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MOST PEOPLE WILL claim they had acne as a teenager, but I had ACNE. After years of trying almost every medication a dermatologist could prescribe, I was put on Accutane, which cleared up my skin but also unlocked the hormonal gates of hell. It turned my life into a chaotic rollercoaster of severe drops and emotional outbursts, which still has me wondering how my parents persevered (and didn’t just give me away). As silly as this might sound, and as funny as it is in hindsight, I can assure you that a cocktail of gonadotropin-releasing hormones and isotretinoin medication is really not okay. Neither were the over-the-counter topicals that followed, all of which planted the seeds for an incredibly violent uprising.

During the peak of quarantine, already seven years after I’d stopped taking Accutane, things finally came to a head. The inner turmoil I’d been suppressing manifested on my face in a stunning extravaganza of fiery red bumps and hyperpigmentation. Not only could we not see people in person, but I also now felt compelled to hide my face from screens — the only means I had to connect with other humans. The feelings of hopelessness I experienced in my youth came flooding back at warp speed.

Unsurprisingly, a new dermatologist quickly suggested another round of medication. There was zero chance that, at my age, while the apocalypse seemed imminent, I would risk my emotional stability to achieve clearer skin. Instead I went home, threw out every skincare product I owned, and began researching to formulate an all-natural routine. It was the one thing I hadn’t tried — my last resort.

I’m not an authority when it comes to skincare, and I am still learning. I’ve done research and spent a preposterous amount of money on my regimen. I’ve purchased many of the trendy, overpriced skincare products and gadgets mentioned in blogs and fashion magazines. I spent a solid chunk of this embarrassing sum on importing products from Korea and Japan. There have been hits and serious misses, but nothing, and I mean nothing, has helped evolve my skin the way CBD-infused products have. Though I once had extremely bad acne, I now leave the house make-up-free and get stopped by strangers who compliment my complexion.

As a result of cannabis becoming more widely accepted and decriminalized in many states, more scientists are able to explore its medicinal uses. Research on CBD, a natural compound derivative of the cannabis plant, shows that it’s a natural yet potent antioxidant that can alleviate inflammation (inside and out), reduce skin dryness and redness, and even reverse premature aging, eczema, and psoriasis. Today, many brands have jumped on the CBD bandwagon, pushing high-end products meant to turn back the hands of time. However, not all CBD products are made equal. Many brands that tout CBD as an active ingredient are simply bottling less-effective hemp oil or a simplified CBD extract with less potency.

I have found that full-spectrum CBD serums work wonders. They include multiple cannabis plant extracts like terpenes, cannabinoids, cannabinol, and other essential oils. These products also contain very small amounts of THC, which is the component in cannabis that, when consumed, causes one to feel all tingly inside (and perhaps crave a truck full of tacos at three in the morning). If that doesn’t sound appealing, don’t worry; consumer skincare products can only include up to 0.3% THC, which is ultimately non-hallucinogenic and 100% legal. The only thing you’ll feel after using a great full-spectrum serum is pride when you catch your glowing reflection.

Here’s a list of marvelous CBD skin products that I use and feel are worth spending your points on.