What Are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil on Skin of All Types?
Here at Sönd, we speak a lot about the use of oils on our face. Should we, or shouldn’t we? Is it ever ok to use facial oils on oily skin?
In this Article
What is Hemp Seed Oil
What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Our Overall Health
What Are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil on Skin
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Hemp Seed Oil for the Skin
Adding Hemp Seed Oil to your Skincare Routine
(Short answer - yes. Long answer - but not all kinds of oils. It’s better to use an oil that acts as an emollient if you have oily skin, such as jojoba and argan oils. They’ll penetrate deeply into the layers of the skin, nourishing and hydrating it, rather than sitting on top of it, adding to excess shine and the other problems of oily skin.)
So, what about hemp seed oil? What is hemp seed oil, how do we use it and wait... hemp? Isn’t that made from cannabis, meaning that it’s illegal? (No!)
Here’s the Sönd lowdown on the health benefits of hemp oil on skin.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seed and fibrous stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s usually extracted by cold press methods, meaning that there’s only minimal processing involved, with no heat or chemical solvents used to extract the oil (which can degrade the nutritional quality of the resulting oil).
Instead, cold pressing is a mechanical process during which hemp seeds (or other oil seeds) are pressed using a hydraulic press to force the oil out of the seed through pressure.
The eagle eyed among us may recognise the name Cannabis sativa as being the plant that cannabis comes from. And you’d be right.
Cannabis products are derived from the buds and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant and contain two compounds - THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD, or cannabidiol. It’s the THC that’s responsible for the psychoactive properties and euphoric ‘highs’ of cannabis products. The higher the level of THC, the higher the high.
But CBD isn’t something that will make you high. It’s non addictive and won’t impact your day to day functioning, change your state of mind or cloud your thoughts, even though it comes from the same plant as cannabis.
CBD products such as CBD oils are becoming increasingly popular as advocates become aware of its incredible health benefits. These include helping to alleviate conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress and chronic pain and inflammation.
It’s also been linked with the improvement of skin complaints, such as acne. Research also continues into the positive effects of CBD on conditions such as diabetes, certain cancers and epilepsy.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a feeling of being ‘stoned’ and it’s therefore legal to sell products that contain CBD in the UK, as long as the naturally occurring levels of THC are below 0.2% (below which is unlikely to cause any effects).
So, where does hemp fit into all this?
CBD is usually derived from industrial hemp which, as we mentioned above, is itself sourced from seeds and fibrous stems of the same plant as cannabis. Talking about hemp is impossible without talking about the difference between CBD and THC, so we thought it worthy of a mention here.
In a nutshell, hemp seed oil (and all hemp products) are legal and don’t cause a high or any type of stoned effect. Also commonly known as hemp oil (but this may still contain CBD and is therefore different, so always check the label), it has many health benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Our Overall Health?
Hemp seed oil is incredibly nutritious and is rich in essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6 oils) and healthy polyunsaturated fats. It’s also rich in vitamin E and is a good source of a variety of minerals including calcium, iron and zinc.
These nutrients each have their own health benefits, but in particular, the healthy fats are linked to a decrease in inflammation, helping to protect against heart disease.
Hemp seed oil is also a good complete protein source which is beneficial for vegetarians and vegans due to its rich amino acid profile. But since we’re a skin care company, we are most interested in the health benefits of hemp seed oil on skin…
What Are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil on Skin?
Hemp seed oil doesn’t contain THC or very much CBD, and has its own unique nutritional profile and health benefits, especially to the skin. Since hemp seed oil is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, it’s also rich in anti-inflammatory agents. Inflammation in the skin can lead to stressed out, misbehaving skin that can break out in acne spots or cause conditions such as rosacea or eczema to become worse.
Hemp seed oil can also help to moderate oil production when applied to the skin, as it helps to nourish and moisturise the skin without clogging the pores with excess oil. This means that those with oily skin can use hemp seed oil on their skin without having to worry about excess oil production and shine.
It also means that those with acne prone skin can use products containing hemp seed oil to help both moisturise and support their skin without upsetting it or causing acne outbreaks.
In terms of acne specifically, studies have shown that hemp seed oil can be very beneficial for acne prone skin since it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Also because, when used topically, it can enter the skin and accumulate in the sebaceous glands, the glands that produce sebum, the wax-like oily substance that’s naturally produced by the skin. There is also evidence that hemp seed oil can help to relieve dry skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis due to its abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
So, let’s look into each of the health benefits of hemp seed oil on skin.
