prominent and noticeable, either due to their type, size, or placement. In fact, some scars can be so prominent that they can be emotionally challenging to deal with.
With so much talk about CBD for the skin and its potential therapeutic benefits, it’s natural to wonder if you should use CBD oil for keloid scars, CBD serum for acne scars, or even a topical CBD for scar healing. Below is a look at everything we currently know about CBD and scar tissue.
How Scars Actually Form
Before diving into CBD for scars, it is a good idea to get a better understanding of how scars form. In general, scars form when the skin is cut, burned, or damaged due to some level of breakage to the surface tissue, as is the case with acne. When your skin is injured, inflammation occurs, white blood cells are released to thwart risks of infection, and platelets gather in the area to form a blood clot.
After all of this takes place, fibroblast cells create collagen proteins to help regenerate the skin in the area. During the first stages of scar formation, the scar can be really red, bumpy, and even itchy or painful. As the accumulated collagen proteins break down, blood flow to the area decreases, and the scar starts to flatten and the color fades. This process can take quite a while, possibly even a few years.
Types of Scars
- Keloid scars – Raised, bumpy scars that grow beyond the actual injury site and may retain bright, more noticeable colors.
- Pitted or acne scars – Scars are inset instead of raised, usually associated with puncture wounds or acne.
- Widespread scars – Covers a larger area, often associated with surgical scarring or severe trauma.
- Hypertrophic scars – Raised scars due to excess collagen collected in the area that never subsides.
- Contracture scar – Usually associated with burn injuries as the skin is tighter in the area.
- Fine scars – Smooth and fine with little visibility.
Does CBD help with scars?
CBD has the potential to play a role in cellular actions by infiltrating the body through the endocannabinoid system. In addition, CBD is known to have properties that deter inflammation, which is one reason why this hemp-derived cannabinoid has been examined for so many ailments, including skin issues. CBD may not heal scars or make them disappear, but it may be valuable just the same.
A study published in 2019 found that CBD influences the action of cells that produce collagen. Therefore, researchers have speculated that CBD may be useful as a scar heals, even though more definitive research needs to be done. Another study supported this idea. It was stated that the fact that CBD has an action against inflammation and fibrotic formation, the cannabinoid may be valuable for targeting scars.
In studies involving both animal and human cells, CBD was shown to potentially stimulate the healing process and perhaps improve the appearance of scars. Researchers found that CBD seemed to help with cellular regeneration, which is an important step in the recovery process after a skin injury.
How to Use CBD for Scars
While a few studies have shown that CBD for scar healing may be valuable, the efficacy relies on how and when the cannabinoid is used. It may be a good idea to use something like a CBD balm not long after an injury to support the healing process.
If you have ongoing issues with acne, working CBD into your everyday skin-care regimen may also be a good move to lower risks of breakouts and scarring. Remember, you can use hemp oil to cleanse the face because it is non-comedogenic, and with CBD, you may be helping to keep breakouts at bay.
While we still don’t know for sure if CBD can help with scars, including topical CBD products may be something to consider if you are concerned about scars. In general, CBD has been shown to offer a list of benefits when it comes to supporting healthy skin. Just be sure to opt for products specifically made for use on the skin and steer clear of products with MCT carrier oils that clog your pores.
Include CBD in Your Skincare Regimen
With so many profound benefits and properties of cannabidiol, it will be interesting to see how this cannabinoid gains traction in the field of dermatology. Ready to add CBD to your everyday skincare routines? Always opt for high-quality, well-tested products that are known to be good for your skin. Check out our Spa Line, made with full-spectrum CBD and skin-friendly ingredients, at Elmore Mountain Therapeutics.
