Do you like trying out new unconventional skin treatments? Then you're at the right place.
Using oil for the skin is hardly a novel idea – people have been using oils as a cosmetic treatment for centuries, whether by direct application, through oil baths, or by treating diseases. So, the idea of putting oil on our skin is not new to us. However, so many different types of oils can be found on the market today. There's no plant or substance out there that can't be cold-pressed to form an oil.
Today, we'll be dealing with hemp oil, or, more specifically, hemp seed oil. Not only will you learn what hemp seed oil is, but you'll also get an idea of why people love it, what health benefits it offers, and how to use it on your skin. Then you can decide whether you and hemp seed oil are a good match.
Who knows, maybe it will become your favorite skin treatment! Let's find out.
What Exactly is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is a type of oil made by cold-pressing the seeds of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Since it's made from hemp seed, it doesn't contain THC, the psychoactive component.
There are two types of hempseed oil: refined and unrefined. They differ from one another in terms of the way they smell and their color. Unrefined oil is a dark green color and has a nutty flavor and smell. Refined hemp seed oil is clear and doesn't have a specific smell.
You might be wondering whether these two have any differences when it comes to the skin. In actual fact, it's been proven that refined hemp seed oil isn't as beneficial for the skin as the unrefined kind.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and Cannabis?
The dilemmas don't stop there. If you don't know how to tell the difference between hemp seed oil and cannabis, don't worry! We're here to help.
Cannabis is the name that refers to the whole family of plants. Hempseed is just one variation of that family. So they fall under the same category, but they aren't the same.
Is Hemp Seed Oil the Same as CBD Oil?
The short answer is no; they're not the same thing. CBD oil uses more parts of the hemp plant with a higher concentration. Hemp seed oil comes strictly from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant, meaning that only hemp seeds are involved in its production. While it comes from the same plant, the oil is produced by cold-pressing the plant's seeds, while CBD uses a method of extraction and isolation of the whole plant and its constituents.
Despite the production process, hempseed oil is quite potent in CBD, among other things. But CBD oil doesn't contain any psychoactive effects, and it's commonly used as medicine due to its health benefits.
Benefits of Using Hemp Seed Oil for the Skin
Hemp seed oil is included in so many skin care products for a reason. It contains a myriad of benefits for the skin when applied topically. Not only does it help the skin reach maximum shine and health, but it also helps with some skin conditions - especially inflammatory skin conditions.
Let's go through all the amazing skin and health benefits of hemp seed oil.
Moisturizing Benefits
When it comes to hemp oil and skin care, it's safe to say that one of the most common reasons why people reach for it is its ability to moisturize.
It's a common misconception that people with oily skin don't have to moisturize due to oil production. They might believe that moisturizing causes excess sebum and breakouts. In actuality, quite the opposite is true, and all skin types need to moisturize. Dryness can cause your skin to up its oil production. Providing regular moisture for oily skin is one of the best ways to keep skin healthy and ensure that your glands aren't pumping out excess oil.
The good news is that hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it's not known for clogging pores. So you can be sure that you'll get plenty of moisture without pore congestion. Hemp seed oil will not only give you incredible moisture, but it will also leave your skin glowing and soft. Are you convinced yet?
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
High levels of inflammation are one of the many causes of acne and, generally, many diseases and human health problems. Many things can cause inflammation and disrupt your whole system, such as a poor diet, over-exercising, and certain viruses and skin infections.
Hemp seed oil can help skin health in many ways. Due to its omega fatty acids, this kind of oil can provide anti-inflammatory properties, which will help with skin inflammation.
Antiseptic Benefits
Some bacteria are good for our bodies, but acne-causing bacteria (P.acnes) isn't one of them. Studies suggest that hemp oil has potent antibacterial properties that can help treat acne and acne scars, as well as other bacteria that cause certain skin issues like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and rosacea. Many of these skin disorders are exasperated by skin dryness, so hemp seed oil, with its natural moisturizing benefits, will certainly help.
Anti-Aging Benefits
There are even more skin benefits of hemp seed oil! Signs of skin aging are something all of us will have to deal with at some point. But why not postpone those signs for as long as we can? What if we told you that using hemp seed oil could reduce the number of fine lines and wrinkles and wipe years off your face?
Thanks to the linoleic and oleic acid found in hemp seed oil, this miracle product can smooth out the texture of your skin and give you a youthful complexion.
Antioxidant Benefits
We all need antioxidants to help with the free radical damage that might harm our bodies. Antioxidants can be found in various foods. However, if you want to experience the numerous benefits of antioxidants, applying them directly to your face is best.
And luckily for you, hemp seed oil is rich in antioxidants! It contains fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA for short) and additional vitamins and minerals, all of which work wonders for the skin.
Including more antioxidants in your diet and skincare routine is incredibly beneficial for preserving youthful skin. If you need an extra boost of antioxidants, hemp seeds are the way to go.
Hemp Seed Oil Might Help with Acne
We discussed the anti-inflammatory benefits of hemp oil, but did you know these benefits might also help with acne? According to this study, hempseed has a beneficial effect on acne. The fatty acids that hemp oil contains moisturize the skin and soothe mild irritation, redness, and inflammation that often accompanies acne. On top of that, its non-comedogenic nature can help even with acne-prone skin, preventing acne from developing!
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, there's no need to shy away from hemp seed oil. Just make sure that you incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine.
How to Use Hemp Seed Oil for the Skin
From skin aging to acne, you now know all the benefits this amazing oil offers. All that's left is to find the easiest way to incorporate it into your daily life.
You can use hemp seed oil in two ways: topically as a skincare product or orally. Each way contains unique benefits; some prefer to include it in their skincare and diet. However, it's important to note that you must speak with your doctor or a medical professional before including it in your diet.
