Acne is also not just a cosmetic problem: the condition of the skin can have a significant effect on self-esteem and on maintaining social relationships. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and sebum-balancing properties can be a great help for those struggling with acne.

What causes acne?

There is little one can do to prevent acne from developing, as it is often influenced by factors such as genetics and hormones. It is therefore not a matter of hygiene, even though neglecting facial cleansing can lead to clogged pores and other impurities. In acne, painful, red pimples can suddenly appear on otherwise healthy skin “for no reason.”

Sebaceous glands located in the facial skin secrete an oily substance called sebum onto the surface of the skin, whose function is to protect and moisturize. When the sebaceous glands malfunction, various skin problems can arise. Increased sebum production can promote the development of whiteheads, blackheads, and other impurities, thereby contributing to acne formation.

The formation of acne pimples is mainly influenced by four interrelated factors: increased sebum production, changes in bacterial growth within the sebaceous glands, thickening of the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) and the resulting blockage of the sebaceous duct, as well as inflammation. In inflammatory acne, red pimples and pustules appear on the skin, whereas in comedonal acne, blackheads and whiteheads are more common, with little inflammation.

How does CBD affect acne?

CBD has many beneficial effects on the skin that can help combat acne. According to studies, CBD helps prevent excessive sebum production, inflammation, and thickening of the stratum corneum. In other words, CBD targets several factors that cause acne, making it an effective ingredient for both prevention and treatment.

Bacteria that cause acne trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin, leading to the formation of pimples. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect is based on its ability to reduce the activity of molecules that transmit inflammatory signals in the skin.

The thickening of the stratum corneum (also known as hyperkeratinization) results from a dysfunction in the skin’s keratinocyte layer, in which keratinocytes fail to shed normally and instead “stick” together, causing a buildup of excess keratin. This accumulated keratin mass can clog the sebaceous ducts. Studies show that CBD can reduce the amount of keratin protein associated with hyperkeratinization and thus help prevent the thickening of the stratum corneum.

Blank& products help comprehensively with acne-related skin issues: in addition to CBD’s ability to soothe, reduce redness, and prevent acne-causing factors, Blank& products also address other problems caused by acne itself or by medical acne treatments. Topical and internal acne medications, such as retinoids and acids, often dry out and irritate the skin. Isotretinoin, taken orally as a course of treatment, not only dries the skin but also the body’s mucous membranes.

Blank& Amio and Evie facial oils nourish and soothe dry, irritated skin, forming a protective layer that locks in moisture. The Veya facial mist contains a high amount of humectants—ingredients that attract moisture—and works excellently when sprayed on the face throughout the day, even over makeup, whenever the skin needs extra hydration.

For particularly irritated skin, we recommend trying the Neo CBD Booster. The oil can be applied directly to problem areas or mixed with a few drops of your favorite moisturizer. Neo can also be used on other parts of the body, for example to treat eczema.

If acne is being treated with isotretinoin (a medication commonly prescribed by dermatologists), it can cause dryness of the mucous membranes as a side effect. In such cases, Blank& Etna lubricant can help, as it also works as a mucosal care product. The sea buckthorn oil in Etna is rich in omega fatty acids, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, effectively nourishing and repairing the mucous membranes.

Read more about the benefits of CBD for acne-prone skin:

• Potential of CBD as acne and acne scar treatment

• The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD on acne

Its antioxidant effects help aging skin look more youthful: cannabidiol makes skin appear healthier, more balanced, and more hydrated.

CBD is suitable for stressed, sensitive, and oily skin alike.

CBD helps with:

• calming irritated and stressed skin

• reducing itching and redness, e.g. after shaving

• repairing small skin damages

• balancing sebum production, which supports acne care

• fighting free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties — helping to preserve skin’s youthful appearance

Where does CBD come from?

CBD is extracted from hemp. It is non-psychoactive and does not cause intoxication. Hemp also grows in Finland, but the cannabidiol we use comes from Croatia, as Finland currently lacks the production infrastructure required for CBD oil.

Cannabidiol is an official cosmetic ingredient and is listed in the EU’s Cosing cosmetics database.

Is CBD the same as hemp seed oil?

No. While hemp seed oil is an excellent moisturizer, it does not contain the active compounds of CBD, nor does it have the same versatile benefits.

How can you tell CBD oil and hemp seed oil apart?

Products with CBD oil are usually more expensive than those containing only hemp seed oil. On the INCI list, CBD appears as “Cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis” or simply “Cannabidiol.” Hemp seed oil is listed as Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil.

How do I use CBD cosmetics?

Just like any other cosmetic products: Our face oils are easily applied with fingertips. Amio is designed to awaken skin and mind in the morning, while Evie is a soothing evening ritual.

Veya is a face mist used like a toner and/or as a setting spray.

Neo is a targeted booster: apply directly on itchy, irritated, or dry skin, or mix a few drops into your usual cream.

Etna is both a lubricant and a care for your vulva, applied directly to mucous membranes.

Glisa is a natural lubricant especially designed for anal sex.

Pro tip: Blank&’s popular CBD lubricants Etna and Glisa not only increase pleasure but also reduce skin friction. Apply a little to rubbing heels or chafing thighs — your skin (and feet) will thank you!

Can CBD show up in a drug test?

CBD can be used internally or externally. In cosmetics, there’s absolutely no risk of it appearing in a drug test.

Our products are cosmetics, and their use cannot show up in tests since they contain no intoxicants. The THC content is either 0% or 0.01% (the EU legal maximum is 0.2%). Drug tests only detect THC, not CBD.

And to be clear: drug tests only look for THC. CBD itself never shows up. The only time to be mindful is with ingestible CBD products, where THC levels may vary.

Can CBD products be stopped at customs if I travel with them?

Outside Europe, this depends on the country you’re traveling to, as legislation varies. Within Europe, there is no risk — you can safely bring CBD cosmetics with you.

Is CBD safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Using CBD cosmetics is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ingestible CBD products are, for now, recommended to be avoided out of caution — though no health risks have been identified.

Can I use Blank& products on children’s skin?

Yes - CBD cosmetics can be safely applied to the whole family’s skin. However, keep in mind that Amio and Evie contain high concentrations of active ingredients that children’s skin simply doesn’t need.

Can CBD be harmful?

It’s important to note that when people talk about “CBD use,” they often mean ingesting cannabidiol. Blank& is a cosmetics brand, and our products are for external use, which makes safety concerns unnecessary. CBD is an EU-approved cosmetic ingredient and is not harmful.

For internal use, CBD is also considered safe for healthy adults. Even if someone drank a whole bottle of CBD oil, the worst effect would likely be stomach discomfort or nausea (as with consuming too much of any oil). Around the world, many use CBD drops under the tongue for sleep, focus, PMS relief, or joint pain — but in Finland, CBD cannot legally be marketed as a supplement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared CBD safe: Read the report here.

Finland is currently an exception in Europe, as CBD still cannot be advertised for internal use.

That said: if you are on medication, always consult your doctor before using ingestible CBD, as it can interact with certain drugs (e.g. blood thinners) through liver enzymes.