1. What Does Hemp Seed Oil Do for Skin - Moisturising Effects
Perhaps the biggest benefit of hemp seed oil to the skin is its ability to effectively moisturise the skin.
Hemp seed oil is a type of emollient, which helps to support good skin elasticity, leaving the skin supple and smooth.
The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in hemp seed oil help to support the health and strength of the natural barrier function of the skin. This helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin well hydrated.
2. Hemp Seed Oil for Skin Conditions - Atopic Dermatitis
The omega fatty acids in hemp seed oil can also help to manage skin that’s prone to atopic dermatitis. Studies show that it can be effective if taken orally, as well as if applied to the skin.
3. Hemp Seed Oil for Skin Conditions - Acne
Acne is often caused by an overproduction of sebum, inflammation, a buildup of skin bacteria, or all three. Hemp seed oil contains compounds that can help to reduce oil production, inflammation and bacteria, making it ideal for managing acne prone skin.
4. Hemp Seed Oil for Balancing the Skin
If our skin becomes dry, or we have oily skin and we avoid moisturiser, both scenarios can send our skin into oil production overdrive to compensate for dryness. This can lead to clogged pores, acne breakouts and inflammation.
Since hemp seed oil is naturally hydrating and non-pore blocking, it’s ideal for balancing the skin.
5. Protection Against Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation
The α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid found naturally in hemp seed oil can help to repair skin damage caused by the UV rays from the sun.
They can also help to suppress the overproduction of melanin, the compound in our skin that’s responsible for our skin colouring. UV light can cause melanin production to increase, causing areas of hyperpigmentation. Applying hemp seed oil to the skin can help to reduce hyperpigmentation.
6. Hemp Seed Oil for Skin Infections
Our skin can be prone to an overgrowth of the bacteria that occurs naturally on our skin. This can then lead to acne spots and breakouts. Hemp seed oil has a natural antibacterial property that helps to keep skin bacteria to manageable levels.
7. Hemp Seed Oil for Improved Skin Tone and Texture
As well as beneficial fatty acids, hemp seed oil is also rich in vitamins A, C and E that all help to rejuvenate the skin, helping to keep it looking fresh and youthful.
8. Hemp Seed Oil and Anti-Aging Properties
The vitamins A, C and E along with the omega fatty acids, help to keep the surface of the skin healthy, allowing it to hold onto water more efficiently. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and in turn keeps it plump with fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles.
9. Hemp Seed Oil and Free Radical Damage Protection
Free radicals are unstable molecules of oxygen that can cause damage to the skin cells, leading to free radical damage and eventually oxidative stress.
Since hemp seed oil helps to keep the natural barrier fiction of the skin strong, it can help to protect the skin cells against free radical damage. The consequence of this is less premature ageing caused by stressors such as UV damage, pollution, environmental toxins and exposure to harsh weather.
10. Hemp Seed Oil for Stress Relief!
If we’re feeling the stresses and strains of life, then our skin may well show the telltale signs by looking dull and lacking vibrancy. Simply using a product that contains hemp seed oil on the skin can lift the senses with its heavenly smell, ideal for both mind and skin!
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Hemp Seed Oil for the Skin?
Despite hemp seed oil coming from the same plant as cannabis, there are no known side effects to using hemp seed oil on your skin.
But just in case you’re sensitive to it, if you've never used it before, use it sparingly to begin with, before gradually building up. If you notice any itching, burning or rashes, stop using hemp seed oil.
Adding Hemp Seed Oil to your Skincare Routine
Our Midnight Feast Night Cream contains hemp seed oil (you’ll see it listed in our ingredients information as cannabis sativa seed oil). It’s ideal for use on cleansed skin at night, helping to nourish all skin types and feeding it with beneficial oils and nutrients.
The benefit of using our night cream over pure hemp seed oil is that it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving an oily film like some facial oils can. This can be uncomfortable and can even lead to breakouts and other problems, plus it can leave annoying oily residues on pillows and bedding!
Resources
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-hemp-seed-oil https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-oil-benefits https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931201/ https://www.burtsbees.co.uk/blog/ingredients/benefits-of-hemp-oil-for-your-skin/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324387/This article is not meant to treat or diagnose. Please visit your doctor for advice about any health concerns you may have.