Now let's explore all the ways you can use hemp seed oil.
Topical Usage of Hemp Seed Oil
The easiest way to use topical hemp seed oil is by applying it directly onto clean skin. If you have dry skin, this will be especially useful for you. The oil functions as a moisturizer, making it a great cure for overly dry skin and dry patches.
Even though we've discussed only using hemp oil on your face so far, it can be used all over your body. We all need a good body moisturizer from time to time, so if you're struggling to choose one, consider hemp seed oil.
If you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, use hemp seed oil as a direct pimple treatment and reap all those amazing anti-inflammatory benefits. Remember, you shouldn't leave it on for too long, especially if you're new to the product. Wash it off a couple of minutes after you apply it, and follow it up with a great moisturizer - such as this Wrinkle-Free All Day Moisturizer.
Another way you can use hemp seed oil for acne, and acne scarring is by adding it to your favorite face mask. Face masks aren't technically essential for clear skin, but they help retain moisture and clean clogged pores.
You can either buy a face mask from the store or, if you're slightly more daring, choose a DIY face mask recipe to follow from the comfort of your own home. Whichever you choose, there's only one instruction to follow. Simply add a few drops of the oil to your mixture and apply it on your skin as you would normally. After leaving the mask on your face for a couple of minutes, wash it off with warm water. This is one of the easiest ways to incorporate hemp seed oil into your routine, and it's incredibly time-saving.
Oral Usage of Hemp Seed Oil
Ingesting hemp seed oil also comes with its benefits. There are many ways you can incorporate hemp seed oil or hemp seeds into recipes, even if you don't like the taste. It makes for an amazing salad dressing when combined with spices, and adding it to your smoothie will ensure you get all the nutrients without compromising the taste (you won't even feel it!). The recommended daily dosage is one to two tablespoons, taken either straight away or once in the morning and at nighttime.
No matter how you include it in your diet, make sure it's approved by your doctor.
Other Benefits of Using Hemp Seed Oil
As you probably guessed by now, hemp seed oil doesn't just work miracles on the outside. Thanks to its nutritional quality, many people include dietary hempseed oil in their daily diet. After using it for quite some time, there are a couple of benefits you could experience. Hemp seed oil is rich in goodness, including vitamins A and E, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Another benefit (that's not related to skincare) is that hemp seed oil can strengthen the nails and help with stubborn cuticles. By applying hemp seed oil to the nails, you're helping them grow stronger and longer. All you need to do is take a couple of drops of hemp seed oil and apply it directly on your nails by massaging it gently.
Do you have dry, brittle, and generally unhealthy hair? Don't worry, hemp seed oil can come to the rescue. Applying a small amount of the oil on your hair as a mask before showering is shown to help moisturize and soften the hair and supply it with all the nutrients it needs. The omega-3 fatty acids will help immensely with hair shine and flyaway hair.
It also works as a carrier oil. So if you're using essential oils and want to protect your skin barrier, use hempseed oil.
How to Choose the Right Hemp Seed Oil for your Skin
Now that we've covered all the benefits this plant offers, you might be inspired to purchase one of your own and try it out on your skin. That is great in itself, but you need to be wary of a few things. Here are the most important things to remember when purchasing hemp seed oil.
The first thing you'll need to do is look at the ingredients list. There are a couple of ingredients that usually go into the production of hempseed oil, but which ingredients go into certain products depends largely on the purpose of the oil. Some hemp seed oils contain moisturizing properties, while others have anti-aging properties. It all depends on what the company is trying to accomplish.
That being said, hemp seed oil is also available in a pure form. This option is better if you have sensitive skin or want something that doesn't contain too many chemicals.
If you find the oil you've chosen doesn't suit your skin type, you can switch it up by trying other brands or other oils altogether, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Where Can I Buy Hemp Seed Oil?
One of the main concerns people have regarding hemp oil is where to find it. It's true that it's harder to get in some areas, so the availability of this product will depend largely on where you're living.
There are many options on the market, and it can get confusing and overwhelming sometimes for customers. However, by paying special attention and following the guidelines we mentioned, you won't have a problem finding the right product for your skin type.
Hemp oil can be found in health stores and drugstores specializing in similar products. Its price varies depending on whether you buy organic hempseed oil, if it has any additional ingredients, and the brand you choose. Make sure you purchase from a trusted source - the last thing you want is for any hemp products you purchase to come with all sorts of harmful toxins.
Side Effects of Using Hemp Oil
Hemp seed is mostly safe for people who don't have overly sensitive skin or aren't allergic to it. It goes without saying that if you suffer from a hemp allergy, you shouldn't consume or use hemp oil topically.
If you apply hemp oil topically, you risk mild skin irritation and redness. Therefore, it's best to use a patch test when trying a new product in your skincare routine. Add a small amount of the product to your hand and wait 24 hours for a reaction. If you don't experience any negative side effects, then it's fine to use the product. You can then continue to apply it on a small part of your face and work your way up.
When it comes to ingesting hemp oil, be wary of the possibility of an upset stomach and digestion. Like with topical application, start by consuming half a teaspoon of the oil in your diet and then work your way up to the desired amount.
Takeaway
Hemp oil is a versatile product that offers many benefits from both oral and topical usage. It's shown to reduce inflammation, reduce hyperpigmentation, slow aging, and help with acne and other skin disorders.
If you decide to try it out for yourself, get approval from your dermatologist or your doctor.
References
Topical Use of Cannabis sativa L. Biochemicals
Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis
Which Hemp Seed Oil is Best For Your Skin Care product?
Refined Vs. Unrefined: Hemp Seed Oil
This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.
