7 Reasons Why Smoking Weed Can Cause Acne

Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?

There’s no conclusive evidence smoking weed directly causes acne. The biggest reason people believe this is because most people who smoke weed are between 12 and 25 years old, with the majority being older than 18. This is also the same time when hormone levels are their highest in both men and women. This might seem like cannabis is unrelated to acne, but that’s not the case. It’s the behaviors of someone while they’re high that can indirectly worsen acne and other skin conditions.

• Hygiene: Cannabis is known to cause relaxation and euphoria, and if someone smokes frequently, they could be completely ignoring their hygiene or self-care routine. If you smoke right before bed, you might feel too tired to shower, brush your teeth, wash your face, or even change the clothes you’re wearing. And because acne is hair follicles clogged by sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, you’re not doing your skin any favor by neglecting proper hygiene. This applies to acne beyond your face, including the chest, back, shoulders, and arms.
• Munchies: Cannabis’s appetite-increasing effects lead to what most people know as the “munchies.” THC convinces’ the mind it’s hungry, even if someone has already eaten a full meal. This usually leads to constant snacking, and taste buds can feel drawn to soda, cake, chips, ice cream, cookies, and anything else with high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.
• Sugary edibles: If you’re trying to bypass acne by eating edibles rather than smoking, it won’t do anything. Edibles that contain milk, eggs, or other animal-derived products can disrupt normal hormone levels. Sugary foods can increase insulin levels and inflammation, which can trigger acne breakouts and lead to acne-associated bacteria, such as Cutibactrium and Propionibacterium.
• Imbalanced hormones: Hormonal changes can increase the sebaceous gland’s oil production, which can mix with pore bacteria, causing acne. THC messes with the system connecting nerves and hormones, making it difficult for the endocrine system to control hormone levels, leading to more skin oil. Yet, one study found that only recent marijuana use impacts testosterone levels, and it’s not long-term.
• Sleep habits: Seeping helps regulate cortisol and other hormones in your body. However, one study found that frequently smoking marijuana affects sleep quality. Chronic users had lower total sleep times, less slow wave sleep, poor sleep efficiency, longer sleep onset time, and shorter REM latency. Other studies have found that poor sleep quality leads to more movement, and if you’re touching your face with dirty fingers, hands, bed sheets, or pillows, you’ll have more acne breakouts.
• Stress: Frequently smoking cannabis can cause the brain to become reliant on its dopamine-bosting effects. When you’re not high, the mind can feel anxious and stressed, and studies show that stress can worsen acne and hinder the skin’s ability to heal itself.
• Smoke: Smoking can cause unstable molecules called free radicals to target fatty acids in sebum, which makes it thicker and stickier. Smoking reduces vitamin E levels in the bloodstream, which prevents unstable molecules from attacking fatty acids. Smoking also reduces collagen production, which is responsible for skin elasticity and strength. Even vapes with cannabis oil can worsen acne.