Since medical mj became legal in Oklahoma, I’ve seen a growing problem. Acne clients that were previously completely clear started breaking out severely again and can’t clear back up, even with their homecare and office treatments on point.

It took me a little while to put 2 and 2 together, but I finally found a common change: they smoke weed. And now it’s legal so they do it lot more often.

I always want to everyone to know that I say this with no judgement whatsoever. I don’t care what you smoke.

But I’m not doing my job as a skincare professional, and especially as an acne specialist, if I don’t put the facts in front of you and let you make your own informed choices about your skin, and give you some clue as to why all these things you’re doing might not be working.

The THC in marijuana is known to rapidly lower and then spike testosterone, which is a HUGE problem for those already dealing with breakouts. Edibles have the same effect if not more.

Also, I’m going to guess that when you get the munchies, you’re not reaching for celery sticks with almond butter. Greasy, salty, or sugary foods can also make you break out.

If you’re saying, “Well Sarah, I have anxiety so it’s this or prescription drugs….” I totally get it. My job is not to tell you what should be doing, that’s between you and your doctor. My job is to lay out skin facts so you have all the info to make your own choices. However, there’s a very decent chance that if you smoke and you’re struggling with acne, we’ll never be able to get you completely clear while you still smoke.